Strategic Communications Leader — Higher Ed Impact

Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR); Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis seeks an Executive Director of Strategic Communications to lead the college's internal and external communications, protect and enhance the college's reputation, and advance enrollment, workforce development, and community partnerships.

Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement & Communications, the role guides media relations, crisis communications, brand management, content strategy, and storytelling across all platforms, coordinating

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Higher Education Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, or related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of supervisory or leadership experience managing communications professionals.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for internal and external communications aligned with college priorities.
• Advise executive leadership on messaging, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee media relations, crisis communications, and public affairs activities.
• Lead integrated communications across divisions and ensure brand consistency.
• Develop and monitor KPIs and reports to measure communications impact.

Skills

Strategic communications

Leadership

Media relations

Public relations

Crisis communications

Storytelling

Brand management

Content strategy

Education

Bachelor’s degree (communications, PR, journalism, marketing, English, higher ed administration)

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis seeks an Executive Director of Strategic Communications to lead the college's internal and external communications, protect and enhance the college's reputation, and advance enrollment, workforce development, and community partnerships.

Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement & Communications, the role guides media relations, crisis communications, brand management, content strategy, and storytelling across all platforms, coordinating