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Communications Director

Community Colleges of Spokane
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SALARY: $65,202.00 Annually

OPENING DATE: 02/11/21 

CLOSING DATE: 03/08/21 04:00 PM 

DESCRIPTION:
Please be aware that this recruitment closes at 4:00 p.m. PST. The application process will not be available after this time. To ensure consideration make sure your application is completed and submitted as soon as possible. Applications will only be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. on the closing date.

The Community Colleges of Spokane is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Communications Director in the District Marketing and Public Relations Division. 

GENERAL DEFINITION
The Communications Director is a hands-on leader for strategic communications, media relations and website continuous improvement under the direction of the Chief Institutional Advancement & External Affairs Officer (CIAEAO). This dynamic role is responsible for the management and implementation of strategic communications through traditional and emerging channels to promote district and college initiatives, programs and services in support of enrollment and other specific goals. The Communications Director assists administrators with external and internal communications, develops strong media relationships, creates innovative communication tools and techniques and implements crisis communication plans when emergencies arise.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Continually track college and district news and activities to find compelling stories and promote news media coverage and social media exposure, seeking innovative ways to share information about the Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS). Work directly with college and district leaders to write news releases and ensure information is accurate and presented in a professional manner appropriate for each communications channel, i.e., traditional, social, new or emerging media. *
  • Actively develop and maintain professional relationships with area news media and CCS communications partners. Serve as the CCS resource on news media deadlines, preparation for news interviews, assistance during news coverage and be the primary author of press releases. *
  • Assist CCS administrators with external and internal communications. Determine and recommend appropriate communications channels for distribution of messages. Prepare speeches, award nominations, presentations and other materials as requested by CCS chancellor and members of Executive Cabinet. *
  • Produce weekly CCS employee e-newsletter, cultivating content from across CCS. *
  • Promote and support a teaching, learning and working environment in all communications that fosters understanding, increases awareness of diverse groups, raises consciousness of identity and enhances diversity. Collaborate with stakeholders including college departments, student organizations, campus and district committees, student government and community resources to enrich diversity at CCS. Stay current with State diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) communication best practices to ensure legal compliance and alignment with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) DEI efforts. *
  • Serve as a key member of the CCS emergency communications team, sending emergency alerts, developing crisis communications plans in collaboration with the CIAEAO, following Incident Command protocol and CCS emergency communications procedures. *
  • Lead the CCS marketing/communications web content and design team to ensure all external CCS, SFCC and SCC websites are managed with a continuous improvement approach, following user-centered design, aligning with CCS brand and style standards and maintaining a fresh approach and accurate content. Assign work to this team, perform web content changes, manage the website work group and serve as a key conduit with the Information Technology Division. *
  • Develop and manage contracts and budgets for professional services such as photography, videography or other services and products as needed following all state and CCS financial, purchasing, ethics and labor regulations. Cultivate community resources to remain aware of area service providers. Oversee staff assigned to videography and photography in the event there are staff performing those duties instead of contractors. *
  • Oversee staff assigned to manage and maintain CCS social media accounts, encouraging innovation and relevancy as well as the adaptation to new and emerging social media platforms. Consistently learn about, evaluate and use new communications and create social media posts as needed. *
  • Adhere to classified contracts and all district rules and regulations ensuring efficient operations. *
  • Motivate, educate and inspire staff to meet or exceed performance expectations, encourage creativity and high production, provide timely and accurate feedback regarding performance, and ensure performance and behavioral problems are corrected promptly and effectively. *
  • Actively collaborate with the Marketing and Graphics Director in development of marketing and public relations campaigns, paid media, recruitment materials and other ongoing marketing efforts. Assist in gathering information and collaborating with college stakeholders in development marketing and public relations materials *
  • Support and advance the CCS strategic plan, and perform related duties as required. *
* Indicates this is an essential duty. 

COMPETENCIES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS)
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or another closely related field from an accredited institution. Or an equivalent mix of education and experience that demonstrates the candidate meets all competency requirements for this position.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proofreading and editing.
  • Experience fielding news reporters’ requests, answering tough questions, meeting their deadlines and pitching stories.
  • Experience in news and feature story writing, marketing communications and public relations. 
  • Demonstrated experience in broad social media platform use, strategies, writing and management, especially for an organization or business.
  • Experience in managing web content to meet strategic needs, web content writing and using web content management systems.
  • Strong conflict resolution, collaboration and team building skills.
  • Proficiency planning and managing communications strategies in a full range of channels including social media, text, email, web, print and broadcast.
  • Ability to multitask and meet deadlines under pressure while paying attention to detail.
  • Acceptance of the responsibility to promote the welfare and best interests of students at all times.
  • A demonstrable understanding and acceptance of the mission, values, goals and objectives of CCS.
  • The ability to perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and goals of the institution, community and technical college system.
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering and supporting a teaching, learning and working environment that honors diversity, equity and inclusion.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES (DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS)
  • Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. 
  • Experience working in a higher education marketing and public relations setting.
  • Experience in crisis communications and crisis management, especially experience in the incident command structure.
  • Understanding of the role of community college and the populations CCS serves.
  • Experience working as a news reporter or editor.
  • Experience in leading communications and public relations for a complex organization.
  • Proficient with Associated Press style.

CONDITIONS/TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
* TOTAL COMPENSATION:  $87,351 - $90,672. 
Total compensation is an estimate based upon adding the following amounts together:
  • Base compensation, plus
  • Current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates, plus
  • Median retirement fund contributions. 
The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. This is an absolute condition of employment. An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H1-B visa. In addition, the Community Colleges of Spokane maintains a drug-free work environment and prohibits all smoking in the college buildings and state-owned vehicles. Must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. Once an applicant is chosen for an interview, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Work is performed in a normal, temperature-controlled office environment.
  • Frequent use of computer and exposure to terminal screens.
  • Visual focus and strain.
  • Work directly with students/clients.
  • Frequent repetitive hand/wrist motions and finger manipulation.
  • Frequent oral and auditory communication with others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • Contract 12-month position.
  • Position is exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
  • Ability to travel locally as well as occasional out-of-town travel. If using personal vehicle for travel proof of driver’s license and car insurance required.
  • Criminal background check required.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:
To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet required competencies and submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:
  • CCS online application.
  • Cover letter addressing your qualifications as applied to the responsibilities of this position. *
  • Comprehensive resume. *
  • Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references.*
  • College transcript(s) if applicable - unofficial/copies of transcripts are acceptable for initial application, official copies must be submitted upon acceptance of job offer.
NOTE: All of the above are required to ensure your consideration for this position. The item(s) marked with an asterisk are required attachments to your application prior to submission.
 
Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate in its programs, activities and employment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, parental status or families with children, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, AIDS/HIV or hepatitis C, honorably discharged veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, use of trained guide dog or service animal by a person with disability, genetic information or any other legally protected category. Please direct all inquiries regarding compliance with access, equal opportunity and/or grievances to the Chief Administration Officer, Community Colleges of Spokane, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., PO Box 6000, MS 1004, Spokane WA 99217-6000 or call 509-434-5037; WA Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS) 1-800-833-6384 or 7-1-1.