What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Communications position at Franklin College?
Company Description
Founded in 1834, Franklin College is a residential, liberal arts institution located 20 minutes south of Indianapolis in Franklin, Indiana. The college offers a scenic 207-acre campus with rich academic programs, including 51 majors, 42 minors, 11 pre-professional tracks, and five cooperative programs. Known for its commitment to independent thinking, responsible leadership, and service with integrity, Franklin College has a proud history of being the first coeducational institution in Indiana. With an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students, the college provides a supportive community to foster personal and professional growth. Franklin College is voluntarily affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA.
Role Description
The Director of Communications is responsible for leading and managing the Communications Office, overseeing daily operations, staff, and strategic initiatives that support the College’s mission and goals. This role develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies, produces institutional messaging, and serves as the primary liaison between the campus community and external media. The Director coordinates the production of media releases highlighting institutional news, campus events, and student, faculty, and alumni achievements, and oversees written content for the College’s website, including homepage features and Campus News. In addition, the Director manages content for institutional micro-sites such as fundraising campaigns and presidential initiatives, coordinates media inquiries and interviews with appropriate campus representatives, and leads institutional crisis communications in collaboration with external counsel as directed by the President. The position supervises Communications Office staff, including full-time employees and student staff such as Pulliam Fellows, and is responsible for managing the departmental budget. The Director also provides writing and proofreading support to other campus departments, serves on committees requiring communications expertise, ensures compliance with institutional policies and safety regulations, and performs other duties as assigned. This position reports directly to the President.
Qualified candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Communications or a related field. A master’s degree is required unless the candidate has more than 10 years of professional experience in communications; candidates with a graduate degree must have at least three years of relevant professional experience. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in higher education. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; strong organizational and multitasking abilities; the capacity to meet deadlines; and the flexibility to adapt in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Please apply online at https://franklincollege.edu/about/key-offices/office-of-human-resources/employment-opportunities/