Senior Director Communications

Weekly work hours: 40. Position is on-site; after six months, some roles may be eligible to apply for hybrid work based on job responsibilities, operational needs, supervisor approval, and Dallas College policy. Academic (Faculty) positions require an on-site presence, even when teaching online courses, in accordance with state law.

About Us

Since 1965, Dallas College, formerly Dallas County Community College District, has served more than three million students. Comprising seven campuses located around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we are one of the largest community college systems in the state of Texas. We strive to be a leader in the community college space, placing students at the center of everything we do. Dallas College is committed to cultivating an environment of opportunity and belonging for all students and employees.

Job Summary

Senior Director, Communications, needed to lead our organization's external communication strategies and initiatives. The Senior Director, External Communications will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication plans that enhance the college's visibility, engagement, and success among students, employees, within the community, and the broader education landscape. The ideal candidate will be a proactive strategic thinker and possess exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of brand reputation, messaging strategies, executive communications, crisis management, external communications, media relations, strategic planning, analytics, project management, process improvement, budget management, client relations, team development, and agency management.

Responsibilities

• Build Communications Strategy & Plan – Leverage Brand strategy, key priorities, and best practices to form a cohesive, integrated Communications strategy and plan recommendation for senior management (Chancellor/L2/L3). Lead all proactive and reactive PR and Communications activities to build brand reputation and drive preference. Partner with Marketing, Digital, and Events teams to coordinate media relations and issues management protocols across all facilities and departments.
• Messaging Strategy Innovation – Provide leadership in leveraging relevant Communications and media trends to ensure brand messages break through the clutter, reach the right targets at optimal moments by deploying an omni-channel approach, while shaping and managing the dialogue in the brand's favor.
• Executive Communications – Establish a strategy and lead plan for an executive leadership visibility and thought leadership program, including developing messaging strategies/platforms, identifying speaking opportunities with media and at industry events, and developing white papers. Support the development of internal and external communications for the Chancellor/L2 and Board Trustees (internal messages/meetings, Board communications, media interviews).
• Crisis/Issues Management – Partner with the Business Continuity Office to formalize a rapid response system, anticipate issues, and prepare for/prevent issues from emerging in media coverage. Strategically turn crisis situations to the benefit of the organization by establishing response teams, consulting with Risk, Compliance, and Legal, training spokespeople, crafting messages for stakeholders, and evaluating response effectiveness. Provide 24/7 on-the-ground support as needed.
• External Communications – Optimize and steward external communication strategy to amplify the brand and reach of the institution using targeted external distribution, positive storytelling, employer brand awareness, morale, and message consistency.
• Media Relations – Develop and maintain strong relationships with key local, regional, and national media. Track and build relationships with important online media outlets. Oversee handling of key media queries and identify opportunities for media interviews with key faculty, staff, and executive management.
• Strategic Planning – Develop long-term vision and goals for the organization, aligned with its mission and values. Formulate actionable plans and initiatives for the department to guide the College’s growth and success.
• Strategy and Analytics – Utilize data-driven insights and analytical methodologies to inform and guide key decision-making processes within the organization.
• Project Management – Plan, execute, and oversee the successful completion of projects. Define objectives, create detailed project plans, and allocate resources to ensure goals are met on time and within budget.
• Process Management – Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and implementation of best practices to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Budget Management – Monitor budgets for various areas and projects, ensuring adherence to college guidelines and targets.
• Client Relations – Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with internal clients. Serve as the primary point of contact, address inquiries and concerns promptly, and ensure exceptional customer service.
• Team Development & Management – Build and scale a world-class Marketing and Communications capability. Instill best practices, ensure the right people are in the right roles, and inspire teams (both internal and external agency partners) to achieve high performance. Nurture and empower employees through personalized development plans, coaching, and mentorship.
• Agency Management – Enhance Marketing and program execution, and organizational Marketing capabilities as a critical driver of integrated Marketing & Communication. Assess the collection of agencies, suppliers, and consultants to ensure the College maximizes Marketing impact.
• Complete required Dallas College Professional Development training hours per academic year.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, English, journalism, marketing, business, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. Official transcripts will be required.
• Ten years of experience in communications, public relations, media relations, independently or with the support of an outside agency.
• At least three years in a senior manager, director, or senior director capacity preferred.
• Experience overseeing annual or project budgets of $2MM–$5MM.
• Five years of experience as a people manager and leading teams.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, resource allocation, timeline management, project management, and personnel supervision.
• Former experience in Corporate Communications, Internal Communications, Employee Communications, Executive Communications, Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Media Relations, or Journalism (Print/Broadcast/Digital).
• Extensive knowledge of developing and executing proactive and reactive integrated communications strategies.
• Bilingual or multilingual preferred.
• Proven experience in developing a cohesive, integrated communications strategy aligned with organizational objectives.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, including a track record of leading and developing high-performing communications teams.
• Deep understanding of communications and media trends, principles, strategies, and tactics.
• Experience in collaborating to strategically manage crisis situations by anticipating, preventing, and responding to media issues.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, analyze market trends, and draw actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to drive results, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt to change, and thrive in a dynamic business environment.

Physical Requirements

Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check.