Interim, District Director, Public Affairs and Marketing

Definition

(ON-SITE - In-Person Position) About Coast Community College District

Coast Community College District is a multi-community college district comprised of Coastline Community College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College. The District Grants and Educational Services Department in the Educational Services and Technology Division provides leadership, oversight, and support for grant development, management, reporting, and compliance, and support for instructional programs and services district-wide. The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, career and technical education, adult education, and community services. The District enrolls close to 50,000 students annually in more than 300 degree and certificate programs. The District Office is located in Costa Mesa, just minutes from Southern California's beautiful beaches. Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, Coast Community College District plays a significant role in the community by responding to the needs of a changing and diverse population.

Summary

Plans, organizes and directs strategic communications, marketing, and outreach for the community college district. Plans, develops strategies, manages, and advocates for the District with internal and external relations, media relations, community outreach, and the marketing of services. Serves the Chancellor and Board of Trustees as the top public information and media communications professional and advisor. Serves as spokesperson for the District.

Distinguishing Career Features

The District Director, Public Affairs and Marketing, is responsible for directing, coordinating, and achieving the District’s community relations and public information goals. Additionally, the District Director integrates outreach and communications efforts to engage the public, government agencies, and the media, enhancing Coast Community College District awareness within District boundaries, Orange County, and the California community college system This role requires significant skill and experience in mobilizing and managing efforts to support and advocate for priorities established by the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees. The District Director is a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and crisis communication team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Specific duties may vary among departments, divisions and jobs. Incumbents typically perform a substantial portion or all of the following kinds of duties, as assigned:

1. Plans, facilitates, and implements comprehensive communications strategies and programs and manages internal and external communications.

2. Plans, organizes, and directs the work of Public Affairs and Marketing, coordinating and implementing measures to engage with the community, businesses, and local governments for the benefit of District goals and initiatives; and proactively addresses public affairs and information.

3. Develops and implements comprehensive public information strategies to educate the community about the purpose, benefits, and impacts of the facilities master plan and to promote the success of previous general obligations bonds.

4. Advises the Chancellor and other administrators on issues related to communications (e.g., internal communications, external communications, marketing, traditional and new media relations, constituency correspondence) by producing, writing, editing, and preparing

information and materials for public consumption.

5. Collaborates with District leadership, legal counsel, and consultants as needed to ensure communications regarding bond measures comply with applicable regulations.

6. Assists and advises in communications on sensitive public issues in order to appropriately position the District with the media and general public.

7. Directs public information and media relations activities, including personal contact with media, preparation and distribution of press releases and other written communications, and providing appropriate responses to media inquiries.

8. Directs the preparation and review of communication materials that interpret the District to its internal and external publics. Coordinates information gathering from the District and its colleges for use in preparation of news releases, and other materials, including fact sheets, brochures, articles, reports, advertising, social media, and video.

9. Develops and executes District marketing efforts, including the development and production of a wide variety of communications and informational resources and materials, including web content, fact sheets, press releases, brochures, articles, reports, advertising initiatives, social media content, and other digital media products. Manages the District’s informational website and digital presence, ensuring that all content is timely, accurate, accessible, and effectively conveys key messages.

10. Serves as a spokesperson for the District at all times, including during bond campaigns, responding to media inquiries, organizing press events, and delivering informational presentations to community groups. Coordinates public outreach efforts related to bond campaigns and monitors public sentiment and media coverage and adjusts communication strategies as needed.

11. Serves as a first point of media contact for occurrences and incidents. Works in collaboration with District Public Safety personnel to communicate with the public in a way that conveys positive messages.

12. Plans, organizes, and executes events that support the role of the District and the District Office.

13. Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.

14. Required to abide by all District policies and procedures including Board Policy 3050 – Code of Professional Ethics.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

1. The position requires professional knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of public information, public relations and community outreach programs.

2. Requires considerable specialization in marketing communications and public information.

3. Requires considerable knowledge of media relations.

4. Requires considerable knowledge of methods used for student recruitment and retention.

5. Requires knowledge of the principles and practices of promoting higher education, including fee-based services.

6. Requires knowledge of departmental and project budgeting techniques and financial management.

7. Requires working knowledge of the principles of management and supervision, including performance measurement.

8. Requires skill at using a computer and peripheral office equipment for personal use and presentations. This includes software applications for spreadsheets, word processing, database management, and specialized packages/applications.

9. Requires advanced written and oral language and human relations skills to influence internal and external customers, make formal presentations, conduct training, and to manage the performance of others.

