Chief Communications Officer

Job Description Summary

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) is a key leadership role responsible for developing, overseeing, and implementing a comprehensive, university-wide communications strategy that strengthens Shawnee State University's visibility, reputation, and engagement with internal and external audiences, in accordance with Policy 5.11Rev. The CCO serves as an official source of information to the campus, the media, and the public, and works closely with the President, the Cabinet, faculty, staff, students, and community partners to ensure accurate, consistent, and timely institutional communications. The position oversees the University Communications Department, ensures alignment of the university brand and messaging across divisions, and supports elevation of the university's brand, visibility, and reputation in the region.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Functions:

• Strategic Communications & Message Leadership
• Internal Communications & Campus Engagement
• External Communications & Media Relations
• Brand Elevation & Marketing
• Digital Communications, Social Media & Web Governance

• Strategic Communications & Message Leadership
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan that supports the university's mission, values, and strategic goals.
  • Serve as strategic advisor to the President and Cabinet on communications issues and opportunities: risk management, and public positioning.
  • Provide executive communications leadership for the Office of the President, Cabinet, and senior leadership. and university boards.
  • Lead communications planning for major institutional priorities, initiatives, and events.
• Internal Communications & Campus Engagement
  • Oversee internal communications channels and processes to support timely and effective information sharing across the campus community.
  • Establish and coordinate consistent messaging across divisions to ensure clarity, alignment, and institutional cohesion.
  • Develop campus messaging for university announcements, presidential updates, and major events.
  • Plan, write, and oversee internal communications for faculty, staff, and students.
• External Communications & Media Relations
  • Direct the preparation, review, a nd execution of materials needed to implement communication plans (press releases, photography, graphic designs, web content). Oversee flagship publications such as Shawnee Magazine a nd the President's Report
  • Develop and maintain strategic relationships with local, state, and regional media outlets
  • Oversee the development and distribution of press releases and advisories. statements, op-eds, and media kits.
  • In coordination with the Chief of Staff and designated subject matter experts, manage media inquiries and support institutional responses to significant events and initiatives.
• Brand Elevation & Marketing
  • Lead university-wide brand elevation efforts to strengthen Shawnee State University's visibility, reputation, and public perception. Develop and implement institutional marketing strategies and campaigns that promote the university's mission, priorities, and programs. and impact.
  • Oversee advertising and awareness campaigns using traditional and digital media, including print, billboard, broadcast, streaming, and other channels.
  • Coordinate brand and marketing efforts with Enrollment, Advancement, Athletics, and other divisions to ensure clarity of purpose and alignment.
  • Direct brand messaging. visual identity, and storytelling to ensure consistency and alignment across institutional communications and marketing materials. Provide strategic oversight of physical campus branding to ensure alignment with institutional identity and brand standards.
• Digital Communications, Social Media & Web Governance
  • Oversee governance of the university's official website and social media channels in accordance with Policy 5.11. Rev. Oversee content strategy for the university's official digital platforms for non-enrollment-related content, as defined by Policy 5.11. Rev. Monitor analytics, trends, and engagement to guide improvements and inform strategic decision- making.
  • Ensure coordination with the Chief Enrollment Officer regarding enrollment, admissions, retention, and related marketing content on official digital platforms, as defined by Policy 5.11.Rev
  • Oversee the development of digital content and photography. video, and institutional storytelling. Maintain editorial calendars to ensure consistent communication across digital channels.

Minimum Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Communications
• Digital know-how
• Leadership
• Relationship building, stakeholder management
• Analytical mindset

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Communications, Communications (or other closely related field), Public Relations, Business Administration, Marketing, Journalism, Graphic Design, or English
• Six (6) or more years of experience in organizational communications, public relations, or a similar field