Strategic Communications Coordinator
Summary
The Strategic Communications Coordinator supports the planning and execution of internal and external communications and marketing to protect and promote Skidmore College’s reputation, priorities, and strategic goals. Through a combination of community and public relations, the Coordinator supports email communications, media relations, copywriting, digital content, and marketing efforts.
The Coordinator maintains a thorough knowledge of email delivery platforms and best practices, project management software, and media monitoring systems. 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manages development, compilation, review, and distribution of weekly digital newsletter (Skidmore Weekly Bulletin).
- 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.
- Troubleshoots and corrects issues in email, including basic code and design testing; Manages recipient lists and data across multiple platforms and operating systems.
- 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.
- Supports crisis communications by leveraging emergency communication platforms and email as needed.
- Assists OCM leadership in developing content distribution strategy, developing guiding policies and procedures, and supporting other divisional operations.
- 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 preferred.
Key Skills
- Experience in one or more email service providers, project management, content management, and/or marketing systems and/or a willingness to learn new tools.
- 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: $63,000 - $65,000
Required Documents Needed to Apply: Online Application, Cover Letter, Resume, List of Three Professional References
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