10. Requires sufficient math skills to perform business financial calculations and statistical analysis.

11. Requires advanced human relations skill to adapt to diverse personalities and styles, establish harmony and cooperation with work teams inside and outside the District,

facilitate group discussions, make formal presentations, apply strategy in discussions, and carry out complex negotiations.

Abilities

1. Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position.

2. Requires the ability to develop and implement annual goals and objectives for a function and specific programs and promotions.

3. Requires the ability to learn and apply applicable requirements of the education code and College policies.

4. Requires the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with college staff, community members, media representatives and co-workers.

5. Requires the ability to direct and prepare news releases and other materials.

6. Requires the ability to demonstrate sound judgement and creativity in the application and interpretation of events, situations, rules and regulations.

7. Requires the ability to write in a variety of styles, including professional reports, print media, broadcast media, social media, and online.

8. Requires the ability to proofread and edit accurately, and compile presentation-quality reports.

9. Must be able to train and provide direction to others and to organize and manage multiple projects.

10. Requires the ability to work flexible hours as the job requires, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Abilities

1. The general physical demands, working conditions, and essential job functions associated with this classification will be kept on file with the Office of Human Resources.

2. Essential functions will vary by position.

3. As defined by Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”), the District shall engage in a timely, good faith interactive process with employees or employment applicants who are requesting or are in need of reasonable accommodations and, provide reasonable accommodations for employees or employment applicants who, because of their disability, are limited in or unable to perform one or more of the essential functions of their job in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

Education and Experience

The position typically requires a Master’s degree in communications, journalism, business with a marketing concentration, or related discipline and six years of progressive experience in journalism, media, corporate communications, marketing communications, or community relations. A Bachelor’s degree and eight years of experience may be accepted. Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required equivalent qualifications for the position.

Licenses and Certificates

Requires a valid driver license.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors where minimal safety considerations exist.

This job description describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, work steps, and skills required of the job.

Note: D.E.I.A. - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism

The Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College, Golden West College, and Coastline) continues to strengthen our efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and anti-racism. The Coast Community College District is focused on creating a culture of inclusive excellence by uplifting employees and students through an environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. We have a strong focus and importance on D.E.I.A. and Anti-Racism (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) and will be actively listening, assessing, and evaluating this throughout each stage of the application, recruitment, and interview process.

Conditions of Employment

Note: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

This is an 2 year interim, grant/categorically funded, full-time, 12-months per year classified management position. The District reserves the right to extend, modify, or eliminate this position based upon available funds. The normal hours of work will be Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the flexibility to occasionally work extended hours and/or weekends, if necessary, to meet the department's needs. The effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor. The District provides medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and eligible dependents and life insurance for the employee. (Salary Schedule: DG-9)

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment. The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910 ) The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Pay Philosophy:

Coast Community College District, through policies, practices, and other benefit programs, delivers a fair and equitable total compensation program that promotes equal employment opportunity, inclusion, and workforce vitality. In general, it is the policy of the District to place new employees at the first step of the salary grade. All movement on the salary schedule will occur July 1 of each year for all classified employees.

Application Requirements:

Application materials must be electronically submitted online at to be considered for employment.

Incomplete applications, application materials submitted by mail, and documents not requested in the job announcement will not be considered. Please note that the district does not return materials submitted in the application process (copies of original supporting documents are acceptable).

A complete application packet includes:

A complete Coast Community College District Online Employment Application.

Responses to Supplemental Questions (please provide clear and detailed responses, as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, put "see resume" or "N/A", or leave blank).

A Cover Letter highlighting your experiences relevant to this position and addressing the minimum and essential qualifications, including your demonstrated evidence of D.E.I.A. (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access). (upload as a separate attachment - PDF recommended).

A Current Resume of professional and educational background and experience (upload as a separate attachment - PDF recommended).

Submit an application online at:

Coast Community College District – Human Resources

1370 Adams Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Individuals who need reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA should notify the Human Resources Office for assistance or call .

*Note: We have a strong focus and importance on D.E.I.A. and Anti-Racism (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) and will be actively listening, assessing, and evaluating this throughout each stage of the application, recruitment, and interview process.

Submission of all required application information and materials is the responsibility of the applicant. All application materials become the property of the Coast Community College District and will NOT be copied or returned. To ensure consistency and fairness to all applicants, please do not submit materials in addition to those requested. Additional materials will not be considered or returned. Be sure to complete all questions and sections of the application. If you do not know an answer, please indicate so, but do not leave any space blank.

All applications will be screened under a process of utmost confidentiality by a committee of representatives from the college community. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.

Any documents that you are unable to attach can be emailed to Emails must clearly indicate the job you are applying to and your full name.

Additional