**Position Title:** Communications Specialist **Job Description:** **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 Bachelor's 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 college's 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:** Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3458 or Email: EEOC@hindscc.edu . **Title IX** : Associate Vice President Student Services, Title IX Coordinator Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601-857-3353 or Email: TitleIX@hindscc.edu . **Full Time/Part Time:** Full time **Position Type:** 12 Month 260 Days **Job Classification:** Community Relations **Scheduled Hours:** 40