Executive Director of Communications, Marketing, & Student Life

Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Student Life

Summary

The Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Student Life leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of integrated marketing communications activities for Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC). Integration of internal and external resources is necessary to achieve enrollment and retention goals while managing LCCC’s brand identity. The position leads a team of professionals who specialize in graphic design, content creation, digital and social media, website management, internal and external communications, alumni relations, events and Student Life. Reports directly to the President.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide departmental direction and vision through the development, implementation and continual evaluation of an aggressive and comprehensive marketing and communications plan based on data-driven creative strategies for each target market segment.
• Build marketing measurement frameworks to facilitate data collection and analysis of key performance indicators to help achieve enrollment goals while optimally positioning the College’s brand identity.
• Translate performance metrics into actionable insights that guide the marketing mix, formats, design schemes, trends and changes in the marketplace to best achieve the College’s strategic planning objectives and improve competitive positioning in the marketplace.
• Direct the overall development and implementation of publications, Web applications, graphic design standards, digital and traditional advertising, photography and marketing communication projects that align with the college mission and recruitment goals. Oversee college-wide campaigns to promote programs, services, and events to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop, plan, and organize the college’s integrated branding and marketing plan. Extensive consultation with both on-campus and off-campus advisors and stakeholders, including but not limited to, the President’s Cabinet, Academic Council, and Leadership Team.
• Work in cooperation with college departments, including but not limited to Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, Academic Services, Foundation, and Faculty Coordinators to market and promote events, programs, degree majors, and more to provide leads to the admission funnel.
• Promote new academic and curricular initiatives showcasing academic and training programs supporting community workforce needs.
• Create media releases highlighting articulation agreements with four year colleges and universities.
• Plan, direct, develop, and administer programs, activities, and initiatives related to the college, incorporating marketing, external and internal communications to inform students, employees, school districts and community organizations and businesses.
• Serve as the primary editor for internal and external publications, ensuring consistency, high standards and accuracy in messaging and branding including newsletters, digital magazine, social media content, etc.
• Works closely with the Government Affairs Affinity Group of the PA Commission for Community Colleges representing the college with legislators.
• Maintain and enforce the college’s brand identity, including logos, style guidelines and promotional materials.
• Prepare and direct Requests for Proposal for creative and marketing services, web design and maintenance, and other projects as needed.
• Communicate effectively with marketing colleagues to adhere to best practices in higher education marketing.
• Serve as a college spokesperson to news media on all matters and the key communications correspondent across the organization.
• Serve as the point of contact for media during crises, coordinating statements and updates in collaboration with college leadership. Develop and implement communications plans for times of crisis and other quickly evolving college issues that may impact public perception of the College.
• Direct the Office of Student Life and the events and initiatives to promote robust student life on campus.
• Supervise the Director of Marketing and Digital Media, Web Communications Specialist, College Relations Assistant, Director of Student Life and Special Events Manager/Alumni Relations.
• Provide marketing assistance to Foundation and alumni events.
• Serve as a member of committees as needed throughout the college
• Develop and maintain an operations manual.
• Responsible for the overall management of College Relations and Student Life departmental budgets.
• Carry out special projects and assignments as required.

Qualifications:

Required

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field.

Certifications

• Act 153 Clearances (Act 34 PA Criminal Background, Act 151 PA Child Abuse History, Act 114 FBI Clearance Fingerprinting)

 Work Experience

• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience, including five years of supervisory/managerial experience, in communications, marketing or a related field.
• Experience with community relations practices, procedures, techniques and terminology.
• Demonstrated broad knowledge of social media tools and social media environments.
• Accomplished in practices, methods and procedures involved in developing, implementing and conducting community relations, strategic communications, marketing and awareness activities.
• Practices and procedures involved in the preparation and dissemination of news and media releases.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population, including internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to independently and effectively manage highly complex projects and business solutions with broad scope and impact.
• Thorough knowledge of concepts, methodology and techniques related to communication and outreach strategies.

 Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Proven leadership and supervisory skills with experience working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to independently set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines; demonstrated ability to independently plan, coordinate, prioritize, and effectively execute multiple activities and events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated success in producing professional communications that meet high standards for appearance, grammar, spelling, and clarity.
• Excellent technology skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications.
• Skills in budget management, editing, photography and art direction, web usability and marketing.
• Must possess a high level of the following work skills and behaviors: teamwork, cooperation, initiative, customer service, high level of accuracy, analytical and problem solving skills, excellent organizational, written and oral skills, ability to work in an office with frequent interruptions and commitment to continuous professional growth in skills and knowledge.

Qualifications Preferred

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Work experience in a higher education environment.
• Experience with design software a plus.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.  The employee may regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Revised 1/2025

LCCC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from diverse candidates.

LCCC Internal candidates must apply within 15 days of posting.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and unofficial transcript through our online application system at www.lccc.edu/jobs.

• Salary is restricted to above range and will not exceed the maximum of the range. 
• Foreign degrees – must provide a US equivalency report of your degree credentials with your transcript, if not, your resume will not be accepted.

 Position open until filled.