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Cuyahoga Community College · 4 weeks ago

Director, Community Relations & Strategic Initiatives

Parma, OH

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$75K/yr - $80K/yr

6+ years exp

Cuyahoga Community College is a prominent educational institution in Northeast Ohio, seeking a Director of Community Relations and Strategic Initiatives. This strategic leader will be responsible for building partnerships with community stakeholders, aligning initiatives with institutional goals, and enhancing the College's impact in the service area.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Diversity & Inclusion

Responsibilities

Develops and leads a campus-specific community engagement and impact plan aligned with institutional priorities, which includes devising robust models for tracking and analyzing partnership quality and quantity that will inform decision making

Cultivates strategic relationships with leaders in business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors as a trusted leader of the college

Represents the Campus President in high-level engagements with public officials and executive leaders along with community events and on boards to advance institutional visibility and trust

Leads cross-functional initiatives that support the Campus President’s strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with division (e.g., Academic Affairs, Governmental Relations, Workforce, Foundation) and College-wide goals

Independently identifies, evaluates, and activates external opportunities (e.g., grants, pilots, community projects) that benefit students and stakeholders aligned with the college’s mission and strategic plan objectives

Facilitates partnerships between community entities and relevant campus personnel (e.g., student and faculty engagement in community-based initiatives, creating opportunities for service learning, civic engagement, and local impact)

Leads campus participation in community coalitions, partnerships, and advisory councils that align with the College’s mission and promote equitable access to education and workforce development

Oversees the planning and execution of signature campus engagements, including listening tours, college-hosted community events, and strategic convenings

Produces strategic briefings, talking points, presentations, and post-event syntheses on behalf of the Campus President

Develops and distributes written communications, including newsletters and recognition correspondence (e.g., thank you, congratulatory notes)

Actively monitors and reports on emerging trends, opportunities, and community needs impacting the campus and surrounding region

Builds and manages a comprehensive stakeholder database, tracking engagements, partnership outcomes, and follow-up actions to ensure strategic continuity and relationship stewardship

Advises the Campus President and leadership team on matters of community perception, reputation management, and public affairs strategy

Assesses and reports on the effectiveness of community engagement strategies, using key performance indicators, feedback mechanisms, and partner surveys to measure institutional impact

Manages and tracks budgets pertaining to strategic community focused initiatives

Promotes awareness of campus programming and resources within the community through targeted outreach efforts, collaborations, and communications

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Community relationsStrategic initiativesCross-functional leadershipStakeholder engagementPublic relationsMicrosoft Office SuitePolitical acumenCommunicationOrganizational skillsTime managementCollaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree required. + Significant related experience may substitute for education

Minimum of six years of experience with community relationships in the Northeast Ohio area

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and represent executive leadership in public settings

Possess working knowledge of community relations concepts, practices, and procedures, with the ability to apply them in a community college setting and varying situations

Ability to travel within the region (Northeast Ohio)

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Strong organizational and time-management abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy

Ability to prioritize/handle multiple tasks and work with deadlines in a dynamic environment

Demonstrated strategic thinking, political acumen, and professional discretion

Ability to work collaboratively across divisions and with external partners

Possess excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop and sustain productive relationships

Experience analyzing and responding to community, political, and educational trends

Ability to independently set goals and determine the best course of action to achieve desired results

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed

Ability to confidentially and discreetly handle subject matters requiring privacy and sensitivity