Communications Strategist

About Dutchess Community College:

Located in the heart of New York's beautiful and historic mid-Hudson Valley, just 90 minutes north of New York City, Dutchess Community College (DCC) is one of 64 colleges within the State University of New York, the largest comprehensive public higher education system in the country.

DCC's strategic direction is guided by four lenses through which we view our work: Students. Learning. Community. Growth. We are committed to respecting individuality, embracing diversity, being "student-ready," partnering with and serving our community inclusively. The College welcomes and seeks to grow pools of prospective employees who share and are anxious to support the institution's core values: Excellence. Collaboration. Engagement. Equity. Innovation.

Job Description:

Position summary

Primary focus: Writing, editing, content development and institutional storytelling. The Communications Strategist develops clear, accurate written content that supports College priorities. The role researches, interviews, writes, edits and adapts content for news, web, email, publications and campaign materials.

The Associate Director, PR & Communications sets public relations strategy, editorial priorities and messaging direction. The Communications Strategist carries assigned content from the initial idea through approved copy while keeping deadlines, reviews and final files organized.

Role on the team

The Communications Strategist works within PR & Communications and reports to the Associate Director, PR & Communications. The role collaborates with Creative & Brand, the Website Administrator and campus subject-matter experts when content also requires design, photography, video or web support.

Media relations and department-wide messaging remain with the Associate Director, PR & Communications. Web governance and publishing systems remain with the Website Administrator. This role focuses on producing and coordinating assigned written content.

Responsibilities

Editorial planning and writing

• Contribute story ideas and support the editorial calendar for DCC Connects, Bird's Eye View and other assigned communications.
• Work with the Associate Director, PR & Communications to prioritize assignments based on College goals, audience needs and available time.
• Research, interview and write articles, profiles, program stories, announcements and other feature or news content.
• Draft copy for selected web pages, email, print, advertising and social media needs as assigned.
• Translate complex academic, workforce, enrollment and student-support information into clear, audience-centered language.

Editing and publication support

• Edit and proofread assigned content for clarity, accuracy, tone, grammar, accessibility and consistency with the College's voice.
• Confirm names, titles, dates, statistics, program information, links and other key facts before final approval.
• Route drafts to the appropriate reviewers, incorporate approved changes and deliver final copy to the staff member responsible for publication.
• Adapt approved content for selected channels when reuse adds clear value, rather than creating separate content for every channel by default.

Coordination and collaboration

• Maintain a clear record of assignments, deadlines, review status and final files, and flag delays or conflicting requests early.
• Coordinate with designers, photographers, videographers and web staff when a story or campaign requires their support.
• Build working relationships across the College to identify useful stories and gather accurate information.
• Support time-sensitive or executive communications when assigned by the Associate Director, PR & Communications.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, public relations or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least three years of professional experience in writing, editing, journalism, public relations, content development or marketing communications.
• A portfolio of published or professional writing that demonstrates accuracy, range, voice and audience awareness.
• Strong interviewing, research, factchecking, proofreading and copyediting skills, including familiarity with AP style or another established editorial standard.
• The ability to manage several assignments and deadlines while coordinating reviews with subject-matter experts and College leaders.
• Sound judgment, strong interpersonal communication and a collaborative approach to feedback and revision.

Preferred experience

• Experience in higher education, the public sector, a mission-driven organization or journalism serving varied communities.
• Experience writing about academic programs, workforce education, enrollment, student success or community impact.
• Familiarity with content management systems, email platforms, digital accessibility and search-informed writing.

Application Instructions:

To be considered please submit an online application, resume and cover letter electronically by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below.

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Dutchess Community College is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Applications from minorities, veterans, the disabled and all others are encouraged (AA/EOE).