Executive Director of Communications, Philanthropy, & Strategic Partnerships
SUMMARY:
The Executive Director of Communications, Philanthropy, & Strategic Partnerships serves as a senior leader responsible for advancing the college's mission through comprehensive brand strategy, fundraising, and external partnerships. This role provides visionary leadership for integrated communications, philanthropic initiatives, and strategic alliances while also serving as the primary liaison and executive support to the Board of Trustees.
This position reports to the President and works closely with James Sprunt Community College Board of Trustees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Incumbents may not perform all the duties listed, while in other cases, related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities the ability to perform the essential functions.
Communications:
- Provide support and guidance to the Office of Marketing and Communications staff.
- Serve as a resource for marketing and communication strategies.
- Review college reports and media stories to ensure a consistent brand voice from the President's Office.
Philanthropy:
- Provide support and guidance to the Office of Institutional Advancement staff.
- Provide support and guidance on college and foundation fundraising events, campaigns, and initiatives.
- Assist in fostering stewardship and cultivating relationships with the public, private philanthropy, and foundations.
- Review donor solicitation, proposals, and submissions by the College Staff and Office of Institutional Advancement.
Strategic Partnerships:
- Provide support and guidance to the Customized Training area and serve as a resource to the Director of Customized Training.
- Work closely with the College President to build and maintain high-impact community partnerships (internal and external to the college).
- Work closely with the College President to identify and pursue collaborative opportunities to expand college reach and visibility.
- Build and nurture partnerships with external college organizations, businesses, industries, and community stakeholders to advance college goals.
- Build and maintain positive relationships and coordination with a wide range of staff, faculty, internal, and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate the execution of strategic initiatives and assist in activities as directed by the President for administrative planning and operational activities.
Administrative & Executive Support:
- Provide high-level administrative support to the President, including meeting coordination, travel management, and expense tracking.
- Provide an overview and guidance on projects with committees.
- Provide counsel and serve as the strategic advisor to the Office of the President and Senior Leadership.
- Represent the College President's views and introduce and promote college projects and initiatives.
- Carry out special projects and programs initiated by the College President.
Board Relations:
- Serve as Executive Assistant to the Board of Trustees.
- Provides high-level administrative support to the Board of Trustees, including meeting coordination, travel management, and expense tracking.
- Coordinate board meetings, committee meetings, and retreats, including agenda development and materials preparation.
- Prepare reports and presentations for board meetings.
- Record and maintain meeting minutes.
- Ensure compliance with bylaws, policies, and best practices.
- Support board member engagement, onboarding, and ongoing communication.
- Assist with equipment and software maintenance in the Office of the President.
- Acquire computer/technology competencies as appropriate to the position.
- Maintain security of personal computer access.
- Perform other professional or job-related duties as assigned.
- Serve on college committees as directed by the supervisor.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills
- Excellent written and verbal skills
- Knowledge of board operations
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail
- Collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-focused
- Able to manage multiple priorities and high-level stakeholders effectively
- High level of discretion, professionalism, and organizational skills
- Occasional evening/weekend commitments for board meetings, events, and donor engagement
- May require in-and-out-of-state overnight travel
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education and experience demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skill, and abilities.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education/Skills
Required: Master's degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Notary Public or willing to obtain certification within 90 days of employment.
Experience
Required: Extensive experience supporting an executive-level administrator.
Preferred: Experience working in community college public relations, institutional advancement and development, and community partnerships.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to focus. May require travel.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This position description covers the essential functions and duties associated with this position. Other duties may be assigned by the President or appropriate supervisor personnel. The College reserves the right to alter duties, responsibilities, conditions, working hours, and job title as necessary.