Director of Communications

Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner seeks to hire a director of communications, who will work strategically with the chief strategy officer, Council on Postsecondary Education, and the senior leadership team to create and execute a comprehensive, integrated communications plan for the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner and its workforce centers toward the primary goal of creating internal and external support. The director will supervise and direct the communications staff and/or communications consultants to ensure that all communications efforts are strategically aligned, consistent, clear, and supportive of the mission and vision of the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, and the workforce centers (Westerly Education Center, Woonsocket Education Center, RI Nursing Education Center). The director of communications serves as a first point-of-contact for news media and is empowered to serve as a spokesperson.
Responsibilities Develops, refines and implements an integrated communications strategy for OPC, CPE, and the workforce centers
Creates strategic plans and message development for OPC, CPE, the workforce centers, and unique campaigns and projects
Oversee all earned, paid, and owned media and marketing activities for OPC, CPE and the workforce centers
Develops and ensures consistent brand messaging and graphic identity
Manages communications staff and vendors to achieve department’s strategic goals
Promotes the utilization of WEC, WOC, and RINEC to business, industry, college, universities, and other training providers
Copywriting for executive speeches, presentations, reports, social media properties, websites, and more
Provides executive communications support for project implementations across the office
Writes speeches and presentations, and prepares the commissioner and members of the senior leadership team for public appearances and media interviews
Responds to public information inquiries and serve as spokesperson for the OPC, CPE and the workforce centers
Directs, creates, produces, and distributes written and online communications to the news media
Serves as webmaster for RIOPC.edu, WesterlyEdCenter.org, WoonsocketEdCenter.org, RINursingEdCenter.org, and RIReconnect.org
Manages social media properties and supplies content for OPC, WEC, WOC, and RINEC
Conception, design, and copywriting e-newsletters and blast emails as well as contact list maintenance
Conception, graphic design, copywriting, and production of a wide variety of marketing collateral materials, such as flyers, postcards, signs, etc.
Maintains relationships and a rapid-contact list with communications counterparts at CCRI, RIC, partner state agencies and the Governor’s office to build new coalitions of support for initiatives and coordinate messaging on shared priorities
Prepares budget requests, monitors and approves expenses, and initiates budget changes
Develops and assesses internal (i.e., staff) communication processes, initiates changes as needed, and oversees the implementation
Supports event functions at the education centers related to marketing courses and training at the centers, as well as special milestones
Gathers information via participation in staff, planning, situational, and sharing meetings; and curate information for various communication needs
Represents the office and centers in public forums as appropriate
Engages in/supervises videotaping, recording, and photography in support of communications functions
Maintains a written crisis and rapid-response communications plan, including an internal notification tree so the office can respond quickly without relying on additional communications staff
Maintains a documented brand and style guide and an editorial/content calendar to ensure consistency across all channels in the absence of a larger team to cross-check work
Builds and maintains a roster of pre-vetted freelance and contract support (design, photography, video, translation, web development) to flex capacity during high-demand periods
Tracks and reports communications performance metrics (media coverage, web and social analytics, email engagement) to leadership on a regular cadence to inform strategy and demonstrate impact
Ensures all public-facing communications meet accessibility (ADA/Section 508) and plain-language standards
Trains and equips senior leadership and program staff with basic messaging guidance so the office can maintain consistent communications when the director is unavailable
Works collaboratively with others in a diverse and inclusive environment
Other Duties Perform other duties as assigned in support of Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner operations and institutional goals
Qualifications Required
Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, education, or a related field
Experience: Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in communications or implementing strategic initiatives and a minimum of three years of managing personnel.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Demonstrated ability to develop effective communications plans, strategies, objectives and tactics that resulted in achieving communications goals
Demonstrated ability to work independently
Demonstrated excellent written and oral communications skills
Demonstrated strong organizational skills
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills
Demonstrated experience in public relations, advertising, marketing, web development, social media, video production, e-communications, publications and branding
Preferred Master’s degree
Experience in government, federal, state or local, and/or experience in the education and workforce sector
Environmental conditions The incumbent is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. The environment is desk and computer work in a climate-controlled office. Travel between offices is required. Other travel may be required. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
This is a non-union, non-classified, full-time postion with a pay grade of 14. The starting salary range is $85,000 to $120,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The director of communications reports to the chief strategy officer and supervises communications staff and vendors. This work may involve non-standard hours as required, and may require travel. This job vacancy will remain open until filled.

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