Director of Marketing and College Relations

Reporting to the President, the Director of Marketing & College Relations must bring creativity, possess high ethical standards and provide administrative oversight over marketing, advertising, media & web, & college relations functions. This individual must work collegially within a shared governance structure with faculty and staff to promote a climate of student success in an institution which has experienced considerable growth, innovation and change. Serving as a key member of senior leadership, the Director provides support to the President in the oversight of all aspects of the College's marketing efforts to develop, implement, evaluate and refine a comprehensive marketing & college relations campaign. The Director assures that the brand image and culture of Rhodes State is identified and effectively communicated, is consistent in all publications, and the presentation in advertising, publications and the website are relevant, accurate and engaging. The functional areas reporting to the Director are multi-media productions, college relations, graphic design & web design.

The Office of the Director of Marketing & College Relations supports the Office of the President.  The Director is specifically responsible to:

• Provide leadership, vision and energy for the strategic development and oversight of comprehensive marketing and media relations plans and products for the College and its various divisions;
• Work collaboratively with the President and the Executive Team to ensure that all marketing functions are aligned with the College's mission, vision and strategic priorities;
• Support the institution's strategic plan, manage its reputation, and monitor and advise College leadership on public issues most likely to affect its future;
• Plan, develop, direct and administer the College's marketing activities through an integrated approach of internal and external communication, media relations, media buying, social media, advertising production, graphic design, and the website;
• Assist with all phases of planning & preparation for various events and serve on appropriate College and community committees;
• Work to maintain a media relations program, and assist with preparing the College for local, regional and national media opportunities;
• Coordinate the assessments of internal and external publics to determine the effectiveness of the College's marketing programs and activities;
• Develop and manage annual budgets for the reporting units and perform periodic cost and productivity analyses and the overall assessment of the unit;
• Oversee the use of the College's name and brand and develop policies and standards to build equity and enhance the image of the College;
• Work with internal constituencies in delivering key messages and communication strategies;
• Serve as a primary writer for publications, marketing & promotional materials and direct ongoing and targeted outreach programs for students and other constituents;
• Identify opportunities to enhance the College's relationship with its internal and external markets & constituents;
• Assist with the development and implementation of crisis & emergency communication policies & strategies;
• Other duties as assigned.

MAJOR WORK QUALIFICATIONS:

A bachelor's degree in marketing, media and or public relations, or closely related field is required, master's degree is strongly preferred. Must have a minimum of seven years demonstrated successful experience leading marketing efforts, including progressive supervisory experience. Must have a knowledge of social media, marketing, advertising and media relations. Must possess strong communications leadership, organizational, planning and analytical skills and demonstrate ability to solve problems and work as a team player. Must have documented creativity in developing and executing innovative strategies for growth that drive the institutional market position and revenues. Must have experience in brand development and management, and a comfort level with new and emerging social media technologies. Must have ability to develop, implement, and evaluate public opinion and related data collection vehicles. Must be able to multi-task and have experience fostering a collaborative, diverse and proactive team environment. Must be able to adapt to change & work nontraditional hours as needed. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite Programs (Photoshop & InDesign); Adobe Dreamweaver & Illustrator is a plus. Experience working in an academic setting is preferred.

SALARY:

Commensurate with academic preparation and experience, plus the full benefits package.

APPLICATION:

Submit materials electronically to the Office for Human Resources, Rhodes State College. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications must include a letter of interest outlining background and qualifications, all unofficial transcripts, a resume and the names, email addresses and telephone numbers (work and home/cell) of at least seven professional references. References are contacted at the point when applicants advance through the interview process. Applicants who are invited to the interview process will be required to undergo a background check & complete and submit a College employment application.