GENERAL PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:
The Assistant Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs (AVP) serves as a strategic leader and trusted advisor, advancing Ivy Tech’s mission through dynamic, consistent, and values-driven communications. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs, this role integrates external media strategy, internal communications, executive visibility, and issues management to elevate the College’s voice across Indiana.
This position works closely with Systems Office and campus leaders to build awareness of Ivy Tech’s impact, promote our brand, and shape public perception. It supports the President and executive team with media strategy and executive communications and partners across departments to proactively tell the Ivy Tech story in compelling and innovative ways, working collaboratively with the marketing team.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and execute a proactive media relations strategy to position Ivy Tech as a leader in workforce-aligned education and student success. Engage national and regional outlets, higher ed trades, and local media to elevate key initiatives, outcomes, and partnerships.
Support internal communications in coordination with Systems Office leadership and HR.
Collaborate with Marketing to shape and refine the College’s narrative and brand voice across platforms, ensuring consistency, clarity, and impact.
Serve as a strategic advisor to the Systems Office and campus leadership on public messaging, especially as it relates to statewide issues. Draft and refine speeches, blogs, op-eds, panel remarks, and key messaging to ensure alignment with College values and strategic priorities
Act as the College’s lead media liaison. Build relationships with reporters, editors, and media influencers. Support campus communications teams in media outreach and messaging alignment.
Lead preparation and response for sensitive and crisis communications in partnership with College leadership, Legal Government Relations, HR, and Public Safety. Proactively mitigate risks and manage response strategies when issues arise.
Support the College’s digital communications strategy in collaboration with Marketing. Use digital tools to amplify leadership voices and College priorities.
Develop and implement media and message training for leaders and staff who represent the College. Offer guidance on media interviews, public speaking, and external engagements.
Maintain, update and enforce the College’s media, public communications, and crisis communications policies in collaboration with HR, Legal, Public Safety, and Marketing.
Build contacts in the media and develop relationships to drive high-quality coverage of the College’s work.
Support strategic communications to key audiences, including policymakers, business leaders, donors, students, and employees. Identify and activate influencers and champions.
Serve as primary liaison to the College’s external communications firm. Manage projects and ensure quality, value, and strategic alignment.
Monitor media coverage, track sentiment and public perception, and provide insights to executive leadership. Summarize trends and impact in monthly briefings. Monitor the College’s reputation among key audiences and take steps to improve or correct stakeholder perceptions.
Counsel the marketing and communications teams of the College's 19 campuses on communications strategy, media relations, internal communications and more.
This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with this position may be assigned. All responsibilities will be conducted within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Senior Vice President for Legal and Public Affairs
SUPERVISION GIVEN: Not applicable.
SALARY: The salary range for this position is $110,000-$125,000 and is commensurate with education, skills, and relevant work experience.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field required; Master’s preferred.
Minimum of 5–7 years of professional experience in communications, preferably in a complex, mission-driven organization.
Must be able to know or learn and use various software programs, including media tracking programs and news release distribution systems.
Key skills include:
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities across mediums
Strong public speaking and media interviewing skills
High emotional intelligence, with the ability to advise senior leaders under pressure
Proven experience with media relations, issues management, and reputation strategy
Familiarity with AP style and best practices in editorial standards
Strong project management, organizational, and vendor management skills
Proficient in media monitoring tools and digital distribution platforms
Must be a team-oriented, mission-driven professional who embodies Ivy Tech’s core values
Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.
