Company Description:

Founded in 1958, Quincy College is a two-year, municipally affiliated college serving approximately 4,000 students at campuses located in Quincy and Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Quincy College Mission Statement

Quincy College offers open-access and selective programs focusing on academic achievement and excellence, fostering diversity, providing economic opportunity, promoting community involvement, and supporting lifelong learning. We foster valuable learning relationships that inspire students to realize their educational and professional futures.

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communications and Public Relations Director develops and implements media relations and strategic communication initiatives to enhance the public presence of Quincy College. Working closely with the President and executive leadership, the Director will serve as the College's primary media contact both for internal and external informational releases in an effort to develop a strong institutional position in the press and significantly raise the College's visibility in critical areas.

The Director writes and distributes press releases, remains in contact with local and regional media outlets to share stories, and responds to media inquiries while coordinating interviews and preparing college leadership for press engagement.

In collaboration with the Marketing Team and other campus partners, the Director will contribute to the College's online presence by developing content for the college website, news and events pages, and social media channels. The Director will monitor media coverage, and support crisis communication strategies when necessary.

The Director is also responsible for planning and execution of contracts to secure services at competitive prices and acting as a liaison between internal and external stakeholders regarding strategic marketing and brand management issues.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Solid track record of progressive experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, or relevant field. Minimum of three years directing media relations or community relations. Additional experience required. Demonstrable writing skills that reflect an understanding of writing for different audiences. Ability to condense complex concepts into consistent, easy-to-understand messaging, along with the ability to customize content to match audiences and media, as appropriate. Ability to cultivate relationships with members of the media, as well as members of the College and local communities. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and an ability to exercise professionalism, discretion, good judgment, and problem-solving skills. Understanding of and experience in creating a wide range of communications materials. Knowledge of social media and an understanding and appreciation of its role in public/media relations. Strong oral communication skills, editing and proofreading skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a highly collaborative team, depending on the project at hand. Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None assigned.

TRAVEL: Occasional local travel required including travel between Quincy and Plymouth campuses, the Boston site as well as local off campus events.

Requirements:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Maintain consistent focus on successfully enhancing and promoting the image, reputation, and positive presence of the college to internal and external audiences.
Proactively seek media coverage through news releases, media pitches, and building relationships with members of the media
Develop and maintain rapport and ongoing relationships with reporters, editors, and producers to earn regular news coverage
Write and distribute press releases to issue college news and to promote college activities, including events
Write and distribute newsletters and informational material internally and externally.
Serve as the College's primary media contact and spokesperson, referring inquiries to relevant college administrators, staff, or faculty for comment or expertise as necessary
Regularly monitor news/media coverage of topics relevant to the higher-education community (including that which involve competitors) and share it with appropriate college leaders
Manage the News & Events section and home page of the public website, posting press releases, writing headlines/blurbs for media mentions, and collaborating with Marketing team to generally establish the content strategy
Collaborate with the Marketing team on branding, writing, proofing, messaging, publications, promotional materials
Communicate with the local community to inform and remind members of the benefits of the College to them, such as campus events
Advise College administrators as requested or required regarding local issues and opportunities and, when necessary, help develop crisis communication strategies
Represent the College at occasional local official and community events
Partner with senior leadership including by supporting presidential communications by writing letters, e-mails, speeches, announcements, and newsletters, as well as providing talking points for events
Proactively anticipate communication needs throughout each academic year and lead or support those efforts
Develop and maintain project timelines
Ability to prioritize requests
Proficiency in standard office software applications and ability to learn new software as needed.
Maintain accurate records
Facilitate community relationships, through the office of the President, with alumnae, businesses and industry partners to advance the missions of the college
Serve as liaison when needed to the College Foundation, working jointly to promote community relationships
Collaborate with College leadership to include the Board of Governors, faculty, staff, administrators, students, external partners, and community stakeholders as needed for purposes of developing content relative to press releases, etc.
Assure that communication throughout the College adheres to consistent standards
Serve on College committees as assigned.
Work flexible hours as needed and perform other duties as assigned.
Participates in mandatory training/coursework. Including but not limited to:
- Title IX and Sexual Misconduct
- Sexual Harassment and Non-Discrimination
- Security Policy and Notification of Security Reporting
- FERPA
- Municipal Ethics Law

Additional Information:

EEO Statement:
Quincy College is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Quincy College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.

Application Instructions:

Please submit the following documents online:

Resume
Cover Letter

Quincy College

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Communications and Public Relations Director