Director of Communications and Community Relations

Director of Communications and Community Relations Join Our Mission To Transform Lives NOTE: New employees will be placed at the first step which is $152,856 per year, second step $160,596 per year or third step at $168,720 per year (depending upon experience). Based on current salary placement guidelines, all step increases for which an employee becomes eligible shall take place on July 1st of each fiscal year. These increases will occur, on annual basis, until the maximum step of $186,240 per year is reached on the salary schedule. Application First Review: 11/18/24 Our Vision for Social Justice: We are seeking people who recognize the critical role community colleges play in social justice, who have ability in this space, enthusiasm for this work, ideas and vision to improve our approaches, and a commitment to achieving equitable academic success for the 50,000+ students attending our five beautiful colleges and centers. Our social justice work calls for employees who have a sense of social responsibility, interest in our community and world in which we live. The intention of social justice work is to strengthen humanity by understanding that every person deserves the benefits of fully participating in our society and institutions. Academic researchers have illustrated that crucial social justice principles are a compilation of equality, equity, diversity, inclusion, engagement, environmental sustainability and human rights. These complex principles are challenging to operationalize in higher education; yet we are steadfast in our diligence to forge ahead to advance this vital mission. Community colleges are uniquely positioned to lead higher education in the work of social justice. Many of our students come from historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, students of color, students with recent immigrant histories, students from cycles of low income if not poverty, students from indigenous communities, and students from first-generation families. If you are committed to social and racial justice and if you are interested in joining a community dedicated to solving these inequities through education, please apply. Position Definition: This position serves as the district’s key public relations expert and is responsible to manage public and government relations, marketing, media issues, political matters, and external affairs as well as internal communications initiatives. Examples of Duties/Essential Functions: Advises the Chancellor, Cabinet, College Presidents, and Governing Board on public relations and political issues for the District. Attends and supports a variety of meetings (e.g., monthly Governing Board meetings, District retreats, community events, evening meetings, etc.), facilitates meetings and ensures transparency of District public information. Compiles data from a wide variety of sources (e.g., community groups, media, Board, staff/departments, etc.) for the purpose of analyzing issues, ensuring compliance with organization policies and procedures, and/or monitoring program components and developing internal/external communications materials. Organizes events with the community to maintain and build collaborative partnerships that contribute to District goals and objectives. Prepares a wide variety of complex documents and written or electronic materials (e.g., press releases, newsletters, service guides, annual reports, budgets summaries, materials for the Chancellor and Governing Board, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and issues, conveying information, meeting compliance requirements, and/or providing support materials. Develops and implements a government relations public affairs strategy that provides advocacy opportunities for internal and external communications and legislative support to meet key objectives. Serves as the District’s chief spokesperson and coordinates all media relations for the District the colleges working with media. Prepares news releases, news conferences, speeches and proposes story ideas. Works collaboratively with the leadership and colleges to formulate a unified message to enhance the district’s reputation among key audiences. In conjunction with the colleges, develops and coordinates Districtwide marketing plans to achieve organizational mission and goals. Oversees Districtwide marketing, advertising, and production of promotional materials. Ensures that Districtwide advertising is effective, efficient, and maintains its reputation/brand. Evaluates market reaction to public relations activities to ensure timely strategic responses to meet changing conditions. Monitors the accuracy and effectiveness of internal information, marketing and government relations and community relations programs to ensure the programs of the District and the colleges are in alignment. Develop strategies to effectively manage public information about the District and the colleges to the region, state, and nation. Ensures continuous improvement of government relations, public affairs and public relations services through. Re-engineering, organizational change management, new technology solutions, assessment of best practices, and feedback from internal users and external customers to increase productivity and effectiveness. Provides expertise and assistance to ensure effectiveness of government relations, public affairs and public relations staff at the District and at the colleges. Promotes a work culture of customer service, innovation, and quality services to students, staff, and the community. Periodically convenes marketing and public information staff in the District to ensure effective communications and continuity. Complies with all District, county, state, and federal requirements including preparation of timely and accurate reports for internal and external entities. Coordinates special events aimed at the advancement of District goals and assists in the pursuit of public and private fundraising goals. Develops and maintains contacts with college colleagues, media representatives, community leaders, business executives and government officials. Proactively manages crisis communications. Represents the District at public events, presentations, meetings, and governmental committees as assigned by the Chancellor. Performs other duties assigned. EDUCATION / TRAINING: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, journalism, public policy, communications, marketing or related field. EXPERIENCE: Five years of management experience directing public relations work in a public or private agency. Minimum Qualification-Ability To: Sensitivity to and understanding of diversity in the workplace and educational environment. Job Open Date: 10/21/2024 Job Close Date: Open Until Filled Foreign Degree and Credit Statement: In accordance with the Human Resources Procedure 3050.05, all foreign degrees and credits used to meet the minimum qualifications must be evaluated by an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) agency www.naces.org prior to the implementation of the equivalency process. Employee Benefits: The District offers health, vision, dental and life insurance for monthly classified employees and managers/supervisors and their eligible dependents. Monthly classified employees and managers/supervisors covered by another health medical plan may waive District coverage and receive a monthly cash stipend. #J-18808-Ljbffr