Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Mountain Empire Community College is a comprehensive two-year college serving residents of Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson counties, and the City of Norton. MECC is one of twenty-three colleges in the Virginia Community College System and operates under policies established by the State Board for Community Colleges and the Local Advisory Board.

About the role

The Marketing and Communications Coordinator is a full-time, exempt position with full state benefits, reporting to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement. The role involves developing innovative marketing strategies to strengthen the MECC brand, managing the marketing plan and advertising budget, and overseeing institutional branding across various promotional mediums. The Coordinator serves as the official spokesperson for MECC after the President and Vice President for routine media communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ongoing engagement strategies to promote enrollment and events.
• Manage the marketing plan and advertising budget.
• Oversee institutional branding, design, and content via radio, TV, outdoor, print, social media, and the website.
• Coordinate media relations and media events.
• Create a unified public image and brand for the college.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to guide marketing and communications needs.
• Coordinate the development and maintenance of college print collateral, including design, layout, and production.
• Design, prepare, and place advertising with media outlets.
• Partner with college staff to maintain an up-to-date and engaging college website and social media presence.
• Support college participation in community events, special events, and public visits to enhance public relations.
• Develop institutional responses to issues affecting the college and disseminate information to the media.
• Organize advocacy campaigns in coordination with MECC, MECC Foundation, and VCCS efforts.
• Support institutional effectiveness activities, including strategic planning, surveys, and focus groups.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the President and Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Journalism, Advertising, Communications, or a related field, or a combination of experience and/or education equivalent to at least 4 years of professional ability.
• Submission of a portfolio of relevant writing, editing, or design projects (multimedia presentation optional).
• Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and desktop publishing software.

Skills

• Superlative communication skills in all forms.
• Excellent customer service and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to use tact and professionalism, especially in high-stress situations.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse groups.
• Proficiency with communication software platforms, including website CMS, digital signage, and video/photo editing software.
• Strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with marketing and design software, such as Canva.
• Ability to create, implement, and manage a budget.
• High level of ethics and confidentiality.
• Thorough understanding of marketing principles and methods, including multicultural and minority populations.
• Ability to offer sound media relations advice to senior leadership.

Additional Considerations

• Master’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• Five years of dedicated experience in marketing and/or long-range planning.
• Professional certification(s) in marketing, including digital or online marketing.

Benefits

This position offers full state benefits, including:

• Paid leave accumulation.
• State retirement, life insurance, and related plans.
• Participation in the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program.
• Eligibility to participate in the state health plan and flexible benefits program.

Pay

$57,733 - $70,000 annually, adjusted for experience and education.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. May require some evening or weekend work during special events.

Local and statewide travel is required.