Communications and Public Relations Coordinator- Writer/Multimedia

Job Purpose:   Provides support to the Executive Director of Communications in maintaining the college’s overall awareness and media presence, communicating with campus communities and promoting the college via various media channels. Focuses on highlighting the College’s achievements, and functions as department liaison to serve College’s internal and external audiences. Provides written and digital content that highlights the College’s achievements. Provides support in maintaining and updating the college’s websites, including www.ColumbiaState.edu, myChargerNet and other interactive publications.

Essential Functions:

1. Serves as college brand journalist – identifying, researching, writing and producing media relations materials to highlight the college, academic programs and student and alumni success, including news releases and feature stories for media outlets, as well as press kits.
2. Develops relationships with media outlets and serves as media contact.
3. Coordinates and maintains media lists to provide outreach to local, state, regional and national media partners.
4. Develops and maintains effective, cooperative relationships with college departments to help plan, promote and execute media outreach.
5. Performs photography for special events, news stories, website and creative pieces.
6. Produces videos to highlight college, academic programs, and student and alumni success.
7. Serves as web and print publication copywriter.
8. Coordinates media relations files including updating and filing press materials, key bios, photos, newspaper clipping reports and expert list.
9. Updates and maintains press log of news releases, photo releases and story pitches.

1. Coordinates the design and production of electronic newsletters, including the President’s office e-newsletters.

1. Provides support to the President’s Office for presentation design and delivery.
2. Provides support in maintaining and updating the College’s websites, including www.ColumbiaState.edu, myChargerNet and other interactive publications.

1. Participates actively in project and process meetings as necessary for the accurate and timely completion of projects, and provides feedback on an on-going basis.

Supplemental Functions:

1. Serves as member of Communications team.
2. Assists with office projects as needed.
3. Serves on college committees as assigned.
4. Participates in other college activities as assigned.
5. Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications:

            Education, Training and Experience Required:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in mass communications, journalism, public relations, advertising or related field and a minimum of two years work experience.
2. Knowledge of Associated Press Style writing.
3. Experience with photography.

Experience Preferred:

1. Training in branding and advertising.
2. Experience producing video content.
3. Experience working with web content management systems.
4. Experience using the Adobe Creative Suite.

             Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Work Characteristics:

1. Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
2. Knowledge of public relations practices and principles. 
3. Working knowledge of journalism, sourcing, editing and writing for print and electronic media.
4. Ability to effectively build strong relationships with diverse peoples and constituencies which includes faculty, staff, general public and news media.
5. Experience managing multiple projects, adapting to changing schedules and meeting deadlines.
6. High level of decision-making ability and sound judgment.
7. Must be self-motivated and eager to work in a team environment.
8. Rigorous attention to detail and overall commitment to quality a must.
9. Experience with photography.
10. Knowledge of both Mac and Windows operating systems.
11. Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office.
12. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite.

Working Conditions:

1. Heavy use of personal computer.
2. Normal use of telephone and office equipment.
3. Heavy use of in-house printers.
4. Occasional travel to attend meetings, workshops, professional development training or other business-related functions.
5. Normal sitting, standing and movement within an office and campus environment.
6. Work outside of normal business hours as required.

Hiring Salary Range:  $39,590- $49,480

This position is based at the Columbia, TN Campus.

About Columbia State Community College:

As Tennessee’s first community college (established in 1966), Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five of our campuses.  Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents.  Columbia State is known for excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Columbia State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 14 paid holidays
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependent

Columbia State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other category protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:

Executive Director of Human Resources
humanresources@columbiastate.edu
1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
931-540-2551