Communications Director Job Summary: Working with the Chief Communications Officer, the Communications Director manages media and public relations and other critical communications that support the College's community engagement, recruiting, retention, and advancement goals. The Communications Director plays a key role in the organization's internal and external communications efforts. This individual will be responsible for crafting compelling messaging, managing media relations, and ensuring consistent brand identity across all channels. The ideal candidate is an experienced communicator with a strong ability to align communication strategies with organizational goals, engage diverse audiences, and assist in crisis communications. This is a full-time, 12-month administrative staff position with benefits. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. DESIRED ATTRIBUTES * Clear, concise, accurate written communication. * Intellectual curiosity. * Eager to try new ways of working and learn from success and failure-a continuous improvement mindset. * Shares and receives ideas without fear or pride of authorship. * A team player-honest, thoughtful, direct but kind, and willing to contribute to projects that are not within the job description. * Values the residential liberal arts experience and our mission but understands we will have to adapt. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: * Identify and develop College news and photo opportunities to share with local, state, and national media. * Manage information about College events, faculty/staff/students, and major initiatives. * Write and edit news and feature stories, news releases, and other materials. * Monitor and track Hendrix media activity to guide media relations strategy and provide consistent reports to Hendrix senior leadership. * Oversee the editorial calendar and content for College social media accounts. * Provide creative and editorial direction and content for major print and digital publications that support campaign fundraising and enrollment marketing goals. * Work collaboratively with program leaders across campus on marketing/communications projects. * Supervise student workers in various roles (e.g., Hendrix Today editor, photographer, graphic design assistant, social media coordinator) * Understand audience, challenges, and goals for a diverse group of campus partners (e.g., admission, alumni, athletics, fundraisers, faculty/staff/students, etc.). * Assist the CCO and senior leadership with strategic communications planning, and crisis/emergency response communication. * Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and cultivate strong relationships with journalists and media outlets. * Prepare news releases, media kits, and statements to enhance the College's visibility and reputation. * Ensure all content aligns with the College's tone, style, and brand guidelines. * Collaborate with leadership, marketing, and other departments to align communication efforts with organizational priorities. * Other duties as assigned. Hendrix College strives to maintain an environment free from discrimination and harassment, where members of the Hendrix Community treat each other with respect, dignity and courtesy. The College adheres to the principle of equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or national origin. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Bridgette Gray, Human Resources, 1600 Washington Ave, Conway, AR 72032, 501-450-1415, gray@hendrix.edu; Julie Brown, Director of Academic Success and Section 504 Coordinator, brownj@hendrix.edu (not for applications), 501-505-2954.