Director of Communications

Exempt, 29 Hours a week, Effective date; July 2024

DEFINITION:

The Director of Communications at Crown College plays a crucial role in advancing the institution’s mission and vision through the leadership and implementation of comprehensive communication strategies. This role encompasses internal and external communications oversight to ensure consistency, professionalism, and relevance to diverse stakeholders. Additionally, the Director serves as the admissions, college relations, and athletics communication specialist and the project manager for the campus bi-annual magazine. Close collaboration with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students is integral to enhancing the institution’s reputation and fostering a cohesive communication culture.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The Director of Communications works for the Chief of Staff and Communications.

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS:

None

EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION:

Work remotely with one day a week at Crown College. Equipment used includes, but is not limited to, personal computer and required programs, printer, copy machines, and other equipment as the position requires. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Develop and implement a strategic communication plan that supports the institution’s objectives and enhances its visibility and reputation.
• Under the supervision of the Chief of Staff and Communications, advise senior leadership on messaging, branding, and crisis communication.
• In collaboration with marketing, ensure accuracy, relevancy, and written branding of website content.
• Lead media relations efforts, cultivating relationships with key journalists and proactively seeking opportunities for positive media coverage.
• Oversee and project manage the production of high-quality print and digital communications materials, including Bridged, annual reports, and Advancement newsletter content.
• Assist with social media strategic content.
• Coordinate communications for institutional events, including commencement, conferences, and donor relations activities.
• Monitor and analyze communication efforts to measure effectiveness and make data-driven adjustments as needed.
• Ensure all communications adhere to brand guidelines and reflect Crown’s commitments, values, promise, vision, and mission.
• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging communications and higher education technologies.
• Write, edit, and review communication pieces for Admissions, Advancement, and Athletics when necessary.
• Write, edit, and review internal and external emails under the supervision of the Chief of Staff.
• Assemble and distribute weekly Community News + Updates emails.
• Represent Marketing + Communications with internal partners in meetings and on projects as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic communications plans.
• Strong understanding of digital communications platforms, social media strategy, and content management systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Experience in media relations, including crisis communications and proactive media outreach.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Crown with an understanding of and appreciation for Christian higher education. Agreement with Crown’s covenant.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor staff members.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build effective relationships across departments and external stakeholders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (in addition to the above minimum qualifications):

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field

• Advanced knowledge of and skill using Adobe Creative Suite and other Communication Software
• College Admissions or sales experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Sit for extended periods of time.
• To have hand and arm (or equivalent) dexterity adequate to allow for extensive use of a keyboard for data entry.
• To talk and hear with enough proficiency to communicate with co-workers and applicants by phone or in person.
• To have adequate vision to accommodate frequent viewing of computer screens.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and infrequently lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• The noise level is usually low.

TO APPLY:

Email the following to staffjobs@crown.edu.

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

Crown College will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or status with regard to public assistance.

(The examples given above are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed and are not necessarily all-inclusive. This position description is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change. Crown College reserves the right to change and/or eliminate any and all job duties as necessary.