~2 YEAR TIME-LIMITED GRANT FUNDED POSITION~

The Communications Specialist will support strategic work to create awareness about North Carolina’s “Great 58” community Colleges. The position is responsible for finding effective and impactful ways to broaden the system’s statewide outreach by producing plans, an editorial calendar, and content. The individual will be responsible for developing original content for various communications platforms and channels, including, social media, video, websites, newsletters and bulletins, fact sheets, and podcasts, as well as writing news advisories and releases and other trade and news media material. The Communications Specialist will determine target audiences and use digital methods to convey important information about community colleges. The Communications Specialist  is responsible for helping to manage brand reputation through digital content, reaching key audiences such as students, parents, university partners, workforce advocates, political leaders, the business community, and the general public. The position will play a role in coordinating high-profile events, supporting outreach efforts, updating the System website (www.nccommunitycolleges.edu), as well as managing System Office social media channels. Besides System Office duties, the position will be an adviser to community college marketing communications offices, particularly at smaller colleges that do not have a robust social media presence The individual will also write speeches and talking points and contribute toward managing digit assets for the Communications Office team. Work may involve travel, mostly in-state. The Communications Specialist I may at times work directly on social media content for individual community colleges, particularly around special events or crises. The position will report to the Executive Director of Communications of the N.C. Community College System Office.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/AND ABILITIES:

• Experience with social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other emerging channels; developing targeted messages to engage audiences; grow outreach; monitor performance
• Strong writer with proven experience in writing content for websites, newsletters, and media material
• Strong interpersonal skills that promote collaboration and productivity
• Excellent oral and written communication skills that convey effective messages – strong writing essential
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with external and internal audiences
• Knowledge of search engine optimization and other metrics
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and respond appropriately to time-sensitive issues
• Must be able to manage multiple projects and prioritize workload, with strong organizational skills
• Knowledge of Associated Press style
• Must be able to work in a team environment, yet independently produce all content and deliverables
• Videography and photography skills, including basic video editing and producing podcasts, a plus
• Experience in publishing web content preferred
• Minimum to intermediate experience in Adobe Creative Suite / Cloud
• Knowledge of an online newsletter / news release development and distribution tool preferred.
• Practical knowledge of project management principles preferred (certification not required)

PREFERENCES: Knowledge and experience working with higher education a plus.