District Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

Responsibilities

• Execute comprehensive, integrated marketing communications campaigns aligned with institutional goals and mission, brand positioning and enrollment objectives. *
• Oversee the creation of content across multiple platforms including print, website, social media, digital and public relations channels with a focus on serving key audiences including prospective students, current students, Spokane Colleges employees and the community at large. Ensure creative alignment, message coordination and distribution of content according to schedules and budget. *
• Develop and implement internal and external communications strategies to enhance brand awareness, public image and awareness, and stakeholder trust. *
• Use media tools and public engagement initiatives to highlight institutional impact and success. *
• Direct public relations activities including media outreach, media inquiries and facilitating news interviews. Oversee news release preparation. Ensure compliance with institutional policy and procedures. *
• Develop and oversee competitive Request for Proposals/Requests for Qualifications (RFP/RFQ) processes and oversee contract management with outside vendors. *
• Lead the Spokane Colleges web content and design team to ensure all external websites provide an engaging, compelling and seamless user experience. Oversee the launch of the new Modern Campus Content Management System (CMS) on all Spokane Colleges external websites in 2027. *
• Oversee brand strategy, positioning and messaging across all channels, ensuring consistency and competitive differentiation. *
• Oversee use and compliance of Spokane Colleges brand guidelines across the institution. Enforce compliance when necessary. Revise and update brand guidelines when appropriate. *
• Lead the planning, execution and measurement of integrated marketing communications campaigns, including paid advertising, digital marketing, social media, website landing pages and community engagement initiatives. *

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in marketing, communications, public relations, business or a closely related field. Or an equivalent mix of education and experience that demonstrates the candidate meets all competency requirements for this position.
• Four or more years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, brand management, and/or strategic communications, including at least two to three years of supervisory or management experience leading staff, vendors, or cross-functional teams.
• Strong collaboration, conflict resolution and team building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to: - Develop and implement integrated strategic marketing and communication plans - Manage media relations and public information efforts - Lead content creation across digital, print, web, social, media and video platforms - Analyze metrics and use data to inform decisions - Maintain brand standards and organizational messaging - Manage websites to meet strategic needs and maximize user experience - Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse stakeholder groups - Manage teams of people including employees and committees - Manage budgets and contracts

Preferred

• Master’s degree/MBA preferred
• Professional certifications in public relations, marketing, communications or digital strategy
• Higher education experience
• Experience with complex website migration projects and content management systems (CMS)
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic advertising, media buying and paid digital marketing.
• Strong working knowledge and experience with SEO, AI and UX/UI.
• Crisis communication and crisis management experience, especially in Incident Command Structure (ICS).
• Experience with Request for Proposal (RFP) and/or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) processes.
• Advertising or public relations agency experience
• Proficient in Associated Press (AP) style.

Benefits

• Medical, dental life and long term disability insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under the Public Employees Benefits Board; TIAA retirement plan or WA State Dept. of Retirement Systems Pension Plan. Vacation leave accrues at the rate of 14.67 hours per month (22 days per year) and sick leave accrues at the rate of 8 hours per month, effective upon employment. (For positions that are less than full time, leave accruals will be prorated to the percentage of the position.