Job Description

Position Information

*Position Title : * Public Affairs and Marketing - Director of Communications

*Classification Title: * Administrative Full Time (.75-1.0 FTE)

Benefits Eligibility

*Department : * Public Affairs & Marketing

Job Description

Overview:

Lead Hope College's storytelling and editorial strategy. As a key member of the Public Affairs and Marketing team, you'll shape how we share Hope's story with our community and beyond while ensuring brand consistency and excellence in all communications. The ideal candidate will be an experienced communications leader who can elevate Hope College's brand while maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Impact Areas:

• Brand storytelling and consistency
• Media relations and public relations
• Publication management
• Strategic communications planning
• Cross-departmental collaboration
• Crisis communication

• Content strategy and development

   

   

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership
• Serve on the Public Affairs and Marketing leadership and management team
• Partner with the director of public affairs and marketing, director of creative services, and director of digital communications on integrated strategy
• Direct and supervise the Communication Services team, including sports information and digital asset management
• Lead institutional media relations and serve as college spokesperson, especially during critical events

• Guide national media strategy in collaboration with an external agency

   

Editorial Strategy

• Serve as editor-in-chief of News from Hope College magazine
• Create and coordinate development of stories about institutional and individual achievements and announcements about public-facing campus activities
• Spearhead content creation and serve as primary copywriter for major institutional campaigns, focusing on Admissions, Alumni, Philanthropy, and presidential communications
• Develop compelling narratives that showcase Hope's mission and achievements

• Manage crisis communications and reputation management

   

Team & Project Management

• Build and mentor a high-performing communications team, including student assistants and freelance writers as needed
• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and quality standards
• Foster collaboration between Public Affairs and Marketing and campus departments

• Stay current with higher education marketing and communications trends

   

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced, collaborative team setting
• Occasional evening and weekend availability for events and crisis management
• A mix of strategic planning and hands-on content creation

• Cross-departmental collaboration with diverse stakeholders

   

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Expertise and experience in writing and editing

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field

5+ years of communications and/or project management experience

3+ years of team leadership experience

Proven track record in content strategy and editorial management

Experience with m