Responsibilities

• Provides strategic assistance and advises the President and other college leaders regarding communications, marketing, community relations, and government relations. Contributes to institutional mission, vision, values, and policy development. Serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet.
• Oversees the strategic development and implementation of a comprehensive, research-driven, results-oriented communications and marketing strategy that supports the college’s strategic plan, brand, and enrollment and advancement goals.
• Serves as the college’s official spokesperson, leading media relations and representing the institution on internal and external matters, including community, legislative, crisis, and issues impacting the college’s public image.
• Oversees integrated marketing, branding, and digital communications (web, social media, print, video) to ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all channels and audiences.
• Responds to and resolves citizen inquiries and complaints, including editorials in media.
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws and policies related to public records, public information, and government relations. Acts as the custodian of public records in researching and responding to requests for public records.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of current laws, pending legislation, and related information in matters pertaining to communications, marketing, public and government relations that may directly or indirectly impact the college and provides recommendations to the President and other college leaders.
• Leads the college's local, state, and federal government relations strategy, serving as a primary liaison to elected officials and agencies. Maintains close contact with and gathers information from appropriate community and governmental entities.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with community, business, industry, K-12, and higher education partners to advance the college's role in regional economic and workforce development. Maintains a strong presence in Idaho’s five northern counties, representing and promoting the college to external groups and organizations.
• Oversees development of speeches, remarks, presentations, and key messages for the President and other leaders; plans and executes major announcements, press events, and high-visibility activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the scope of the position, Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible upper-management experience in community relations, marketing, governmental relations, public relations and/or public administration; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in higher education or the public sector is preferred.
• Knowledge of communications, marketing, and public relations principles and strategies that support institutional visibility and reputation.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal government relations processes and public policy environments.
• Knowledge and understanding of higher education operations and the role of community colleges in serving students, workforce, and community needs.
• Strong skills in developing and delivering clear, concise, and effective written and oral communications for diverse audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to communicate diplomatically and build collaborative relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to speak and write persuasively on a wide range of topics.
• Ability to prepare clear and well-organized documents such as briefings, reports, talking points, and presentations. Ability to analyze complex information, think critically, and evaluate alternative courses of action when developing solutions.
• Ability to facilitate dialogue, gather input, and navigate differing perspectives toward constructive outcomes. Ability to travel occasionally by car and plane within the region and periodically out of state.
• Proficient skills in the use of personal computers and applications, including MS Office, and current digital communication tools and platforms, including social media and web content management.

Preferred

• Master’s degree preferred.