Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead crisis communication strategy, planning, and rapid response with executive and emergency teams.
• Serve as ECC's primary spokesperson and NIMS Public Information Officer (PIO).
• Draft, update, and test the Crisis Communications Plan and emergency alert systems.
• Monitor risks via media tools; collaborate with departments to protect ECC's reputation.
• Train leadership for media relations and crisis communication.
• Provide 24/7 monitoring of ECC-related online content and social mentions.
• Advise President, Cabinet, and Board on strategic communications and reputation management.
• Direct strategic marketing campaigns to support enrollment, retention, and brand awareness.
• Oversee in-house creative team and integrated marketing aligned with ECC's goals.
• Partner with Admissions and Student Services on recruitment messaging.
• Manage digital marketing, paid media, and ROI analysis.
• Ensure brand consistency across platforms, including ADA-compliant web content.
• Develop ECC's marketing vision, policies, and editorial standards.
• Use market research to guide strategy and assess campaign effectiveness.
• Promote diversity and inclusion in all marketing efforts.
• Lead internal communications: intranet, newsletters, institutional emails, and meetings.
• Oversee presidential messaging, speeches, and convocation communications.
• Manage editorial direction and production of major publications (e.g., Impact Magazine, Para Ti).
• Lead media relations strategy, including crisis response and media training.
• Build relationships with media to ensure accurate, positive coverage.
• Analyze media coverage and feedback to inform future tactics.
• Maintain communication policies and ensure message consistency.
• Serve on strategic committees and support student success initiatives.
• Plan and execute key institutional events (e.g., convocation, commencement, grand openings).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in integrated marketing communications, marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field—or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, marketing, or communications, including team and budget management.
• Experience in higher education is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in brand management, strategic planning, and crisis communication.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects in fast-paced environments.
• Strong knowledge of media relations, public relations, and marketing communications, with excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency in social media strategy, digital marketing, and content development.
• Familiarity with graphic design, photography, videography, and web content management systems.
• Experience writing speeches and developing communications for senior leadership.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets and manage consultants and deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to foster internal and external partnerships that support institutional goals.
• Understanding of the higher education landscape and its key audiences.

Nice to Have

• Master's degree

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• Seven or more years of experience in public relations, marketing, or communications

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Commuter)
• Retirement Plans (Pension, 457b, 403b)
• Time Off with Pay
• Professional Development/Expense
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Banks