Director of Communications, Marketing & Events - Communications Specialist 3

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Job Description

Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, Communications, and External Relations, the Director of Communications, Marketing & Events provides leadership and operational direction for Riverland Community College’s marketing, branding, communications, and events functions. This position manages the implementation and execution of the Comprehensive Marketing Plan, integrates efforts across departments, and ensures all messaging aligns with the college’s brand, mission and vision. The Director is responsible for institutional, program-specific, alumni, and internal/external communications, while actively supporting student recruitment and retention initiatives. As the college’s key communicator and a vital member of the crisis response team, this role serves as the primary contact for emergency and severe weather communication, emergency planning, and messaging, as well as provides leadership for public-facing messaging at the institutional level, including media relations activities. 

The Director of Communications, Marketing & Events works collaboratively with the marketing team to operationalize the marketing, branding and communication strategy across web, digital media, design, video, PR, and event functions. This position is responsible for managing key college events and has direct responsibility for media relations, sponsorships, branding, communication policy development, and data/information requests. The Director helps develop content, advises faculty and staff on marketing strategy, and provides high-level messaging guidance for public, media, and governmental communications at the campus, system, and community levels. This position operates with institutional strategy, priorities, and standards established by the Vice President of Advancement, Communications, and External Relations. 

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES

1.   In collaboration with the Vice President of Advancement, Communications & External Relations develop, execute, and provide ongoing management of the comprehensive marketing and communication plan in alignment with institutional strategy and priorities.  

• Under the leadership of the Vice President of Advancement, Communications, and External Relations, participate in the development of an annual comprehensive marketing and communication plan that aligns with institutional priorities, mission and strategic plan, in collaboration with the President’s Cabinet, Deans, and the Strategic Enrollment committee.  Provide leadership in the implementation of the plan and develop tools for tracking and management. 

• Guide the planning and execution of marketing and communication campaigns across all channels including digital, print, design, video, and events.  

• Ensure consistent use of brand voice, style, and identity across all internal and external channels.  

• Establish KPI’s and use analytics tools to evaluate performance and produce regular reports for college leadership summarizing ROI, engagement, reach, and outcomes. 

• Coordinate marketing for enrollment, retention, and program-specific campaigns in partnership with academic and student services teams. Participate as a member of the Strategic Enrollment Management Committee to create targeted strategies and campaigns. 

• Provide leadership in the communication and evaluation of the college strategic plan. Work collaboratively with the Cabinet and other campus leaders tasked with leading key strategic initiatives. 

• Develop and maintain public messaging and multi-media strategies that reflect the college’s impact, including the creation and sharing of stories that uplift student success, community partnerships, and alumni achievements.  

• Advise college leadership, faculty, and staff on marketing and communications best practices. 

• Facilitate regular strategy reviews and collaborate with cross-campus partners for feedback and alignment of the comprehensive marketing and communication plan. 

• Lead the Art Committee to ensure that campus art and branding are reflective of Riverland’s brand, mission, vision, values, and heart. 

Priority: Essential          Percent of Time: 30% 

2. Manage marketing and communication department budget, policies, and activities, incorporating full-cycle project management of the marketing and communication function at Riverland Community College. 

• Lead planning for all marketing and communication initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timelines. 

• Develop and manage a comprehensive marketing calendar that integrates key campaigns, deadlines, and deliverables across platforms.  

• Define project objectives, success metrics, and resource requirements for marketing campaigns and initiatives. Facilitate regular strategy reviews and collaborate with cross-campus partners for feedback and alignment of the comprehensive marketing and communication plan.  

• Utilize project management tools to assign tasks, track progress, and ensure on-time delivery. 

• Facilitate regular cross-functional meetings and status updates to monitor project milestones, identify bottlenecks, and resolve issues proactively.  

• Oversee marketing budget planning and tracking within a project-based framework to ensure efficient use of resources and adherence to financial targets.  

• Establish and enforce standardized workflows, documentation practices, and policy compliance for marketing and communication activities.  

• Coordinate risk management for marketing projects by identifying potential obstacles and implementing mitigation strategies. 

• Monitor performance data and project outcomes to evaluate effectiveness and inform continuous improvement. 

• Manage internal and external marketing teams (including vendors and contractors) as integrated project stakeholders. 

• Ensure team adoption of project management best practices and foster a culture of accountability and collaboration. 

Priority: Essential              Percent of Time: 20% 

3. Coordinate and support campus events and community outreach events through collaboration with the Strategic Enrollment Committee, Advancement, Academics, and Student Affairs to impact student engagement, community engagement, and enrollment.   

• Support the planning and promotion of large student events like: Welcome Week, Career Fairs, Open Houses, New Student Orientation, Athletic events, Academic Events, Theater events, Music Events, and Fine Art Events.  

• Collaborate with the Registrar’s Office and manage all aspects of the graduation ceremony, including the graduation committee which seeks support and assistance from other team members across the college. 

• Manage events coordinated through the system office such as bonding tours and government relations events. 

• Support Advancement, Admissions, Alumni Affairs, Athletics, Theater, Music, James Wegner Art Gallery, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs with marketing and communicating events. 

• Assist with developing new college-sponsored events that promote Riverland to our key constituents. 

