Director of Communications and Community Relations

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.

Distinguishing Characteristics N / A Examples of Duties / Essential Functions Duties / essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following :

• 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 (, 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 (, 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 (, 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.

Activities shall include reviewing pending legislation, legal mandates, regulations and guidelines which may affect District programs, plans, functions, and activities.

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.

Minimum Qualification-Education / Experience 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-Knowledge Of N / A Minimum Qualification-Skill To N / A Minimum Qualification-Ability To Sensitivity to and understanding of diversity in the workplace and educational environment.

Desirable Qualifications N?A Job Open Date : 10 / 21 / 2024 Job Close Date : Open Until Filled Yes Foreign Degree and Credit Statement : In accordance with the Human Resources Procedure , 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 prior to the implementation of the equivalency process.

You must upload your evaluation with your application when you apply for this position to be considered. We cannot accept foreign degree evaluations after the closing date.

The candidate bears all responsibility and costs associated with obtaining the evaluation. Employee Benefits : Insurance : 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.

Retirement : Most employees are members of the PERS (Public Employees Retirement System). Faculty employees and Academic Managers are members of the STRS (State Teachers Retirement System).

Police Service employers are members of Safety Public Employees Retirement System.

Deferred Compensation : The District offers two optional deferred compensation plans. Eligible employees have a choice of the 457, 403b plans and a selection of savings and investment options.

Leave Allowance : The District offers monthly eligible classified employees and managers / supervisors a generous vacation and sick leave benefits as well as 20 paid holidays annually (which can vary based on length of winter break).

Additional Benefits : The District also offers monthly eligible classified employees and managers / supervisors educational reimbursements, employee assistance programs, a travel assistance plan, longevity compensation, retiree benefits, employee discounts on health memberships and a comprehensive wellness program.

Newly hired employees may notify the respective union (Local 1 or United Faculty) if they opt to join and / or authorize payment to the union.

If the newly hired employee authorizes payment to the union then the following fees apply : Local 1 has a one-time initiation fee of $ and monthly contribution of 1% of gross pay +$1.

United Faculty has an agency fee of .55% of gross pay plus $ (All confidential, supervisory and management positions are exempt from union membership)