Position Summary

The Director of Public Relations and Community Affairs provides vision, leadership and supervision to advance the college’s vision, mission and strategic plans through an effective marketing, public information, and community relations program.

Salary Schedule Placement: Appropriate placement on Salary Schedule C2 $76,089 -$117,986 based on experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Promote the outstanding reputation of the college and its many excellent programs and services on a local, regional, state and national basis.
• Establish a marketing strategy for the College.
• Serve as college spokesperson.
• Coordinate preparation of new releases, press releases, media advisories, advertisements and other information to the media.
• Create marketing and promotional material using graphic design software.
• Oversee and approve the production of College publications of a marketing nature, such as brochures, class schedules, newsletters, videos, posters, flyers, and reports to the community.
• Maintain files of institutional news releases and advertisements.
• Develop story lines and scripts for radio, television, and social media.
• Oversee photo gallery and ensure the availability of up-to-date and professional photos.
• Coordinate special projects and events for the College.
• Oversee and coordinate public relations staff attendance and participation at internal and external events.
• Development and coordinate alumni affairs program and events.
• Attend business, neighborhood and governmental meetings to maintain effective community relations.
• Work with donor communities to initiate and manage fundraising and annual campaigns.
• Develop and maintain a current database of media contacts, governmental officials, community leaders, business partners, faith-based organizations, and other pertinent stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects and work well under deadlines.
• Serve as advisor to the Lawson State Ambassadors.
• Works as the liaison to the College Foundation to develop community leadership and support for the Foundation and College’s plans, programs, staff and students.
• Develop strategies and set goals for public relations and community affairs that align with institutional goals and priorities.
• Provide oversite for website management and ensure compliance.
• Work with diverse backgrounds and cultures to advance the College’s inclusive mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the President.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, public relations, communications or related field from an accredited university required
• Three years of public relations experience in a management position
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office and graphic design software

• Master’s Degree in public relations, marketing, business or management
• Public relations experience in a management position in a college or university setting

• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office and graphic design software
• Effective communications skills, both orally and in writing
• Good writing and proofreading skills
• Ability to represent the College in a professional manner in all endeavors
• Ability to manage projects, take initiative, handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise a high degree of independent judgement
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and make data driven decisions
• Ability to effectively supervise, motivate and inspire employees
• Ability to answer complex questions while providing optimal customer service
• Ability to travel on occasions associated with the work
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include day, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, events, etc.
• Ability to apply sensitivity when working with all stakeholders from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds

• General office environment with the ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods;
• Ability to travel independently and navigate between multi-campuses;
• Ability to lift, move, or transport independently up to 50lbs;
• Ability to climb a ladder and/or step stool, bend, stoop, kneel, etc.,

Application Procedures/Additional Information

Applicants may apply at www.lawsonstate.edu. For questions please contact the Office of Human Resources at 205-929-6308 . All application materials will become the property of the college. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure his or her application packet is completed. Only applications received during the period of this announcement will be considered. No previous application files will be transferred for consideration for this position.

A complete application packet consists of:

• A cover letter
• An Online application
• A current resume
• A copy of relevant post-secondary transcripts identifying the applicant, institution, and date of degree conferred.
• Digital Marketing Portfolio - collection of your best work samples. It can include a website links press releases, media pitches, social media posts, blog articles, case studies, testimonials, awards, and any other relevant content that you have created or contributed to.

If employed, all official transcripts must be received in the Office of Human Resources prior to the employment start date.

Applicants who fail to submit a complete application packet will not be considered. Before an offer is made, the top applicants must provide the following: Employment verification letter(s) from a current or previous employer detailing all relevant experience. Employment verification letters must include employment dates and job title and be on official letterhead with an authorized personnel signature. Work experience verification from a current employer may be delayed until an official offer of employment has been made. Applicants must submit a written request to delay submission or work experience verification from a current employer. More than one position in the same job classification may be filled from the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process.

EEOC, E-VERIFY, AND BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENTS:

Lawson State Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Alabama Community College System, including all postsecondary community and technical colleges under the control of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, that no employee or applicant for employment or promotion, on the basis of any impermissible criterion or characteristic including, without limitation, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, sex, age, or any other protected class as defined by federal and state law, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.

Lawson State Community College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants upon request.

In accordance with Alabama Community College System Policy and Guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form for a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from the criminal background check. Lawson State Community College is an active participant in the Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-verify). E-verify electronically confirms an employee's eligibility to work in the United States as required by the Department of Homeland Security.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated on this vacancy notice and must submit a completed application packet in order to be considered for this position. Complete application files must be received no later than the application deadline. Applicants who fail to submit all required information will be disqualified. Only applications received during the period of this announcement will be considered. Applicants must adhere to the College's prescribed interview schedule and must travel at their own expense. The College reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to awarding.