Director of Communications

Job Summary

Serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet and reporting to the Associate Vice President of External Affairs, 
the Director of Communications is responsible for the development of New River CTC’s communication strategy 
and contributes to the organizational strategic planning process. This position develops a communications plan, 
directly managing communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect New River CTC’s brand 
reputation. The successful candidate is responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a 
broad range of public relations activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the College and its 
leadership. This individual is an ambassador for the College. The goal is to advance New River CTC’s position 
with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness and donor support. The Director of 
Communications is responsible for varied and integrated communication products and services including customer 
relations management software, newsletters, and other print publications; website, Facebook, X and other online 
communications; media and public relations; and marketing. 

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance New River CTC’s brand 
identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs 
across key stakeholder audiences. 
• Create marketing/public relations strategies that will allow the leadership to cultivate and enhance 
meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key 
influencers. 
• Work with the President’s Cabinet and staff to recognize internal and external communications 
opportunities and solutions and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them. 
• Serve as the representative of the College in community and cultural affairs and support the College’s 
work with organizations outside of the College that have significant affiliation and prepare communication 
to sensitive external constituencies, i.e., state, and national legislators, and community/business leaders. 
• Oversee development of all print communications including the annual report, marketing collateral 
materials and electronic communications including website and social media; manage relationships with 
associated vendors. 
• Serve as spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the 
College. 
• Prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting 
material as needed. 
• Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding programs, 
special events, public announcements, and other projects 

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff 
development. 
• Manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications 
strategy. 
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, 
establish priorities, and conduct annual performance appraisals. 
• Assist in developing marketing strategies for promotion of individual departments including theme 
concepts, advertising coordination and media relations. 
• Maintain communication with print and broadcast media. Maintain a constant voice in the media to 
educate the public about New River. Establish and maintain excellent rapport with media representatives, 
executives in other professions, and college administrators. Organize news conferences and arrange 
coverage of media events and prepare informational packets for media. Develop and maintain liaison 
relationship with purchasing and outside vendors regarding bid specifications for printed publications, 
commercials, etc. produced by outside vendors.  

This job posting does not state or imply the duties listed above are the only duties required by the position. 

Qualifications

You will be a great fit for us if you have the following: 
• Fresh Thinking – create fresh communication that drives understanding, excitement, and action. Bring 
strategic thought leadership, use of modern technologies, trend savviness and creativity to the 
department – push us to new heights.  
• Set the Pace – with your leadership and superior management expertise, lead the creative and graphic 
design team to create content with impact. Use your influencer skills to compel others to want to be the 
best. 
• Enthusiastic for Partnerships – develop and cultivate internal and external relationships that allow deep 
understanding of the college and the community we serve. You will use your influence skills in proactively 
building relationships and in successfully positioning subject matter to achieve high impact placements. 
With your high level of confidence and communication you love representing the College at events and 
external affairs meetings.  
• Geek out on Data – with an owner’s mindset you will use metrics to define the effectiveness of the 
mediums you use and leverage those results for continuous improvement. 

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Required

Master's Degree - Preferred

Experience

In addition to the knowledge/education, the following related work experience is typically required for this position. 
An equivalent combination of education and recent, related experience may be acceptable. 

Work related experience

Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communication, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization's mission and goals. 2 yrs + required

Writing and editing experience, with a variety of print and online communications media. 2 yrs + required

Demonstrated experience in working closely with governmental officials, community leaders, and or Board members.    2 yrs + preferred

Supervisory experience in higher education institution may be preferred. 2 yrs + preferred

License or Certification

Valid drivers license required

Expectations

Employees are expected to adhere to the Mission, Values and Vision of the College. Each employee’s position 
has attributes that contribute to the achievement of these goals.

Mission

 New River Community and Technical College provides accessible, affordable, quality education and workforce 
programs to meet the needs of the region it serves. 

Values

Shared values guide New River Community and Technical College in fulfilling its mission. These values influence 
thoughts, guide decisions, mold policies, and determine courses of action. Our employees are expected to support 
and enact these values in our daily work. 

RESPECT

• Promote a culture of belonging.
• Recognize and celebrate the unique contributions and perspectives of all individuals.
• Involve a diverse range of voices and perspectives in decision-making.
• Ensure everyone feels they are an integral part of the College.

HONESTY

• Communicate openly and truthfully.
• Take responsibility for one’s actions.
• Provide accurate and transparent reporting of data.
• Make decisions based on ethical principles.

EDUCATION

• Encourage and support a culture of continuous learning.
• Facilitate the sharing of information.
• Offer access to a diverse range of educational resources.
• Encourage curiosity.
• Regularly assess educational programs and supporting services.
• Cultivate a workforce of knowledgeable, competent, and skilled leaders.

COMMUNITY

• Actively engage with the local community.
• Partner with local businesses, organizations, and non-profits.
• Meet the educational needs and interests of the local community.
• Encourage and facilitate civic engagement among students, staff, faculty, and administration.

VISION

New River Community and Technical College provides accessible, affordable, quality education and workforce programs to meet the needs of the region it serves