Senior Communications Specialist
$55,557–$62,504 year
On-siteEast Peoria, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Lead the ICC Communications team by articulating the college's voice and brand while engaging students, faculty, alumni, media, and community partners through timely content. Provide strategic communications support to the President, executive leadership, and Board of Trustees by drafting emails, speeches, talking points, and media materials. Manage external communications including press releases, web content, and stakeholder reports, and serve as the primary media relations contact for press conferences and story pitching. Lead crisis and emergency communications efforts, maintain the Crisis Communication Plan, and serve as Chief Public Information Officer on a 24/7 on-call basis. Supervise staff and freelance writers, manage project workflows, and ensure adherence to brand standards and AP style guidelines.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related program
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in communications, marketing, or related professional experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of media or public relations experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including grammatical, copywriting, and editing skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to organize work and set priorities in order to meet deadlines
- Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality with all levels of staff
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in higher education
- Strong PowerPoint skills
- Strong photography skills
- Experience using a CRM or mass email distribution software
- Knowledge of Associated Press writing guidelines
- Knowledge of Freedom of Information Act, Open Meetings Act, and Family Education and Privacy Act and how to apply them to appropriate publicity materials
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