Assistant Director, Communications

Job Vacancy Announcement

Position Information

Position Title

Assistant Director, Communications

Position Type

Staff

Department

Communications and Marketing

FLSA

Exempt

Union/Non Union

Non Union

Full Time or Part Time

Full Time

Grade

16

Salary Range

Hiring Salary Range

$78,039 - $85,843

Fixed Term/Tenure Track (Faculty Only)

Regular or Temporary

Regular

Job Description Summary

Oversees all aspects of communications, both internal and external for Prince George’s Community College and its 5 locations. Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Communications, this position works collaboratively with College faculty, staff, and students to develop positive public awareness of the College through traditional media, print and broadcast, external and internal communication platforms, and social media. Responsible for managing the day-to-day intake process, developing, writing, reviewing, and disseminating all communications material in various channels and mediums, including the social media environment, which promotes, defines, or expounds upon the attributes of the College. Possess Administrative oversight of a communications budget and will oversee and supervise four managers consisting of a Communications Manager, a Creative Services Manager, a Manager of Digital Media, and a PGCC -TV Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or other related field is required
• Master’s Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in communications and public relations. (Writing press releases and web news content; successful record of pitching news and coordinating national and local media coverage; editing and proofreading; tracking media hits; sharing news, videos, and photos via social media; and placing news content on websites and/or blogs)
• Two years minimum supervisory experience.
• Experience with the use of content management systems for web, and press releases, along with media and brand monitoring software

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent English grammar, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to write in press release format as well as for web and social media, incorporating multimedia elements for a robust visual experience.
• Ability to work with diverse campus constituencies to anticipate, research, and develop positive news, stories, and coverage for external and internal promotion of the College.
• Knowledge of how to pitch and interact with media representatives, editors, and reporters.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment on various communications projects.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality when working to manage the College’s internal and external reputation.
• Ability to monitor trends and social media considering local and national trends advising the Senior Director for Communications of emerging issues and potential crises.
• Superior proficiency with social media monitoring and listening tools such as Hootsuite, Brandwatch, Sprinkler, etc.
• Demonstrated oversight of social media campaigns and platforms on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.
• Ability to organize and administer long- and short-term projects on deadline.
• Knowledge of MS Office, particularly word processing, email, and spreadsheet functions.
• Ability to travel between campuses.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Criteria

CRITERIA : The following criteria, which are not the sole criteria used in the final hiring decision, will be used to review the applications of those persons who meet the stated minimum qualifications and to select those qualified applicants who will be interviewed. Other information and observations made during the interview process may be considered in the selection process. A Resume/CV and cover letter are required with the application. Please ensure that your documents address the criteria listed below for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Develop, create, edit, and proof press releases, social media postings, web copy, and graphic design materials.
• Build, maintain, and engage the College’s media contacts lists.
• Oversee pitching positive news to the media and respond to media inquiries in a sensitive and strategic manner in collaboration with the Senior Director and direct reports.
• Design and maintain multiple media kits while ensuring consistent website accessibility and presence.
• Coach, supervise, and evaluate all assigned departmental staff.
• Work closely with other members of the Communications Office and other campus departments to coordinate campaigns and news content across the College’s communications platforms.
• Delegate, oversee, approve, and share multimedia content such as news, photos, and video stories via the College’s official social media channels, website, and internal news and external newsletters, digital signage, marquees, and MyPGCC.
• Monitor and track media efforts and provide regular reports and presentations for the College.
• Define and execute social media efforts with key audiences in mind.
• Guide departments on how to respond to negative inquiries or posts and draft or approves communication responses.Serve as a member of the College’s emergency and crisis communications team.
• Lead and conduct meetings to collect and coordinate the distribution of news and event information with other departments and communications liaisons.
• Apprise the Senior Director of Communications of breaking and upcoming news coverage and proactively monitor and report on public relations issues for the College.
• Project manage and contribute to the development and distribution of multiple publications such as the College’s Annual Report, Magazine, and Internal and External Newsletter.
• Represent the Communications Office at various on-campus and off-campus events as assigned.
• Assist with other communications projects as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. No significant climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Some flexibility required
• Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written standard English.
• As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.
• A background investigation will be conducted prior to the offer of employment. A signed authorization for the release of personal information will be required if selected for an interview

Is Background Check Required?

Yes

Is the incumbent responsible for working with minor children or directly engaging with minor children on campus?

No

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

PGCC197011/12

Open Date

03/03/2023

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Background Check Statement

Prince George’s Community College is committed to providing a safe campus community. PGCC conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, education verification, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check

Special Instructions to Applicants

Effective August 8, 2022, Prince George’s Community College’s current vaccine mandate expired for students, faculty, and staff. Select exceptions may apply. Face coverings will be voluntary campus-wide, including in classrooms and instructional spaces. Although the College will no longer require new employees and students to be vaccinated as a condition of employment or instruction based on current public health conditions, COVID -19 vaccines and boosters are strongly recommended.

Application Status ; you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application, upon which time no further communication occurs unless selected for an interview or the position is filled. If recommended for hire, communication is immediately sent to your references listed on your application. Also, you will receive an email notification from HireRight requesting you to submit authorization to complete a background investigation
Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or other related field?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have a minimum of 5 years of experience in communications and public relations?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Do you have two years supervisory experience?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Please be advised that as required by the 1986 Immigration Act, candidates must be prepared to present acceptable documentation showing identity and that you are a U.S. Citizen or an alien who is authorized to work. It is the college's policy that PGCC does not provide sponsorship for prospective employees. Will you require sponsorship to work in the United States?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • HERC
   • HigherEd Jobs
   • Hispanic Outlook
   • Indeed
   • Personal Referral
   • PGCC Website
   • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)
   • The Chronicle of Higher Ed
   • The Washington Post
   • Other: Please indicate below
   • Educause
6. How did you hear about this employment opportunity? If you selected 'Other' please indicate source:
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Other