Description

 492718
 On Campus, Colorado, United States
 Communications & Marketing
 Communications & Marketing
 Staff - Full Time 

Job Title: Director, Public Relations

Department: OCM Administration

Campus Location: Main Campus

FLSA Status: Exempt/ Salaried

Position Type/ Work Schedule

2080 Hours per year
12 Months per year
40 Hours per week (Estimated)

About Us

Colorado College is a nationally recognized, residential liberal arts college with 2,300 students from around the world. Employees set the stage for student success by bringing their diverse experience and knowledge to the table. The college actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment in which students and employees of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can learn and work. 

Job Summary

The Director of Public Relations is a hands-on leader responsible for shaping public perception and strengthening affinity for Colorado College. This role oversees the promotional and community relations aspects of public relations while managing leaders in media relations and storytelling/content marketing. As a strategic advisor and skilled practitioner, the Director drives an integrated PR strategy across owned, shared, and earned media channels, ensuring the College’s brand and reputation are proactively protected and elevated. The position combines high-level strategy with direct execution of messaging, content development, and major public relations initiatives in collaboration with campus partners and senior leadership.

Responsibilities

Strategic Public Relations & Brand Positioning:

• Lead a proactive, narrative-driven public relations strategy that elevates the Colorado College brand across owned, shared, and earned media platforms.
• Shape and steward the college’s public positioning in alignment with its mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the public rollout of new programs in close collaboration with senior marketing, communications, and creative leaders.
• Lead institutional storytelling and reputation-focused communications across owned, earned, and shared media platforms.
• Partner with the others in OCM to ensure consistency of message frameworks and timing across internal and external audiences.
• Serve as a member of the leadership team, working collaboratively with other to ensure aligned planning, resource coordination, and shared accountability for institutional communications outcomes.

Owned Media & Content Strategy:

• Develop and oversee an integrated content strategy to drive audience engagement, community building, and advocacy.
• Ensure timely, high-quality updates and storytelling across the college’s website, digital channels, and flagship publications.
• Guide the creation of cohesive brand narratives, owned content calendars, and distribution strategies across platforms.
• Contribute directly to the development of content and messaging as a hands-on leader.

Issues Management & Community Relations:

• Serve as lead on flashpoint issues communications and response strategy under the direction of the VP.
• Partner with campus stakeholders and partners to anticipate, monitor, and respond to reputational risks.
• Lead proactive community relations efforts, including institutional participation in local partnerships and public forums.
• Oversee development and execution of key brand activations and integration of branding at signature events, in collaboration with OCM and College events colleagues.
• Performance Measurement & Impact Reporting:
• Establish and track KPIs related to public relations, content performance, reputation-building, and community engagement.
• Regularly report on outcomes and return on investment (ROI) to VP, informing strategic refinement and demonstrating impact.
• Use data to optimize messaging, distribution strategies, and stakeholder engagement.
  
  

Team Leadership & Institutional Collaboration:

• Lead, mentor, and manage members of PR team.
• Promote cross-functional team collaboration, integration, and alignment across the Communications and Marketing division and beyond.

Work of the College:

• Contribute to divisional planning, special initiatives, or presidential priorities as needed / requested.
• Stay abreast of higher education trends, audience behavior, and the evolving media landscape.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 7 years of experience in a related field with at least 5 years of supervisory or managerial experience
• One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Strategic expertise in public relations, brand positioning, and narrative development.
  Strong command of owned, earned, and shared content strategies and their brand building contribution.
  Deep understanding of content lifecycle management and storytelling in traditional and digital platforms.
  Familiarity with media relations, community engagement, and reputation management.
  Knowledge of performance metrics, KPIs, and ROI frameworks in public relations and strategic communications.
  Exceptional writing, editing, and messaging development skills.
  Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  Proficiency with digital content tools, CMS platforms, and basic analytics software.
  Excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills.
  Skilled at interpreting and using data to drive communications strategy.
  Ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
  Ability to manage complex, high-stakes situations with discretion and clarity.
  Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with senior leadership and across divisions.
  Ability to manage multiple priorities with agility in a dynamic environment.
  Demonstrated ability to be both a strategic leader and an active contributor to the work.
  Preferred Qualifications

Applicants are welcome to apply even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications. We value diverse perspectives and encourage individuals with a genuine interest in the role to submit their applications. 

Other Position Details:

Supervises Staff
Position will not drive CC vehicles