Position Summary:

The Strategic Communications Coordinator supports the seamless planning and execution of internal and external communications and marketing to protect and promote the College's reputation and strategic goals. Through a combination of community and public relations, the Coordinator supports the Senior Director of External Relations and Strategic Communications with digital communications, including email creation and coordination, media relations, copywriting, and web editing. The Coordinator maintains a thorough knowledge of email delivery platforms and best practices, project management software, and media monitoring systems. As a resource for strategies to enhance and improve communications, the Coordinator must have a keen sense of storytelling, superior judgment and communications skills, and desire to stay current with evolving tools and digital marketing trends in order to engage current and prospective students, parents, alumni, donors, employees, and the general public. Responsiveness, proactive planning, and curiosity about higher education trends are essential, along with the discretion to handle sensitive and confidential information.

Primary Job Duties:

1. Develops, tests, and sends College emails at the request and discretion of College leaders; Maintains schedule of all emails managed by the Office of Communications and Marketing; Executes email marketing campaigns; Provides user support.
2. Plans, creates, and writes content for College emails and websites to market to prospective students, convert leads, optimize SEO and support the integration of digital communications with other marketing and communication initiatives.
3. Supports media relations objectives, strategies, and tactics through timely responses to incoming media inquiries and proactive promotion of College priorities; Drafts media advisories and press releases; Monitors media trends in higher education; Oversees tracking and measuring of media placements. Occasionally, represents the College externally, including with journalists and community stakeholders.
4. Manages development, compilation, review, and distribution of weekly digital newsletter.
5. Actively monitors and measures digital communication efforts to optimize content and messaging across various channels including web, social, and email. Analyzes trends, sentiment, and identifies emerging issues. Prepares data-driven reports and recommendations for future efforts.
6. Troubleshoots and corrects issues in email, including basic code and design, testing; Manages recipient lists and data across multiple platforms and operating systems.
7. Addresses and monitors for compliance issues (including ADA) as they relate to email presentation to ensure that templates, graphics, content, and delivery meet or exceed legal standards.
8. Supports crisis communications by leveraging emergency communication platforms and email as needed.
9. Assists OCM leadership in developing content distribution strategy, developing guiding policies and procedures, and supporting other divisional operations.
10. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree strongly preferred; Associate Degree required.

Experience: 1-3 years of hands-on experience in the field is required; Experience in community or public relations (including internships) is strongly preferred.

Key Skills:

• Experience in one or more email service providers, project management tools, marketing systems, and websites (e.g., HubSpot, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics) and/or willingness to learn new providers and related coding languages.
• Competence as an instructor or coach on digital platforms is an asset, as is creative and technical writing for email, web, or media.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse personalities in a collaborative environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to cut through the noise, drilling down to what matters.
• Proven ability to identify and craft effective messages for various, diverse audiences and navigate the different tones and techniques for marketing, news, and media relations.
• Ability to prioritize deadlines and balance both fast-paced and long-term assignments.
• Understanding of AP Style or ability and willingness to learn quickly.

Salary Range: $62,354 - $65,000

Required Documents Needed to Apply:

• Online Application
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of Three Professional References

EEO STATEMENT

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable post-offer background check result.

CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.