Communications Specialist

JOB TITLE: Communications Specialist

REPORTS TO: Lead Communications Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Community Relations

EXEMPT:Yes

VICE PRESIDENT: VP of Student Services

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE FUNCTION

All Hinds Community College employees must commit to the Caring Campus approach to student engagement and daily apply these general behavioral objectives: listen to student questions and concerns with a positive attitude and make meaningful connections with students.

The Communications Specialist will possess outstanding telephone skills and will be comfortable communicating with internal and external customers with daily use of administrative software such as Navigator two-way texting SignalVine and other enterprise applications. The candidate will be knowledgeable of all components of the college and will exhibit superior customer service skills in all functions. This position requires someone with an outgoing and positive attitude multi-tasking ability excellent problem-solving capabilities and ability to work a flexible schedule. This position reports directly to the Director of Strategic Communications.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To be successful in this role the individual will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills with meticulous attention to detail. Proficiency in using communication tools and web-based platforms. Must have sound knowledge of college admissions processes financial aid requirements and student services. Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Commitment to upholding professional standards and college policies.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution.

• Work experience in a communications center setting preferred

• Demonstrated proficiency with computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite; type a minimum of 40 words per minute.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Customer Service experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Provide exemplary customer service by promptly responding to phone calls and addressing inquiries related to admissions financial aid business services registration and other college services.

• Handle challenging customer interactions with professionalism and empathy reflecting positively on the colleges reputation.

• Collaborate efficiently with colleagues to optimize workflow and maintain high service standards.

• Foster cohesive relationships with various departments to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.

• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with other employees.

• Use multi-tasking skills to prioritize call transfers taking messages callbacks hold interruptions and unintentional disconnects.

• Maintain an extensive knowledge base of the institution to provide accurate information about admission or financial aid requirements student accounts and other general information related to college policies and procedures.

• Assist callers with web-based services before leveling them up to a different department.

• Monitor Live Chat shared email inboxes and Hubspot inquiries. Respond to questions ensuring responses are appropriate in terms of grammar tone professionalism timeliness etc.

• Communicate and work cohesively with other departments as needed.

• Be familiar with and abide by the HCC Policies and Procedures Manual College Catalog and the Student Handbook.

• Adhere to college policies and educational privacy regulations (e.g. FERPA) to protect student information and confidentiality.

• Demonstrate flexibility in working hours including evenings weekends and holidays as required.

• Perform other duties that are implied related and/or recommended by the Lead Communications Specialist.

• Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintain knowledge of diversity-related issues legislation and best practices.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to use hand to finger handle or feel objects tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand walk sit taste and smell. The employee is frequently required to sit.

The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop kneel crouch or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those

an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and the employee is occasionally required to perform job responsibilities in the outdoors and off site.

We promote a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects individual strengths ideas and capabilities. We believe that our differences enable us to make better decisions drive innovation and deliver better results.

Mission

Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose passion and profession.

Vision

Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.

Values

Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS:

• Integrity

• Diversity

• Excellence

• Accountability

• Leadership

• Stewardship

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin religion sex age disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. We recognize our responsibility to provide an open and welcoming environment that fosters a culture of diversity equity and inclusion for employees and students to collaboratively learn work and serve our communities.

The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding these policies:

EEOC Compliance: The Office of Human Resources Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: or Email:

Title IX: Associate Vice President Student Services Title IX Coordinator Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: or Email: