Strategic Communications Manager

About the JobThe Strategic Communications Manager (SCM) reports to the Director of Web and Creative Services and is responsible for designing creative and effective ways to share the story, mission, and strategic priorities of Colorado Christian University with key internal and external stakeholders. The SCM ensures that University’s external and internal communications safeguard and advance CCU’s brand reputation, raise awareness, and support recruitment, retention, and marketing goals. The SCM oversees day-to-day communication activities, including press releases, media relations, and internal communication strategies.The Strategic Communications Manager provides communications support, expertise, and advice to internal clients and offices throughout the University. The position works closely with other Communications and Creative Services (CCS) department members to craft effective messaging on multiple communications platforms, including the University’s public and internal websites, print and digital communications, and social media channels. The position is also the primary liaison with the university’s PR firm and external media.About CCUColorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914. CCU’s motto is--grace and truth. This motto comes from John 1.14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (ESV)CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth.Colorado Christian University cultivates knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world. We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, treasure the gospel, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world in their callings.CCU embraces an educational model that was present at the foundation of many of the great western and American universities. It is made up of three pillars—competence, character and Christ-centered faith. Secular universities have abandoned two of those pillars. We think this is a major oversight that eventually undermines education. Furthermore, we believe this classical educational model is both life-giving and greatly needed in our time.A leader in higher education, CCU has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had ten consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education.CCU offers more than 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its two colleges--the College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 9,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online.What is most appealing about working at CCU?• Faith-friendly: CCU’s culture is unique to higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?• Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God’s Word.• Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates, while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.• Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities.We are looking for candidates who have:• A master's degree or equivalent managerial-level communications experience, preferably in large complex organizations.• At least 5-7years of experience in building, motivating, and mentoring teams or leading multiple projects, programs, and functions or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.• Expertise in developing and implementing strategic communications and branding campaigns and best practices. Knowledge of current communications trends in higher education is a plus.• Ability to effectively prioritize and re-prioritize projects in a fast-moving environment.• Proven organizational, communication skills (oral and written), and interpersonal skills.• Ability to work cross-functionally and interact effectively with senior leadership, staff professionals, faculty leaders, and external constituencies.• Set high standards for themselves and are willing to do whatever it takes to complete the job with excellence and high customer satisfaction.• Have experience managing various external vendors, such as PR firms, print, photography, and video vendors, and other creative resources.• Are proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.Key Job DutiesLeadership• Contribute to CCU's mission by collaborating extensively with departments across the university to develop communications initiatives that support enrollment and marketing goals and enhance the brand, influence, and impact of Colorado Christian University.• Develop and implement a long-term, informed communications vision, strategy, and execution, including identification of target audiences, development of key messages, distribution on relevant channels, and measurement of results.• Lead and manage issues/reputational/crisis communications strategy and execution in coordination with the Office of the President and the Board of Trustees.• Ensure high-quality, consistent communications across University channels and platforms.• Collaborate with CCU teams, members, and partner organizations to translate strategy into integrated communications plans; deploy and facilitate organizational alignment.• Manages various external vendors, such as: print, signage, photography, and video vendors, and other creative resources.• Actively lead or participate in strategic University committees, projects, and initiatives.Executive Communications• Oversees high-level and executive communication projects to ensure executive campaigns and related communications are professional, on brand, and encourage a desired action.• Serve as editorial lead in messaging and stories for CCU newsletters and magazines and in talking points, quotes, news releases, and more.• Provide support and counsel to senior leadership on communications efforts.Press Relations• Direct and oversee the development, coordination, and management of the University’s public relations activities to support CCU’s brand and strategic priorities.• Draft and review University external messages and collateral, including press releases, attributed quotes, event scripts, talking points, prepared remarks, social media posts, website content, and other communications and marketing materials.• Serve as the primary contact with the University’s PR firm while working closely with the University leadership to develop and enhance media relationships that create greater awareness and recognition of CCU’s mission and accomplishments.• Research and draft op-eds, articles, and other content on various topics for distribution across CCU communications channels.• Lead the development and execution of a top-notch media relations strategy to elevate CCU’s reputation, advocacy messages, and overall organizational goals through relationship building with targeted media, placing stories, and timely response to media requests.• Work with the University’s PR firm to develop and maintain the University’s crisis communications plan to facilitate immediate implementation.Internal Communications• Communicate university priorities, initiatives, and accomplishments to students, faculty, and staff in a way that fosters their commitment to CCU's mission, values, and strategic priorities and ensures they are well-informed.• Develops the weekly video announcement 'Friday Five' with the university president, including identifying the five key topics for each week, scripting the video content, shooting and editing the video, and posting it to the university's platforms.• Develop communications policies and goals for CCU Connect, the University’s internal website, to increase student, faculty, and staff utilization. Serve as the primary communications liaison with the vendor for CCU Connect.• Lead CCU’s Communications Oversight Group to foster healthy internal communications and support cross-department collaboration for key initiatives.Branding• Serve as a brand steward by aligning CCU’s brand and mission in every aspect of the University’s communications.• Promote the achievements of students, faculty, and staff to enhance institutional branding at the local, regional, state, and national levels.• Manages all branding efforts across college guides and ranking websites, including US News & World Report, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and America's Best Colleges by WSJ. This involves overseeing the university’s brand representation, ensuring consistency and accuracy in all published content, and coordinating with external partners to enhance the university's visibility and reputation in these rankings and guides.