Director of Communications

College: DCC

Department: Public Relations Office

Sub department: Office of Public Relations

Type of Appointment: Full time - Regular

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Communication Planning

• Develop and execute strategic communication plans aligned with the college’s goals and objectives. Collaborate with college leadership to ensure consistent messaging and branding.

Marketing, Advertising, content creation and Management

• Oversee the creation of engaging content for various platforms, including website, all digital media, social media, press releases and newsletters.

• Manage the development of creative copy, talking points, media releases, presentations, and College publications. Manage marketing and advertising initiatives with research concept development, overseeing implementation of campaigns, and tracking outcomes for various needs.

• Ensure the maintenance and regular updates of the college’s website content.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, community partners, and key external and internal stakeholders to enhance the college’s public image

• Represent the college in community events and initiatives.

Media Relations

• Arrange and support all communications with new media, prepare and distribute new releases, serve as College spokesperson.

• Conduct pro-active, ethical and accurate relations with the regional consumer and business press and with the national trade press.

• Maintain and manage a comprehensive database, contact list, issues releases, pitches story ideas and seeks bookings on talk and public affairs programs.

• Provide all of the College’s locations with media relations services in an equitable manner.

Crisis Communication

• Lead crisis communication efforts and serve as the primary spokesperson for the college when necessary

• Develop and implement crisis communication protocols.

Research and Trends Analysis

• Conduct market research and stay informed about industry trends to inform communication strategies.

• Monitor emerging communication technologies and recommend strategic integrations

• Work closely with the Office of Research and Planning, other internal and external resources to analyze data and trends to apply to marketing strategies.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Manage a team of communication professionals and collaborate with other department to ensure cohesive messaging.

• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment within the communications team.

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.

Required Experience: Six (6) years of demonstrated successful experience leading marketing and branding efforts. including digital and traditional media. Five (5) years of supervisory experience. Robust knowledge of social media, digital content systems management, marketing, advertising, and media relations. Demonstrated crisis communication planning and response skills. Strong communications skills both written and verbal. Proven leadership, organizational, writing, and critical thinking skills, and the ability to deal effectively, cooperatively, and tactfully to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

Please provide 2–3 samples that showcase your expertise in areas such as:

• Press releases, media statements, or news articles

• Marketing campaign materials (e.g., brochures, website content, social media posts)

• Internal or external communications (e.g., speeches, newsletters, executive messaging)

• Any other relevant work that highlights your ability to develop and execute strategic communication initiatives

If any of the materials were created as part of a team effort, please indicate your specific contributions. Additionally, if certain samples are confidential, you may provide redacted versions or a brief summary of your role in the project.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: N/A

Required Licenses or Certifications:N/A

Preferred Education:Master’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.

Preferred Experience:Ten (10) years demonstrated successful experience leading marketing efforts, including emerging and traditional media. Experience managing content, messaging, speech writing and developing public facing strategies for Chief Executives. Ability to be a strong collaborator, thought leader and facilitator. Knowledge and use of research, performance indicators and analytics. Commitment to justice and equity and a record of applying those principals to inclusive marketing, working, and learning environments.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:N/A

Benefits: As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, DCC has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Passing pre-employment criminal background screen is required as a condition of employment. DCC is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.