Public Relations and Development Coordinator

The mission of Wytheville Community College is dedicated to facilitating student success and fostering excellence through teaching while providing personal development, lifelong career growth, community leadership, economic advancement, and cultural enrichment for the citizens of the counties of Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, and Wythe and the city of Galax. To achieve this mission and to fulfill its role as an educational leader and partner, Wytheville Community College commits to a student-centered environment by: providing programs and courses in occupational-technical education, college transfer education, general education, developmental education, distance education, continuing education, and workforce development; utilizing a broad range of instructional technologies, methods, materials, and facilities that are designed to meet the diverse needs of students; offering a supportive, comprehensive program of student development services that contribute to student persistence, success, and citizenship; fueling regional and state economic development by forging partnerships with businesses, industries, public agencies, civic groups, public schools, and other institutions of higher education not only within the service region but throughout the Commonwealth; promoting Appalachian Culture and cultural opportunities of Southwest Virginia; promoting accessibility; promoting accessibility and affordability; and ensuring quality in all programs and services.

Wytheville Community College is seeking a Public Relations and Development Coordinator position. Working alongside and under the supervision of the Director of Institutional Advancement, the Public Relations and Development Coordinator serves the College by utilizing a broad range of communication strategies to shape public perception, opening channels of communication, and fostering understanding of the College’s mission. This role is responsible for overseeing the execution of the College’s brand, ensuring uniformity in its use. Additionally, the Coordinator collaborates closely with the College’s administrative team and internal stakeholders to ensure that all communication, advertising, and marketing efforts reflect the College’s mission, vision, values, and goals.

Primary Responsibilities

Primary duties of this position include the following:

Media Relations: Develops and maintains positive relationships with media outlets in the College’s service region. Works with the Director of Institutional Advancement to respond to media requests and inquiries as well as provides news releases.

Event Coordination: Assists in planning and coordinating college activities and events and fund-raising activities for the WCC Educational Foundation, Inc. and its entities.

Marketing and Advertising: Plans and implements community and college-wide information and marketing programs through the preparation and dissemination of a variety of informational materials including: advertising campaigns, special marketing products and publications, and image-building promotions. Develops and implements an annual Marketing, Enrollment, and Retention Plan that includes marketing strategies and policies and procedures that promote a positive image of the college, its program offerings, services, and activities. Prepares informational products including news releases, manuals, signs, posters, certificates, brochures, and other college publications.

Social Media: Manages and provides the content and analytics of the College’s social media accounts.

Grant Writing: Assists the Director of Institutional Advancement with grant writing and editing.

Public Information: Serves as the college’s official spokesperson and official Public Information Officer. Assists in managing crisis communications during critical situations.

Content Management: Works cooperatively with the college’s Webmaster to coordinate college digital photography services for use with the college website, campus documents and publications.

Assists with writing speeches and prepares other communications for college personnel as requested. Provides assistance with reports and requirements related to the college’s accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Represents WCC at community and civic organization events as needed. Represents the WCC Educational Foundation, Inc. and its entities at community events as needed. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Institutional Advancement.

The successful candidate for this position will be required to submit an annual Statement of Economic Interest.

Master’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, or a related-field and/or previous professional experience.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Proven ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and ability to work under tight deadlines.

Experience in marketing and social media management.

Proficiency in a number of relevant software programs.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Positive attitude and proactive approach to projects.

Ability to interact positively and professionally with students and co-workers.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Willingness to participate in professional growth activities such as seminars, classes, and workshops relevant to the position’s job description.
Grant writing experience.