Director, Strategic Communications & Brand Identity

Application Due Date: Preference given to applications received by June 1, 2023.
Location: Frankfort, KY with telecommuting as agency directed.
Travel: Statewide travel to colleges/universities, schools, other state agencies, and corporate partners.
Compensation: $78,000 - $82,000 annually.

About the Council on Postsecondary Education

The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is Kentucky’s coordinating body for postsecondary education and is committed to strengthening the Commonwealth’s workforce, economy, and quality of life through the continuous improvement and efficient operation of a high-quality, diverse, and accessible system of postsecondary education.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential

• Serve as a senior branding, communications, and marketing lead for the agency to ensure a greater clarity and positive image of the CPE and its sub-brands, working closely with staff members who manage sub-brands.
• Advance the agency’s mission through a proactive media strategy aligned to CPE’s strategic agenda; serve as primary media contact for the agency and its units; and coordinate editorial boards and news events for maximum positive visibility in strategic outlets.
• Build the agency’s value and reputation through proactive, timely and strategic communications, including the development of outreach materials, speeches, op-eds, presentations, and other strategies to include new media.
• Serve as an internal expert on communications and marketing issues; promoting the development of sound strategy, effective techniques, best practices, and assessment of effort.
• Develop and implement integrated communications and marketing programs for the Council.
• Oversee the development of CPE website and other Council-owned websites.
• Convene the Public Relations Officers (PROS affinity group) at the public and independent institutions to engage them in statewide efforts and provide a venue for collaboration and sharing of best practices.

Other

• Engage senior leadership and key staff in communications planning and initiatives.
• Collaborate with key education partners on emerging issues, joint announcements, and communications of cross-agency initiatives.
• Direct social media activities and serve as agency social media contact.
• Lead research initiatives such as public opinion surveys and website usability tests to inform the development of strategic communications initiatives.
• Support or lead internal communications as assigned.
• Represent the CPE to external groups.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Knowledge

• Conceptualize, plan, manage and implement statewide higher education projects that engage numerous stakeholders at the campuses and key education partners.
• Thorough knowledge of public relations strategies and best practices.
• Thorough knowledge of marketing, branding, design, Web development, social media, and assessment.
• Excellent writer/editor.
• Obtain, analyze, and evaluate information effectively and makes appropriate decisions based on relevant information and experience.
• Successful experiences managing assignments at senior level.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with media, staff, and a wide range of external constituents.
• Take responsibility and initiative for meeting goals, objectives and solving problems.
• Model and uphold ethical practice for media relations, and branding.
• Demonstrated commitment to developing skills in others.
• Computer skills-MS Word Office Products

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or related field is preferred.
• A minimum of eight years of experience in a professional communications setting is required.

Contact Information

Interested applicants should send a letter of application specifically addressing the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, a resume, and the names, titles, and contact information for at least three professional references to:

Rae Smith, Human Resources
Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
CPE.HR@ky.gov