About the Opportunity:  

At Polk State, our amazing faculty and staff create an inspiring workplace. This professional position reports to the Associate VP, Communications & Public Affairs and is an excellent opportunity to promote Polk State's vision and mission. We offer a collaborative, creative and culturally diverse work environment. If you want to be supported in your efforts to grow professionally and to be recognized for your contributions, then come work for Polk State. 

SOAR, EAGLES!

About the Position:

Reporting directly to the Associate VP of Communication and Public Affairs, the Director of Communications is primarily responsible for the execution of Polk State’s news coverage and media relations efforts. The position works collaboratively with the President, the Foundation, senior leadership, and peer groups to develop and execute communication strategies for college communications, website, and public relations messages.

Work requires an understanding of the operations of news media, outstanding reporting and news-writing skills, and the maintenance of relationships with story stakeholders inside and outside the College. It also requires the analysis of complex problems, the planning of various interrelated activities, and the coordination of multiple projects or functions.

Essential Functions/Duties:  

• Collaborates with members of administration and all college departments to develop and disseminate messages (stories, social media posts, etc.) that support central the college’s vision and mission. 


• Is the primary contributor to news@polk.edu. This entails researching, collecting and assembling data, interviewing, writing and editing. Leverages news content to support the college mission.


• Maintains regular contact with departments and locations across the college to develop wide-ranging, diverse story ideas.


• Is the first point of contact for all media. 


• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with print, online and broadcast media representatives in order to direct the flow of information to the college’s external stakeholders. 


• Regularly disseminates news releases, promoting the college to media outlets and a wide variety of internal and external audiences. 


• Serves as the public information officer.


• Plans and coordinates productions of various college publications, such as the annual report and program brochures, and is the main source of written content for these projects.


• Prepares speeches, introductions, internal communications and other remarks for the president as requested. 


• Acts as internal media relations consultant for all college employees and departments. 


• Serves as a key communications contact during emergency situations. 


• Responsible for the college’s social media outreach, including making regular, timely posts to generate interest in the college


• Oversees the sports information coordinator, ensuring polkeagles.com is regularly updated with high-quality news content and photos.


• Ensures timely and accurate proofreading for monthly District Board of Trustees packets and other printed materials. 


• Provides supervision to interns, stringers, proofreaders.


• Collaborates with design staff on marketing materials.


• Helps to develop college’s communications strategy.


• Represents the college in local, state, and national communications organization

This position is a level P15. Please see starting salary range below.

Submitting a resume online at an alternate job site could cause valuable screening information to be missed. A Polk State College eApplication is required in order to be considered for the position.

For additional information, please visit our web site at www.polk.edu or apply directly at: http://polkstate-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid=850&company_id=16397&jobboardid=690

• Requires ability to work independently on broader assignments with the responsibility for the planning of work. Makes decisions within accepted standards.


• Ability to work cooperatively with college personnel.


• Excellent written and oral communications skills.


• Demonstrated ability to solve problems. 


• Knowledge of the Florida education system preferred.


• Knowledge of principles and practices of public and media relations.


• Knowledge of best practice in news media, PR and communications.


• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with a variety of individuals within and outside of the College, frequently in professional and administrative positions.


• Ability to work independently with the responsibility for planning details of procedure and methods to obtain definite objectives and to make decisions within broad limitations of policies and professional standards.

Required Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, mass communication, public relations, or other relevant discipline.

Three or more years of work experience in professional public relations or public information is required. 

We offer an excellent employer-paid benefits package including the following: Medical, Dental, Life, Long-Term Disability, Vacation (except faculty), Holiday and Sick Leave, Retirement (if eligible) and college fee waivers. Other employee-paid, voluntary benefits (vision, short-term disability, etc.) are also available.

Important Information:

• Application Requirements: A completed online application consists of a resume and an electronic job application. 
  
  
  
  • Submissions that do not include all required information will not be considered. 
  
  
  
  

• Background Screening:  Reference checks and successful completion of a Level II background check (fingerprinting) will be required prior to employment, including third party Education Verification. 

• Non-Instructional Transcripts:  For professional/salaried positions, uploading of unofficial transcript(s) during the hiring process is welcomed, but not required.

• Foreign transcripts must include an official transcript evaluation which interprets equivalency to U.S. graduate credits.    

• Submission of official transcripts will be required as a condition of employment following receipt of job offer. 

• Veterans’ Preference: Eligible applicants may use the Documentation Form to apply for Veterans’ Preference for positions in qualifying categories. The DD-214 and all required documentation must be submitted with the completed application for consideration.

• Relocation: Polk State College does NOT provide relocation assistance for this position.

• This position will close at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.

NOTE:  We encourage applicants to provide feedback of their experience or request help at Careers@polk.edu.

As a general rule, Polk State College does not provide H1-B visa sponsorship. Exceptions may be made based on the College's need for a candidate with unique skills and expertise and where the College cannot otherwise recruit and hire qualified non-sponsored candidates.

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity employer, committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment.  Polk State College is a drug-free workplace and participates in E-Verify.

Polk State College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you feel you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with Polk State, please call 863-297-1070, e-mail Careers@polk.edu, or write us at Human Resources Department, Polk State College, 999 Avenue H, NE, Winter Haven, FL  33881, and let us know the nature of your request, along with your contact information.  Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis.  Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will receive a response.