Job Summary:
Responsible for working with all departments on campus to articulate a consistent message and brand image for Bethel College that results in increases in student enrollment, greater public awareness, and increased financial support. The ED provides leadership and supervision for direct reports in Institutional Communications. The ED has primary responsibility for the broad communication, branding, and marketing strategy of the college, but must work collaboratively with unit leaders and committees to deploy the strategy via the college website, social media platforms, printed marketing materials, and media outlets.
Essential Functions:
· In consultation with the President, develop and manage a strategic and goal-driven marketing, communications, and media relations program to support the goals and activities of the college
· Promote and systematically grow the Bethel College brand to broad and diverse audiences
· Manage Thresher Studio.
· Serve on the Strategic Priority Leaders Team for Strategic Priority #3 (Development of the Thresher Media Network)
· Develop, disseminate, and enforce external and internal standards and conformity for the Bethel College brand identity (e.g., taglines, logos, keywords, letterhead, recruitment materials, etc.)
· Using a ‘customer-first’ disposition, assist Admissions, Advancement, and Academic Affairs in meeting their unit goals and timelines
· Serve as the primary point-of-contact (POC) for advertising and marketing efforts on behalf of Bethel College
· Collaborate on promotional projects for the college and college affiliates
· Provide creative input for the production of Around the Green alumni magazine, internal and external newsletters, brochures, and other publications
· In collaboration with other stakeholders, ensure the content and design of the Bethel College website
· Manage a consistent and highly visible program of news services about Bethel College to promote positive media coverage of the campus and its activities
· Oversee production of videos for promotional purposes, including video clips and commercials
· Manage campus photography using staff and/or contract photographers
· Oversee Bethel College social media presence across all effective platforms
· Assist with graphic design and preparation of articles, features and promotional copy, as needed to support campus and Institutional Communications activities; serve as back up to Writer/Editor and Communications Coordinator
· Plan and coordinate with marketing vendors
· Undertake research activities that inform and support the campus branding and marketing plan
· Write and/or edit internal communications as needed to support college initiatives, including production of graphics, handouts, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
· Develop the annual Institutional Communications budget based on college goals. Monitor budget throughout the fiscal year, make necessary adjustments and ensure the office operates within the annual financial parameters. Perform year-end evaluation of employees and expenditures against annual goals and integrate revisions into future plans and budgets
· Manage the Bethel College Crisis Response Manual, including regular content updates, mock exercises, and communications in crisis situations. When necessary, advise the President and Administrative Cabinet on crucial elements of the Crisis Manual
· Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein
Supervisory Responsibility:
Supervise the work activities of the Institutional Communications staff, including the Writer/Editor, Communications Coordinator, Multimedia Coordinator and student assistants/interns. Perform various personnel actions including, but not limited to, hiring/dismissal, performance reviews and professional and skill development. Participate as a supervisor in the Employment Experiences program.
Education and/or Experience:
Master’s degree in communications/marketing field is required. Prior supervisory and higher education experience is preferred. Experience in leading a marketing or branding campaign for a large organization or educational institution is preferred.
Skills Required:
· Prioritize projects utilizing strong time management and organization skills.
· Diplomatic, sensitive, and respectful communication with a variety of college constituents
· Adept at using a broad range of social media platforms
· Think and plan creatively and strategically considering goals, time, and budget specifications
· Advise and collaborate with a wide variety of individuals
· Utilize programs such as InDesign, PhotoShop, and Illustrator for graphic design.
· Write and edit proficiently
· Supervise and motivate team members to allow development and exploration of individual talents
· Coordinate, negotiate, and manage relationships with outside vendors and media outlets
· Remain abreast of changing technology
· Develop and adhere to budget
· Familiarity with artificial intelligence
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the position require:
· Ability to perform tasks both sitting and standing for extended periods of time
· Ability to move freely around campus, including use of stairs
· Dexterity as related to keyboard, telephone, and normal office equipment
· Normal visual acuity
· Minimal lifting and reaching (up to 50 pounds)
· Working in front of computer monitor for extended periods of time (up to 8 hours)
Work Environment/Environmental Condition:
All the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. This position description is not all-inclusive and may change at the option of the (supervisor or department head). Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.
Application Information:
Please attach a resume, cover letter and references.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
Work Location: In person