Overview

The Director of Communications & Marketing is responsible for designing and implementing communication and marketing strategies that increase public knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Sterling College and that further its mission to advance ecological thinking and action.

Position Summary

The person in this role will be Sterling’s key storyteller through leadership of institutional brand, marketing, and communications strategy. The Director must be a strategic thinker who has the ability to understand how to craft messages that will tell the Sterling story across diverse audiences. The ability to create and sustain collaborative working relationships with others is critical. The Director will develop and implement the college’s overall internal and external communications strategy and focus on marketing and public relations for all of Sterling College’s programs including undergraduate and continuing education. 

The Director must have a personal interest in our mission and support the College’s vision of being a community in which people of all backgrounds and identities feel at home, where differences are embraced and individuals take responsibility for furthering the dignity and individual progression of all. 

Position Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic resource to the President’s Leadership Council, providing expertise on marketing and internal and external communications. 

• Help craft appropriate messaging that can be used across all Advancement channels and in various print and digital communications.

• Lead the development and implementation of the College’s electronic communications efforts, including website, search engine optimization, eNewsletters, social media strategy and implementation, and major print materials (eg. admission viewbook, magazine, brochures, advancement materials).

• Oversee the College’s public relations and media strategy.

• Serve as the lead writer and/or editor for a range of Advancement collateral including but not limited to internal and external newsletters, high-level donor communications, and campaign materials.

• Align the College’s brand and key messaging with its long-term strategic plan.

• Develop and oversee marketing and communications processes/protocols that ensure effective and timely execution of message and distribution.

• Align written and graphic stories, both printed and web-based communications, with overall marketing strategy and the College’s Strategic Initiative.

• Support ongoing institutional assessment of marketing effectiveness and brand knowledge.

• Work closely with the Director of Advancement, Director of Admission to ensure student recruitment and fundraising goals are achieved using an institutional brand and in line with the institutional marketing strategy.  

• Collaborate with the Dean of Academics in the use of institutional research to lead a data/metrics-driven approach to marketing strategy and measurement.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. 

5 or more years of progress growth in professional responsibility that demonstrates:

• Knowledge of areas related to the curriculum including agriculture, ecology, and education.

• Exceptional organization and ability to work under deadlines and at a fast pace.

• Acute awareness and attentiveness to detail.

• Adaptability to changing schedules or priorities.

• Humility and humor under pressure.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Related work experience in communications, online marketing, advertising, and/or public relations.

• Online marketing or social media experience.

• Expertise in writing and editing that has helped yield increased engagement and fundraising.

• Demonstrated ability to create and update websites using a content management system.

• Experience analyzing metrics from website and social media platforms.

• Exceptional written communication skills.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education or environmental causes.

• Master’s Degree.

Position Details

This is a full-time, exempt, at-will position with some weekend and evening commitments required when necessary. 

Salary & Benefits

• Salary based on experience ($55,000 - $60,000)

• Paid sick leave

• Paid vacation days (0-3 years of service -14 days, 3+ year of service - 21 days)

• Paid holidays 

• Parental leave 

• Paid Bereavement 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Basic Term Life Insurance

• Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Travel Accident Insurance

• Retirement Contribution

• Eligibility for tuition-free course enrollment based upon length of employment and space availability.

Sterling College is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Process

The position will remain open until an appointment has been made. Application review will begin immediately. Candidates should send the following materials electronically: cover letter, résumé, 2-3 writing samples, and contact information for three references. Application materials should be addressed and emailed as a single PDF file to: Hannah Rushing, Director of Advancement ([email protected]).