Bucks County Intermediate Unit
Program Director Of Communications And Marketing
LOCATION
Doylestown, PA - Bucks IU Administrative Office
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, Public Relations, or related field required; Master's degree preferred. 5-7 years of leadership experience in communications or marketing, particularly within educational institutions or nonprofits, and expertise in digital marketing and media relations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the development and execution of the communications and marketing strategy, manage the marketing and communications team, oversee brand management and digital marketing efforts, enhance stakeholder engagement, and coordinate public relations activities.
INDUSTRY
Education and Nonprofit Sector
SHORT DESCRIPTION
The Program Director of Communications and Marketing will enhance the visibility and reputation of Bucks IU by implementing strategic communications, overseeing a marketing team, and engaging with various stakeholders.
Essential Functions:
Strategic Communications
- Develops, implements, and manages a strategic communications plan that aligns with the Bucks IU's mission, vision, and long-term goals.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for all internal and external communications, ensuring consistency in messaging and brand voice.
- Collaborates with school leadership and all Bucks IU's departments and divisions to identify communication priorities and opportunities to enhance engagement.
- Serves as the main coordinator of the Bucks County Schools Communications Advisory Group (a job alike group of similar communications and marketing positions at Bucks County schools) planning relevant monthly meeting topics, speakers, and discussions that meet school district needs and expectations.
- Ensures Bucks IU crisis communication plans are in place, and act as the spokesperson during crisis situations to effectively manage public relations.
- Oversees all Bucks IU-related websites.
- Publishes regular internal, employee and contractor-facing publications.
- Publishes regular Bucks IU parent/guardian-facing publications.
- Publishes regular external district and partner agency-facing publications.
- Publishes regular press releases highlighting Bucks IU programs, people, and partners.
- Publishes an annual Bucks IU Report to the Community.
Brand Management
- Supervises the Communication and Marketing Lead to ensure that the Bucks IU develops and maintains consistent brand image, ensuring all communications and marketing materials reflect the Bucks IU's values and objectives.
- Oversees the creation of branded collateral, including signage and décor at Bucks IU locations, brochures, newsletters, reports, print media, and other promotional materials.
- Creates brand guidelines and supports all staff and departments in their adoption and use.
- Markets Bucks IU Communications and Marketing Services to Bucks County School Districts, providing external services, for a fee, as may be requested.
Digital Marketing, Social and Print Media
- Leads the Bucks IU's digital and social media marketing efforts, including developing and implementing a diverse social media and print media calendar for the school year, overseeing the content of the Bucks IU website, social media platforms, email and advertising campaigns, and print media.
- Oversees the creation and distribution of engaging and relevant content to enhance digital presence and increase online engagement.
- Analyzes digital marketing metrics and industry best practices to provide insights on the performance of campaigns to drive continuous improvement.
- Develops and implements Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies to improve search engine rankings and web traffic.
- Increases engagement across all platforms using analytics-driven, targeted, customer acquisition efforts like A/B testing, targeted ads, and conversion metrics.
Public Relations & Media Outreach
- Builds and maintains relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
- Writes and distributes press releases, media advisories, and other communication materials to promote Bucks IU events, achievements, and initiatives.
- Proactively seeks opportunities to position the Bucks IU as a leader in education through media features, articles, interviews, and thought leadership pieces.
- Coordinates media events, press conferences, and promotional activities.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Develops and executes communication strategies targeted at various stakeholder groups, including current families, staff, Bucks IU school districts and nonpublic schools, alumni, donors, and the community.
- Collaborates with all divisions and departments to support employee and student recruitment and retention, and any fundraising initiatives.
- Leads efforts to engage the Bucks IU community through communications, events, and digital platforms, fostering strong connections with families, division and department heads, like positions in Bucks County Public and Nonpublic schools.
Event Promotion
- Plans and oversees promotional strategies for school events as needed, such as open houses, program events, and special activities.
- Works with event planning teams to ensure that marketing materials, media presence, and communication efforts effectively support event goals.
Team Leadership
- Supervises and mentors the Communications and Marketing Lead, communication and marketing intern(s) and third party contractors including graphic designers, content creators, web developers, photographers and other team contributors.
- Manages department budget, ensuring cost-effective and impactful marketing and communications initiatives.
- Provides regular training and professional development opportunities for the Bucks IU staff to stay current with trends and best practices.
Supervisory Responsibility: Oversees/supervises the Communications and Marketing Lead, Communication and Marketing Intern(s), as well as third party contractors, including web site developers, photographers, videographers, and content writers.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, 260-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work may vary based on position and division but generally are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
Travel: The Program Director of Communications and Marketing will primarily work in an office setting within Bucks IU locations and/or at Bucks County school districts. There is a high degree of direct contact with the public and a high degree of direct customer interaction. The Director of Communications and Marketing may also be required to occasionally attend events, meetings, or conferences outside of Bucks County, including across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and/or within the United States.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or related field required
- Master’s degree is preferred.
- Professional Certification through Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), or the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) or other communication industry related credential is preferred.
- Minimum 5-7 years of demonstrated leadership experience in a communications or marketing role, preferably within an educational institution or nonprofit organization.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication and marketing strategies.
- Experience managing media relations, crisis communication, and public relations efforts.
- Digital marketing and social media expertise, including website management, graphic design, overseeing social media, and video production and editing.
- Leadership experience with managing a team and department budget.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with exemplary command of the English language, grammatical, and editorial skills.
- Exemplary ability to write for audiences at all educational levels and professions.
- Strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
- Ability to think strategically and creatively.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across divisions and departments and work with various stakeholders.
- Proficiency with digital marketing tools, content management systems (CMS), and analytics software.
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, graphic design, and multimedia production including video production is a plus.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable): Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.
EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer: The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.
Tailor Your Resume to Match this Job!
Share with Friends!
Similar Jobs
New Mexico Children's Foundation
Marriott International
Black Desert Resort
Parity Homes
BeCore
BeCore
BeCore
BeCore
