Communications Specialist

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Highland Community College seeks a Communications Specialist to join our Marketing & Community Relations team. This full-time position develops and executes strategic communications that promote the College's mission, programs, achievements, and initiatives. The Communications Specialist creates compelling content across multiple platforms, supports marketing and public relations efforts, strengthens Highland's brand, and engages both internal and external audiences. If you are a skilled communicator who enjoys storytelling, content creation, public relations, and building meaningful connections within a college community, we encourage you to apply!

Key Responsibilities:

• Write and edit news releases, promotional publications, and marketing materials for all College divisions and departments.
• Capture, edit, and maintain a library of photography that supports College communications and marketing efforts.
• Assist with the development, maintenance, and monitoring of the College's social media presence.
• Create, update, and maintain content for the College website.
• Support public relations activities and special events that promote the College and its programs.
• Develop promotional materials, scripts, media packets, and other informational content.
• Assist with writing, updating, and training staff on maintaining employee and student portal content.
• Promote employee recognition programs, student engagement initiatives, and institutional culture.
• Assist the Director of Marketing & Community Relations with emergency closure notifications and crisis communications.
• Coordinate responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant disclosure of public records.
• Assist with departmental budget tracking, invoice processing, expenditure monitoring, and payment coordination.
• Maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, students, community partners, and media representatives.
• Occasionally work evening and/or weekend hours to support events and special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, English, or a related field; AND two (2) years of professional experience in writing, marketing, communications, or public relations; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience working in higher education, public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field is preferred.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of communication principles, public relations practices, and marketing strategies.
• Knowledge of higher education operations, programs, and emerging trends affecting colleges and universities.
• Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and professional writing standards.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques and information gathering methods.
• Knowledge of utilizing data to support informed decision-making.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and best practices.
• Skill in writing and editing press releases, marketing materials, publications, website content, and other communications.
• Skill in promoting programs, initiatives, and institutional accomplishments through various communication channels.
• Skill in organizing and coordinating events, projects, and outreach activities.
• Skill in photography, including composition, framing, lighting, color, and attention to detail.
• Skill in working effectively with diverse groups of individuals.
• Skill in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.
• Skill in developing and maintaining positive working relationships with employees, students, media representatives, and community members.
• Skill in operating computers and common software applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

Why Join Highland Community College?

• Help tell the story of Highland Community College and the impact it has on students and the community.
• Contribute to meaningful marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives.
• Showcase student achievements, College programs, events, and institutional successes through creative communication strategies.

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $20.30 - $30.46 per hour
• Comprehensive benefits package. Details available at www.highland.edu/employment.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants can apply online at www.highland.edu/employment. Applications are not complete until the following materials are submitted:

• Online application
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Unofficial transcripts
• Contact information for three professional references

For alternative application methods or questions, contact Human Resources at 815-599-3426. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Highland Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from veterans, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and other diverse groups are strongly encouraged.