Success starts at Community College of Philadelphia. Innovators and difference makers work at Community College of Philadelphia. Diversity thrives at Community College of Philadelphia. We are a college that is committed to promoting a work environment that attracts and retains talented and diverse faculty and staff. We challenge each other and ourselves to achieve at the highest level while contributing to the mission of the College and the betterment of Philadelphia. We value and support an intellectually dynamic community to prepare our students for global citizenship. Join us and become a part of a community that has long been and will continue to be generators of generational chance in this city and beyond.

Community College of Philadelphia is an open-admission, associate-degree-granting institution which provides access to higher education for all who may benefit. Its programs of study in the liberal arts and sciences, career technologies, and basic academic skills provide a coherent foundation for college transfer, employment and lifelong learning. The College serves Philadelphia by preparing its students to be informed and concerned citizens, active participants in the cultural life of the city, and enabled to meet the changing needs of business, industry and the professions. To help address broad economic, cultural and political concerns in the city and beyond, the College draws together students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds and seeks to provide the programs and support they need to achieve their goals.

The Media Specialist writes clear and compelling copy that consistently conveys the College’s brand and messages. The position prepares internal and external communications, press materials, newsletters, electronic and print publications and other collateral materials. This position reports to the Director of Communications and collaborates with the Directors of marketing and Creative Services.

Specific Responsibilities

• Write clear, persuasive and original copy to convey the College’s message through all media formats.

• Collaborate with marketing, web and design staff to develop effective public relations materials that are on target with the College’s brand.

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  Report and write press materials, blogs and articles about College events, institutional and faculty achievements, timely educational issues and program development. Distribute information to the media and public and follow-up to encourage media coverage events and College developments.

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  Report and write articles about College graduates, students, faculty and administrators, as well as campus events for Transcripts, Pathways, and other College produced newsletters and magazines as necessary.

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  Research and write commentary and talking points for the College as necessary.

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  Maintain strong personal relationships with journalists and offer relevant story ideas to encourage coverage of College events and achievements and higher education issues.

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  Brainstorm ideas, concepts, and public relations strategies with other staff, submit ideas and discuss progress.

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  Proofread copy to check spelling/grammar and ensure content accuracy and consistency between documents and style manual.

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  Deliver quality customer services to both internal and external constituents in a professional, helpful and courteous manner.

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  Research and investigate complex education issues and produce readable briefing papers and newsletters.

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  Track and arrange media coverage, including distribution of regular media clippings to College community.

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  Maintain communication with journalists across multiple platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and discussion forums; staying abreast of evolving public relations strategies regarding social media and news distribution.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required. Any and all degrees must be from a recognized institutional accreditor.

• Two (2) years experience in marketing and/or public relations required.

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  Strong proficiency in grammar, advanced writing skills and critical thinking skills required.

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  Copy editing/proofreading, and typing skills required.

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  Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

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  Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and Internet search proficiency required.

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  Ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines required.

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  Ability to think creatively and effectively execute ideas required.

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  Ability to maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications or Journalism preferred.

• Experience reporting, writing, and editing with a major daily news organization or magazine preferred.

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  Awareness of the media, reporters and editors in the greater Philadelphia area preferred.

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  Knowledge of educational institutions, especially higher education institutions preferred.

Work Location

Main Campus

Benefits

• 100% College-paid medical, dental and prescription drug for employees and all of their eligible family members
• College-paid life and disability insurance
• College closes for Winter Break the week between Christmas and New Years and for a week in March for Spring Break
• College operates on a 4-day work week during the summer months (off on Fridays)
• Most employees work from home one day each week
• Tuition remission (for classes at the College)
• Forgivable tuition loan (for classes at any accredited academic institution)
• 403(b) retirement plan with 10% College contribution
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Paid vacation plus holiday and personal time off

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Interested persons should complete an online application.
• Cover letter of interest and CV/resume REQUIRED.
• Name and contact information for three (3) references REQUIRED.
• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of background checks in accordance with the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. Community College of Philadelphia is an affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access employer.

Salary Grade or Rank

1