External Communications Specialist

External Communications Specialist

The External Communications Specialist develops and executes strategic communication initiatives that advance the mission, vision, and reputation of Highlands College. This role serves as a trusted communications partner by creating and implementing communication strategies that strengthen engagement with donors, alumni, ministry partners, media representatives, and other key stakeholders. The External Communications Specialist exercises independent judgment in determining communication approaches, messaging priorities, and channel strategies while managing projects from concept through execution. This role contributes to organizational goals by driving proactive media relations, strategic stakeholder communications, and event communication initiatives that enhance awareness, engagement, and institutional impact.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and Execute Strategic Communications Initiatives

• Develop comprehensive communication strategies and plans by assessing organizational objectives, stakeholder needs, and communication opportunities.
• Exercise independent judgment in selecting communication channels, tactics, messaging approaches, and content strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
• Manage communication projects from concept through execution by establishing timelines, coordinating resources, and ensuring timely delivery of communication initiatives.
• Provide strategic communication recommendations to leadership by identifying opportunities, mitigating risks, and evaluating communication effectiveness.
• Monitor communication performance and stakeholder engagement by analyzing metrics and recommending improvements to communication strategies.

Lead Media Relations and Public Relations Efforts

• Develop and implement a proactive press release strategy that supports institutional priorities and increases awareness of Highlands College initiatives, achievements, and events.
• Build and maintain relationships with media representatives by serving as a primary point of contact for media inquiries and story opportunities.
• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, statements, and related communication materials.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends by utilizing media monitoring tools and providing insights to leadership.
• Coordinate media outreach efforts and facilitate interviews, media opportunities, and public-facing communications.

Support Crisis and Reputation Communications

• Assist in the development and execution of crisis communication plans by preparing messaging frameworks and communication resources.
• Draft timely and accurate communications during sensitive situations while maintaining alignment with institutional values and communication objectives.
• Collaborate with leadership to assess communication risks and recommend appropriate communication responses.
• Monitor public perception and media activity during crisis situations and provide strategic communication recommendations as needed.

Strengthen Donor, Alumni, and Ministry Partner Engagement

• Develop and execute communication strategies that increase engagement among donors, alumni, and ministry partners.
• Create and manage newsletters, impact stories, updates, and value-added communications that strengthen stakeholder relationships and foster continued engagement.
• Collaborate with Advancement and other departments to communicate institutional impact, initiatives, events, and opportunities for involvement.
• Ensure communication materials consistently reflect the Highlands College brand, mission, and strategic priorities.

Develop Executive and Event Communications

• Draft speeches, scripts, talking points, presentations, correspondence, and other executive communication materials for leadership.
• Develop communication plans for institutional events by identifying target audiences, communication timelines, messaging strategies, and promotional tactics.
• Create and execute event invitation campaigns and related communication initiatives to maximize participation and engagement.
• Coordinate communication deliverables for major institutional events and stakeholder gatherings.

Collaborate Across the Organization

• Partner with internal departments to identify communication needs and develop effective communication solutions.
• Maintain consistency in messaging, tone, and brand standards across communication channels and materials.
• Provide communication guidance and support to departments by recommending best practices and strategic communication approaches.

Other Duties

• Participate in ministry at Church of the Highlands and Highlands College by leading small groups.
• Affirm and uphold the Statement of Faith and the Core Values and DNA of the College, exemplifying all by word and lifestyle.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and objectives of Highlands College.

Leadership Requirements

• Influences stakeholders and teammates through sound communication strategy, professional expertise, and well-reasoned recommendations.
• Exercises discretion and independent judgment in evaluating communication opportunities, determining communication approaches, and prioritizing strategic initiatives.
• Anticipates communication needs, potential challenges, and stakeholder concerns by planning proactively and recommending effective solutions.
• Conveys accurate information effectively using the most appropriate communication methods to meet audience needs and ensure mutual understanding.
• Builds collaborative relationships across departments and with external stakeholders to achieve organizational communication objectives.
• Demonstrates ownership of communication projects and outcomes by independently managing priorities, timelines, and deliverables.

Qualifications

Personal Characteristics:

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission, values, and culture of Highlands College.
• Highly self-motivated, resourceful, and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Exhibits sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Maintains a positive attitude and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Demonstrates adaptability and resilience amid changing priorities and organizational needs.

Essential Traits:

• Strategic thinking
• Initiative
• Independent judgement
• Analytical skills
• Relationship building
• Attention to detail
• Project management
• Professional discretion
• Communication excellence

Abilities & Skills:

• Exceptional written, verbal, and editorial communication skills.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic communication plans.
• Ability to make independent decisions regarding communication tactics and channel selection.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively communicate with senior leaders, donors, alumni, ministry partners, and media representatives.
• Ability to evaluate communication effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of strategic communications, public relations, and media relations principles.
• Knowledge of communication planning, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management.
• Knowledge of crisis communication best practices.
• Familiarity with digital communication platforms, email marketing, and content development.
• Understanding of brand management and message consistency.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• 5–7 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, media relations, marketing communications, or a related field required.
• Experience developing and executing strategic communication plans.
• Experience writing for executive leaders and diverse stakeholder audiences.
• Experience managing communication projects from concept through execution.
• Preferred technical skills:
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Meltwater
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Monday.com

Extent of Public Contact:

• Medium

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in an office environment for extended periods.
• Ability to travel between campuses and event locations as needed.
• Ability to attend and support occasional evening or weekend events.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.

Direct Reports:

• This position is not a team lead for any Highlands College teammates.