• Lead the sponsorship subcommittee to choose community event sponsorships that align with Riverland’s mission and values. 

• Attend meetings/events of community-based business and civic organizations as assigned by leadership. 

• Provide and coordinate concierge services for all short-term, external facility rentals.

Priority: Essential               Percent of Time: 30% 

   4. Guide and coordinate all public communications, media relations, and emergency communications.    

• Assist with the preparation of presentations, speeches, and related support materials for college leaders. 

• Assist the President’s Cabinet or other internal stakeholders with technical assistance and development of communications plans or announcements.  

• In keeping with college-wide communication and branding standards, which are developed and maintained by the Advancement and External Relations office, provide design, editing and messaging expertise or feedback on departmental reports, webpages, training materials, policy documents, videos, and publications.  

• Collaborate on the development of surveys or other feedback vehicles that support the college’s mission, vision, and values.     

• Design and implement media guidelines and policies. Serve as the primary media contact working with local and national media to generate news stories.  

• Develop press releases/advisories, tip sheets, key message documents, and fact sheets that promote the institution’s mission, programs, accomplishments, and activities to have available to assist in the preparation of the correct communication to use at events.  

• Be accessible and supportive to campus leadership and students by providing guidance when conducting media interviews.  

• Serves as the campus Key Communicator contact with the Minnesota State Public Information Office. 

• Serve as the college’s lead professional for media relations and emergency communications under delegated authority from the Vice President of Advancement, Communications, and External Relations. 

• Serve as a key member of the college crisis response team. Handle confidential information that helps to lead, manage, communicate, and draft statements for the stakeholders, media, and communities served, and when applicable, state, or national level reporting.  

• Serve as the primary contact for college severe weather communications response and emergency Alertus responses. This position is an essential employee during campus emergencies and weather-related College cancellations and closures.  

Priority: Essential              Percent of Time:  15% 

5. Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization(s) as a viable business partner.

Priority: Secondary             Percent of Time: 5%

Salary Range

$32.97 - $48.60 / $68,841.00 - $101,477.00

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years work experience OR a bachelor’s degree and two (2) years work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.  A master's degree may substitute for 18-months of experience; a bachelor's degree may substitute for 12 months of experience; and an associate's degree may substitute for 6-months of experience. The degree must be within any of the following disciplines: communications, journalism, marketing or public relations or related.

• Demonstrated experience in managing a comprehensive marketing and communication plan for a large institution or organization.  

• Demonstrated event management experience. 

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and oral communication.   

• Technical knowledge in writing/editing, photography/videography, graphic design, website content management, social media platforms, marketing, and project management. 

• Experience with crisis management and drafting and communicating public relation statements. 

Preferred Qualification 

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or public relations or related.

• 10+ years of professional experience in marketing, public relations, or similar field. 

• Extensive experience in developing and implementing marketing plans, public relations, special events, graphic design, social media management, photography, videography, and printing, with demonstrated people skills and expertise in planning, writing, editing, designing, production methods, media relations, management, crisis media management, and organizational development.  

• Experience with consumer marketing strategy, strategic advertising, and branding. 

• Experience in higher education enrollment management. 

• Understanding of the Minnesota State system (organization, leadership, culture).

• Bilingual/multilingual fluent in Spanish, Karen, Karenni, Somali, Pohnpeian, French, Nuer, Anuak, or other languages that reflect our student body, workforce, and communities.

• Demonstrated experience working with multicultural and underserved populations.

Other Requirements

A complete online application will include a letter of interest and a resume/curriculum vitae.  Please note that the search committee will not review incomplete applications.

All internal applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be offered an initial interview.

This position requires completing employment references and a driver’s license background check.

In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (Minnesota State) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State’s Vehicle use criteria and consent to Motor Vehicle Records check. 

Minnesota State is unable to sponsor Applicants for work visas. All Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

If you would like to request an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact Aimee Sue Larson at [email protected]

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

8:00 am - 4:30 pm / Monday - Friday

Telework (Yes/No)

Yes - (1) day

About

Riverland Community College is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees, students, and the region thrive. Guided by our vision, mission, and values, we provide excellent opportunities for students to reach their academic and career goals. Our values focus on cultivating student growth through service, collaboration, innovation, and respect. We offer a supportive and innovative culture that values individual and team contributions and is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and Inclusion: We are dedicated to continually developing a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our students and communities. We recognize the value of diverse experiences and perspectives, which enhance our ability to serve the people of our region effectively.

Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Commitment: Riverland is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. We welcome candidates who understand HSIs and the Latinx student experience, further enriching our inclusive community.

Student-Centered Education: With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and hands-on learning. Riverland offers student-centered education that empowers individuals to succeed. Our diverse range of credit and non-credit courses caters to various learning modalities.

Program Offerings: With campuses in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Riverland offers associate degrees in over 90 career options, liberal arts and sciences, and customized training, providing comprehensive educational opportunities for all.

Community and Quality of Life: Located in southern Minnesota, our region boasts excellent public and parochial education systems, diverse recreational activities for all seasons, and upscale communities that enrich personal and professional lives.

Join Riverland Community College, where dedication to employees, students, and the region drives excellence in education and service.

To learn more about Riverland or Minnesota State, visit www.riverland.edu or www.minnstate.edu.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

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