Unclassified Employment Opportunities
Position: Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs
Department: Chancellor
Reports To: Chancellor
About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a comprehensive community college offering a diverse range of academic and technical programs to support student success and community development in St. Bernard Parish and beyond. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment that empowers our students and strengthens our community.
Position Summary
Nunez Community College is seeking a dynamic and skilled Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that promotes the mission, values, and initiatives of Nunez Community College. This position leads media relations, social media management, and strategic messaging for both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear, consistent, and effective communication across all platforms. to serve as the primary spokesperson and public relations professional for the institution. The successful candidate will be responsible for enhancing the college’s public image, managing communications, and engaging in community affairs. This role requires a strategic communicator with expertise in crafting compelling messages and presentations, managing media relations, and handling crisis communications.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Strategic Communications:
- Collaborate with college leadership to develop and execute a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns with institutional goals.
- Collaborate with college leadership and staff to ensure consistent messaging across all programs and departments.
- Monitor public perception and media coverage to inform communication strategies and recommend proactive measures.
- Content Creation:
- Craft and disseminate engaging press releases, official statements, and institutional messaging.
- Ensure clarity, accuracy, and brand consistency on all communications.
- Support the Chancellor and other key spokespeople with speechwriting, talking points and presentation preparation.
- Media Relations:
- Oversee and edit press releases, media advisories, and other communication materials to promote college events, achievements, and initiatives.
- Oversee content strategy and management of social media platforms, website communications, and digital newsletters.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, and regional media outlets, education reporters, and communications professionals in the higher education community.
- Crisis Communications:
- Oversee and execute crisis communication plans to address emergencies or sensitive situations, ensuring timely and transparent messaging.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, public information requests and serve as the POC during crises, delivering clear and professional responses.
- Public Facing Role:
- Act as the public representative of Nunez Community College, representing the institution at events, media interviews, and community engagements.
- Deliver presentations and speeches to diverse audiences, promoting the college’s mission, vision, and values.
- Content Creation:
- Create engaging PowerPoint presentations for internal and external audiences, including board meetings, community events, and promotional campaigns.
- Develop content for newsletters, social media, website updates, and other communication platforms to highlight college programs and successes.
- Supervise communications staff, consultants, and external vendors as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
Required Experience:
- Seven (7) years of experience in public relations, media relations, or a related communications role.
- Three (3) year of managerial/leadership experience.
- Proven experience in writing press releases, media advisories, and creating professional PowerPoint presentations.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Flexibility to engage in night and weekend affairs as needed.
- Experience in crisis communications and serving as a public spokesperson.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
- Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and other content creation tools.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage with diverse audiences, including media, community members, and college stakeholders.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively in high-stakes situations.
- Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication trends.
Preferred Education:
- Master’s Degree.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) for creating visually appealing presentations and materials.
Application Process
To apply, send cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience, resume, unofficial transcript(s), and contact information for three professional references to: [email protected] - (Put Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs in subject line).
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The committee will begin the review of applications immediately. All applications are confidential, and any references provided will not be contacted without the expressed authorization of the applicant.
All new hires are subject to a criminal background check, in accordance with Nunez Policy 6.036.
Incomplete applications will not be forwarded for further review.
Nunez is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Nunez is also a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
As an executive branch state agency, Nunez Community College is required by La. R.S. 46:2597 to establish annual strategies and goals related to employment of individuals with disabilities. In order to effectively measure and report our progress to this end, La. R.S. 46:2597 requires us to ask employees if they have a disability or have ever had a disability. Because a person may become disabled at any time, we ask all employees to update their information at least every five (5) years. Identifying yourself as an individual with a disability is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so (if applicable). Your answer will be maintained confidentially. Completing the form will not negatively impact you in any way. For more information about this form or the Americans with Disabilities Act, visit the Office of the State Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator’s website at https://www.doa.la.gov/doa/office-of-state-ada-coordinator/.