Find & Apply For Communications / Public Relations Manager Jobs in Salisbury, North Carolina

Department:

Division of Advancement Position Status:

Full-Time, Twelve (12)

Month Position Directly Reports To:

Vice President of Advancement Supervises:

Three (3) marketing and communications staff members

Classification:

Exempt Reporting directly to the Vice President of Advancement, the Director of Marketing and Communications leads daily operations of the Office of Marketing and Communications and develops and implements creative strategies to advance Catawba College's brand, programs, educational offerings, events, and distinctive features. As a member of the Advancement leadership team, the Director partners closely with colleagues in Development, Alumni Engagement, and Conferences & Events to ensure marketing and communications strategy supports the College's fundraising and constituent-engagement priorities, while continuing to serve enrollment, retention, student engagement, athletics, and academic partners across campus. The Director directly supervises a team of three marketing and communications professionals and serves as the College's primary steward of brand standards, digital communications, and institutional storytelling. Essential Functions Strategy & Leadership Plans, directs, and implements an energetic, coordinated marketing and communications strategy in support of the College's mission, values, and established priorities. Works with the Vice President of Advancement, Advancement colleagues, marketing staff, and other members of the Cabinet to advance and distinguish the Catawba College brand through all communication media and to all Catawba constituencies. Partners with fellow Advancement leaders on messaging and materials that support fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor relations, ensuring marketing and communications strategy is fully integrated with the College's advancement priorities. Develops strategies to support the goals of enrollment, retention, student engagement, athletics, and advancement while engaging regularly and strategically with leadership in those areas; similarly engages with the Executive Vice President and Provost, Vice President of Enrollment Management, deans/department chairs, and other academic leaders to tell the Catawba story and build recognition and visibility for academic programs. Develops and institutes appropriate accountability metrics for marketing activities and campaigns, using them to assess progress against defined goals and to achieve optimal return on investment. Oversees budget management for the department, including development, oversight, and adjustment of initiatives to ensure effective fiscal responsibility. Provides leadership, coaching, and performance management to a team of three marketing and communications professionals covering web and graphic design, social media and digital engagement, and department/student-employee support. Keeps current on trends and emerging tools, platforms, outreach, and media opportunities and, with the Vice President of Advancement, manages and implements a long-term strategic approach to marketing and communications. Brand, Web & Digital Communications Serves as the College's brand steward, reviewing and approving digital and printed materials across campus for adherence to brand standards, and overseeing creation of department and division logos. Directs web strategy for the College's digital presence, including content strategy, SEO/AEO, domain administration, and integration with third-party campus systems, in partnership with the web and graphic design team. Oversees the College's digital communications channels, including CatawbAlerts, DistList campus email approvals, the Catawba Communications email, digital newsletters, and the College's YouTube channel and livestream setup. Directs the College's social media strategy and oversees the Social Media Users Group along with Social Media Coordinator. Develops and maintains the College's crisis communication plan. Oversees campus digital and physical signage, wayfinding, and donor/commemorative signage in coordination with Advancement and campus partners. Events, Vendors & Institutional Support Directs marketing and communications support for institutional events, including Board of Trustees meetings and materials, Town Hall presentations, ribbon cuttings and dedications, Lighting of the Green, and the Salisbury Tis the Season Parade, coordinating vendors, signage, AV, and logistics as needed. Serves as primary liaison to key marketing and enrollment vendors and partners, representing the Marketing and Communications Office and Catawba's brand in those relationships. Oversees photo and video planning and production, print production, and bookstore merchandise approval to ensure consistency with brand standards. Performs other responsibilities as assigned. Supervisory Responsibility The Director directly supervises three (3) marketing and communications staff members, providing day-to-day leadership, project prioritization, coaching, and performance management. The Director also oversees supervision and training of student employees within the department. Work Environment This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing and movement is required. This would require the ability to lift files and file boxes, open filing cabinets, walk, and bend or stand as necessary. The Director may also be required to attend and assist with on-campus events, which may include standing for extended periods and light physical setup. Desired Education, Skills, and Experience Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree strongly preferred. Minimum of five to eight years of experience in progressively responsible roles in marketing and/or communications required, including at least three years in marketing and prior supervisory experience. Excellent and proven written, oral, interpersonal communication, organizational, analytical, and follow-through skills. Knowledge of and demonstrated abilities in web strategy, social media, and digital communications platforms, including experience with SEO/AEO and content management systems. Writing and editing experience necessary, including press releases and organizational communiques, as well as managerial experience supervising projects and directing the activities of communications and marketing staff. Experience supporting fundraising, alumni engagement, or advancement communications strongly preferred. Ability to lead and work in a high-volume, high-demand, highly collaborative, and team-oriented office. Must be organized, creative, enterprising, persuasive, and tactful. Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to perform well under stress, including support of evening and weekend institutional events as needed. Must possess understanding of the job at strategic and tactical levels. Must be able to work well with people at all levels of the organization and to employ discretion in handling confidential and proprietary information appropriately. To Apply Applicants must submit a cover letter, completed application, and current resume to mkdees12@catawba.edu . Catawba College is an equal opportunity employer. As such, the College is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status, unless allowed by law and deemed necessary to the operation of the College. The College complies with all federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination.