Marketing and Communications Specialist II

Title: Marketing and Communications Specialist II

Salary Range: $48,168

Contract Term Length: 12 Months

Standard Hours: 37.5

Work Location: Hybrid

FLSA Status: Exempt

College: KCTCS System Office

Campus Location: KCTCS System Office

Department: SO/Marketing & Communications

Total Rewards

KCTCS System Office offers a competitive benefits package and an attractive work environment that supports excellence, innovation, and creativity including:

• Exceptional health care, vision, dental coverage for you and your family
• Tuition reimbursement/waiver for you, your spouse, and dependents
• 403(b) retirement plan: a 5% employee contribution receives a 10% employer match
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Work-Life Balance
• 9.5 Paid Holidays
• 2 Weeks Institutional Closing Pay (Last 2 weeks of December) for qualifying positions
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary

The Public Relations Coordinator supports the communication and public relations efforts of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) System Office by developing, coordinating, and implementing strategic communication initiatives that promote the mission, programs, and achievements of KCTCS and its 16 colleges statewide. This position assists in creating and distributing press releases, media materials, and digital content; managing media inquiries; and supporting system-wide campaigns and events. The coordinator collaborates with internal departments and college communication staff to ensure consistent messaging, strengthen public awareness, and enhance the overall reputation of KCTCS. The role requires strong writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment that serves audiences across the Commonwealth. It also requires a strong understanding of media relations and news judgment.

Positions with the KCTCS System Office located in Versailles, KY are term-contract positions, with the expectancy of continuance based on performance.
KCTCS offers a hybrid work schedule with a requirement to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per work week.

Hybrid work schedules are subject to periodic review and may be modified or terminated at any time

Job Duties:

Develop and distribute media content
Develop, write, and distribute press releases, media advisories, feature stories, and other communication materials that highlight KCTCS initiatives, achievements, and impact across the Commonwealth.

Coordinate media relations
Coordinate responses to media inquiries, cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets, and identify opportunities to generate positive media coverage for KCTCS and its colleges.

Manage digital and social media communications
Manage the creation and posting of engaging digital content across KCTCS websites, newsletters, and social media platforms to ensure consistency in tone, branding, and messaging.

Monitor and report communication outcomes
Monitor media coverage and public engagement, analyze communication metrics, and prepare reports to evaluate effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.

Implement strategic communication campaigns
Implement and support systemwide communication and public relations campaigns that align with organizational goals, strengthen public awareness, and enhance the reputation of KCTCS.

Collaborate on systemwide messaging
Collaborate with communication and marketing staff across the 16 KCTCS colleges to align messaging, share resources, and promote coordinated systemwide initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years of relevant experience or equivalent.  

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years of relevant experience or equivalent.

Additional Skills Requested:

Communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related degree.

• Proficiency in Associated Press (AP) style and professional writing standards.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools, including social media management platforms, content management systems (CMS), and email marketing software.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with internal teams, college representatives, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with basic graphic design and media tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar software) preferred.

Key Responsibilities of the position:
• Develop, write, and distribute press releases, media advisories, and feature stories to promote institutional initiatives, events, and student success stories.
• Serve as a point of contact for media inquiries and proactively cultivate positive media relationships across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
• Assist in managing the college system's public image, ensuring consistent messaging across all communication channels.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare regular reports on public sentiment, media impressions, and communication outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal departments to identify story opportunities and align messaging with institutional priorities.
• Coordinate press conferences, media interviews, and public events involving media coverage.
• Draft speeches, talking points, and public statements for college leadership.
• Support crisis communications and emergency response messaging under the direction of the Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
• Maintain a comprehensive media contact database and track media interactions.
• Assist with the development and execution of social media strategies in coordination with the digital communications team.

Employee Rights - Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Equal Opportunity Employer - The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.