Communications Manager

Job Description

General Description:

The Communications Manager is responsible for managing the College’s website, news media, public relations, and crisis communication along with the implementation of other marketing strategies and projects that engage the community and promote positive awareness of the College.

Muskegon Community College

Named the 19th Best Community College in the U.S. in 2021, Muskegon offers accredited academic programs leading to 54 associate degrees and 32 certificates. As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, MCC’s nationally recognized commitment to student success unites its faculty and staff in their mission to prepare students, build communities and improve lives.

One of Michigan’s most picturesque community colleges, the Muskegon main campus building - an award-winning Alden Dow design - spans Four Mile Creek on a 15-acre sylvan setting. The campus boasts several new multimillion-dollar facilities - the Health and Wellness Center, the Science Center and the Art and Music Building - and includes University Park Golf Course and the Carr-Fles Planetarium. The Sturrus Technology Center in historic downtown Muskegon is home to state-of-the-art applied technology offerings, the Rooks|Sarnicola Entrepreneur Center and the Lakeshore Fab Lab. MCC offers classes in adjacent Ottawa and Newaygo Counties.

Living in Muskegon County
Muskegon County residents enjoy 26 miles of sugar-sand beaches along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, as well as one of America’s only luge tracks at the Winter Sports Complex and the regionally popular Michigan’s Adventure Amusement & Water Park. An outdoor recreation hub with three state parks and swimming, fishing and boating on its many lakes and rivers, the Muskegon area offers dynamic downtown and beachfront restaurant and entertainment venues. The Muskegon Farmer’s Market is the second largest in Michigan. Cruise ships dock in Muskegon, while a high-speed ferry connects the city to Milwaukee. Notable local museums range from rare art collections to an actual World War II submarine and a U.S. Navy ship used during D-Day.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: First Review April 17, 2023

Budgeted Salary Up to $67,000 Depending on Experience

Required Skills

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, technology, communications or related field required.
2. The position requires someone who is tech-savvy, data-driven, has a strong attention to detail, and has the ability to write copy that motivates people to action.
3. Candidates must have demonstrated success in website development and management.
4. Candidates must have strong project management, interpersonal, presentation, and oral and written communication skills.
5. Demonstrated ability to relate to people of all ages, races, and social-economic backgrounds.
6. Demonstrated ability to operate office technology, software, & equipment. Ability and willingness to upgrade skills including technology or process changes.
7. Demonstrated use of tact, judgment and discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
8. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a successful team while accomplishing tasks and assignments without assistance, even while multi-tasking.
9. Highly motivated and solution oriented with a high degree of integrity, ethics and dedication to the mission of the College.
10. Requires prolonged sitting or standing, kneeling, bending, keyboarding and work on computer (hand/eye strain), speaking in and communicating in English via phone or in person.

Essential Function:

1. Create web content, edit, and manage the College’s website in ways that promote enrollment and engagement.
2. Assist with the planning, creation, and launch of a new College website.
3. Develop compelling copy as needed for media releases, publications, and other print and electronic communications. Harvest testimonials from students and other constituents and use them to promote the college.
4. Ensure all communications are on message and supporting the brand management goals.
5. Organize and manage copy, pictures and other resources to use for events and materials across campus.
6. Develop, manage and train others as appropriate to serve as web content editors.
7. Manage and communicate institutional emergency messaging systems.
8. Collaborate with others to ensure compliance in all policies, procedures and federal/state laws and regulations including those that apply to the College website.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical, Mental, and Environment Requirements Include:

Mental Demands:

☒ Detailed Work

☒ Student Contact

☒ Deadline oriented

☒ Problem Situations

☒ Multiple Priorities & Demands

☐ Emergency Situations

☐ Confidentiality

☐ On-call Availability

☒ Continual Interruptions

☒ Working Alone

☒ Faculty Contact

☒ Working with Others

Physical Demands:

☒ Standing & Walking

☒ Sitting

☐ Reclining

☒ Carrying

☒ Lifting up to 10 lbs. ☐ Up to 25 lbs. ☐ Up to 50 lbs. ☐ 80 + lbs.

☐ Pushing, Pulling, Twisting, Bending

☐ Climb or Balance

☐ Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl

☐ Squatting

☐ Handle or Feel

☐ Reach with Hands and Arms

☒ Talking or hearing

☐ Tasting/Smelling

☐ Working Overhead

☒ Speak in English via Phone or In Person

☒ Close, Distance, Peripheral, and Color Vision along with Depth Perceptions

☒ Ability to Adjust and Focus

Work Environment:

☐ Exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme heat/cold; and moderate to loud noise levels.

☒ Normal Office environment with little, if, any, discomfort due to heat, dust, noise and the like. Ability to travel to all campus locations required.

Muskegon Community College continues to promote staff diversity, and is an equal opportunity employer. MCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, political persuasion, disability, height, weight, veteran status, age or any other protected class in any of its educational programs, activities or employment. Minorities, women, veterans, and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply. Anyone with a disability will be reasonably accommodated by the College. If you have a disability and need an accommodation or assistance in applying for this position, please contact the Human Resources Office.

Job Location Muskegon, Michigan, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular