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About the Role

The Director of Communications, Marketing & Events provides leadership and operational direction for Riverland Community College’s marketing, branding, communications, and events functions. This position manages the implementation and execution of the Comprehensive Marketing Plan, integrates efforts across departments, and ensures all messaging aligns with the college’s brand, mission and vision. The Director is responsible for institutional, program-specific, alumni, and internal/external communications, while actively supporting student recruitment and retention initiatives. As the college’s key communicator and a vital member of the crisis response team, this role serves as the primary contact for emergency and severe weather communication, emergency planning, and messaging, as well as provides leadership for public-facing messaging at the institutional level, including media relations activities.

Responsibilities

Develop, execute, and manage the comprehensive marketing and communication plan in alignment with institutional strategy and priorities.
Guide the planning and execution of marketing and communication campaigns across all channels including digital, print, design, video, and events.
Ensure consistent use of brand voice, style, and identity across all internal and external channels.
Establish KPIs and use analytics tools to evaluate performance and produce regular reports for college leadership summarizing ROI, engagement, reach, and outcomes.
Coordinate marketing for enrollment, retention, and program-specific campaigns in partnership with academic and student services teams.
Provide leadership in the communication and evaluation of the college strategic plan.
Develop and maintain public messaging and multi-media strategies that reflect the college’s impact, including the creation and sharing of stories that uplift student success, community partnerships, and alumni achievements.
Advise college leadership, faculty, and staff on marketing and communications best practices.
Facilitate regular strategy reviews and collaborate with cross-campus partners for feedback and alignment of the comprehensive marketing and communication plan.
Lead the Art Committee to ensure that campus art and branding are reflective of Riverland’s brand, mission, vision, values, and heart.
Manage marketing and communication department budget, policies, and activities, incorporating full-cycle project management.
Lead planning for all marketing and communication initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timelines.
Develop and manage a comprehensive marketing calendar that integrates key campaigns, deadlines, and deliverables across platforms.
Define project objectives, success metrics, and resource requirements for marketing campaigns and initiatives.
Utilize project management tools to assign tasks, track progress, and ensure on-time delivery.
Facilitate regular cross-functional meetings and status updates to monitor project milestones, identify bottlenecks, and resolve issues proactively.
Oversee marketing budget planning and tracking within a project-based framework to ensure efficient use of resources and adherence to financial targets.
Establish and enforce standardized workflows, documentation practices, and policy compliance for marketing and communication activities.
Coordinate risk management for marketing projects by identifying potential obstacles and implementing mitigation strategies.
Monitor performance data and project outcomes to evaluate effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.
Manage internal and external marketing teams (including vendors and contractors) as integrated project stakeholders.
Ensure team adoption of project management best practices and foster a culture of accountability and collaboration.
Coordinate and support campus events and community outreach events through collaboration with various departments to impact student engagement, community engagement, and enrollment.
Support the planning and promotion of large student events.
Collaborate with the Registrar’s Office and manage all aspects of the graduation ceremony.
Manage events coordinated through the system office.
Support various departments with marketing and communicating events.
Assist with developing new college-sponsored events that promote Riverland to key constituents.
Lead the sponsorship subcommittee to choose community event sponsorships that align with Riverland’s mission and values.
Attend meetings/events of community-based business and civic organizations as assigned by leadership.
Provide and coordinate concierge services for all short-term, external facility rentals.
Guide and coordinate all public communications, media relations, and emergency communications.
Assist with the preparation of presentations, speeches, and related support materials for college leaders.
Assist with technical assistance and development of communications plans or announcements.
Provide design, editing and messaging expertise or feedback on departmental reports, webpages, training materials, policy documents, videos, and publications.
Collaborate on the development of surveys or other feedback vehicles that support the college’s mission, vision, and values.
Design and implement media guidelines and policies.
Serve as the primary media contact working with local and national media to generate news stories.
Develop press releases/advisories, tip sheets, key message documents, and fact sheets.
Be accessible and supportive to campus leadership and students by providing guidance when conducting media interviews.
Serve as the campus Key Communicator contact with the Minnesota State Public Information Office.
Serve as the college’s lead professional for media relations and emergency communications.
Serve as a key member of the college crisis response team.
Handle confidential information that helps to lead, manage, communicate, and draft statements for stakeholders, media, and communities served.
Serve as the primary contact for college severe weather communications response and emergency Alertus responses.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum of three (3) years work experience OR a bachelor’s degree and two (2) years work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A master's degree may substitute for 18-months of experience; a bachelor's degree may substitute for 12 months of experience; and an associate's degree may substitute for 6-months of experience.
The degree must be within any of the following disciplines: communications, journalism, marketing or public relations or related.
Demonstrated experience in managing a comprehensive marketing and communication plan for a large institution or organization.
Demonstrated event management experience.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and oral communication.
Experience with crisis management and drafting and communicating public relation statements.
A complete online application will include a letter of interest and a resume/curriculum vitae.
This position requires completing employment references and a driver’s license background check.
Employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State’s Vehicle use criteria and consent to Motor Vehicle Records check.
All Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Skills

