Inside Higher Ed · 1 week ago
Director, Communication and Community Relations (CC) (Ridgecrest)
Ridgecrest, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$122K/yr - $172K/yr
5+ years expInside Higher Ed is seeking a Director of Communication and Community Relations for Kern Community College District. The role involves implementing public relations strategies, fostering community relationships, and overseeing communication efforts to advance the College's goals.
Digital MediaEducationHigher EducationJournalismRecruiting
No H1B
Responsibilities
Facilitate community relationships, through the office of the president, with businesses, industry partners, and non-profit organizations to advance the missions of the college in all of the communities the college serves
Serve as key point of contact for neighboring businesses, institutions, residents and others in college served communities. Initiate and support opportunities for them to be engaged in college/campus life, engage them in college/campus issues or changes affecting them, and partner in addressing concerns
Engage with employee groups, students, and the public to obtain information for publication and promotion; collaborate with administrators in the development and implementation of promotional and public relations goals, objectives, strategies, timelines and priorities; attend, photograph and report on College-related events and activities
Provide guidance to campus executives on communication, community relations and marketing issues. Compose, develop, and prepare oral and written communications for the campus leadership; confer with the President regarding communications in response to media relations needs
Compose, develop and prepare for the dissemination of speeches, correspondence, talking points, announcements, and other oral and written communications for the President; confer with the President regarding and adjust communications in response to public relations needs; provide technical assistance to the President regarding public relations strategies, needs, and issues
Serve as liaison to the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation, working jointly to promote community relationships in all of the locations served
Develop, implement, and maintain the College Communication Plan and establish and maintain internal and external communication networks for the College
Coordinate crisis communications and participate in campus safety planning efforts
Determine the need for general campus and specific program marketing; create and initiate marketing and promotional campaigns to meet the needs of the general campus and specific programs
Coordinate crisis communications and participate in campus safety planning efforts
Act as campus spokesperson and coordinate various campus experts to speak with the news media
Supervise Web, Graphics, and Media Relations staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; making hiring/ termination, and disciplinary recommendations
Provide direct supervision and evaluation of personnel in the Print Shop, ensuring accurate and quick completion of design and print jobs for various college divisions and departments
In coordination with the Vice President, Student Services, and Vice President, Instruction, supervise the design, preparation, content development and distribution of all campus publications, including the Course Catalog and Schedule of Classes
Participates in the planning and allocating of the departmental budget, which includes monitoring spending, approving purchases, reallocating funds, and monitoring blanket purchase orders
Develop and maintain good relationships with community media organizations
Create and distribute news releases to all appropriate media, act as the liaison between faculty, staff, and media, arrange news conferences, television and radio appearances, and news interviews
Manage college social media presence and effective use of social media tools for information dissemination and marketing
Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned by the President of the College
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university or equivalent, preferably in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field plus five years experience. Proof of significant experience in communication, community relations, marketing or media may be substituted for the degree requirement
Three years in directing media relations or community relations
A working knowledge of print and electronic media, ability to write and speak effectively, ability to work harmoniously with a wide variety of people, and have the knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the community colleges
Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of community college students and employees
Practices, methods and procedures involved in developing, implementing and conducting community relations, strategic communications, marketing and awareness activities
Practices and procedures involved in the preparation and dissemination of news and media releases
Community relations practices, procedures, techniques and terminology
Broad knowledge of social media tools and social media environments
Policies, goals and objectives of College operations, programs and activities
Principles, practices and techniques involved in the research, organization, composition and design of news releases, newsletters and informational materials
Methods of collecting and organizing data and information
Oral and written communication skills
Budget preparation and control
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
Operation of a computer, desktop publishing equipment and assigned software
Record-keeping and report preparation techniques
Public speaking techniques
Develop, implement, and conduct media relations, strategic communications, marketing and awareness activities to enhance community understanding of College objectives, services and activities
Compose, develop, and prepare for the dissemination of speeches, correspondence, talking points, announcements, and other oral and written communications for the President
Research, organize, compose, and design press releases, newsletters, and informational materials for distribution to the local news media and publication in the community
Engage with employee groups, students, and the public to obtain information for publication and promotion
Serve as a liaison and coordinate communications and information between the President, other administrators, personnel, print and broadcast media, and the public
Monitor legislature and activities affecting College operations and activities
Learn College organization, operations, policies and objectives
Prepare and deliver oral presentations
Operate a computer and assigned software
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
Work independently with little direction
Maintain records and prepare reports
Plan and organize work
Meet schedules and time lines
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Company
Inside Higher Ed
Inside Higher Ed is the online source for news, opinion, and jobs related to higher education.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
unknown2022-01-10Acquired
2006-08-31Series Unknown
Leadership Team
Stephanie Shweiki
Director, Foundation Partnerships
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