Technical knowledge in writing/editing, photography/videography, graphic design, website content management, social media platforms, marketing, and project management.
Master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or public relations or related.
10+ years of professional experience in marketing, public relations, or similar field.
Extensive experience in developing and implementing marketing plans, public relations, special events, graphic design, social media management, photography, videography, and printing, with demonstrated people skills and expertise in planning, writing, editing, designing, production methods, media relations, management, crisis media management, and organizational development.
Experience with consumer marketing strategy, strategic advertising, and branding.
Experience in higher education enrollment management.
Understanding of the Minnesota State system (organization, leadership, culture).
Bilingual/multilingual fluent in Spanish, Karen, Karenni, Somali, Pohnpeian, French, Nuer, Anuak, or other languages that reflect our student body, workforce, and communities.
Demonstrated experience working with multicultural and underserved populations.

Location

Austin

Work Type

Full time
Telework (1) day

Experience Level

Minimum of three (3) years work experience
Bachelor's degree and two (2) years work experience
Master's degree may substitute for 18-months of experience
Bachelor's degree may substitute for 12 months of experience
Associate's degree may substitute for 6-months of experience
10+ years of professional experience

Education Level

Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Associate's degree

Salary/Compensations

$32.97 - $48.60 / $68,841.00 - $101,477.00

Benefits

Low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles
Employer-paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability
Pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option
Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling
12 paid holidays
Generous vacation and sick time
Six weeks of Paid Parental Leave
Pension Plan
457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts
Various investment options
Dedicated professional development
Tuition waivers for both you and your dependents

About the Company

Riverland Community College is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees, students, and the region thrive. Guided by our vision, mission, and values, we provide excellent opportunities for students to reach their academic and career goals. Our values focus on cultivating student growth through service, collaboration, innovation, and respect. We offer a supportive and innovative culture that values individual and team contributions and is committed to diversity and inclusion.
We are dedicated to continually developing a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our students and communities. We recognize the value of diverse experiences and perspectives, which enhance our ability to serve the people of our region effectively.
Riverland is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. We welcome candidates who understand HSIs and the Latinx student experience, further enriching our inclusive community.
With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and hands-on learning. Riverland offers student-centered education that empowers individuals to succeed. Our diverse range of credit and non-credit courses caters to various learning modalities.
With campuses in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Riverland offers associate degrees in over 90 career options, liberal arts and sciences, and customized training, providing comprehensive educational opportunities for all.
Located in southern Minnesota, our region boasts excellent public and parochial education systems, diverse recreational activities for all seasons, and upscale communities that enrich personal and professional lives.
Join Riverland Community College, where dedication to employees, students, and the region drives excellence in education and service.
To learn more about Riverland or Minnesota State, visit www.riverland.edu or www.minnstate.edu.

Equal Opportunity

Minnesota State is unable to sponsor Applicants for work visas. All Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.