Chief Public Information and Government Relations Officer

Southwestern College

CHIEF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS OFFICER
12 MONTH, FULL-TIME, CLASSIFIED SUPERVISORY POSITION

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the administrative leadership and general direction of the Superintendent/President, plan, organize, direct, implement, and monitor the activities and operations of the District's Marketing, Communications, and Community & Governmental Relations Office. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Plan, organize, direct, implement, and monitor effective, proactive, and comprehensive marketing, communications, and community & governmental relations programs for the District; assume responsibility for conceptualizing, developing, and implementing a proactive, strategically-driven marketing, public relations, communications, and community outreach plan for the District; implement proactive public relations and communication strategies; provide leadership for maintaining the College District Master Calendar for events and performances, and coordinate related civic center functions; coordinate publishing the calendar both internally and externally on a regular basis to avoid conflicts with organizations and facilities; strategize for maximum exposure and identify campus publicity needs; ensure those needs are met for special events; assist the Superintendent/President in complex planning and coordination for receptions, community and media events which include VIPs; provide information coverage to community, college departments and district staff about public events, classes and other campus-related news items; develop and maintain an outreach/speaking schedule for administrators; develop, coordinate, and implement advertising campaigns and marketing programs; select contracted advertising agencies, public relations firms, and vendors and provide them with strategic direction to develop appropriate and cost-effective marketing campaigns; maintain a close working relationship with all contracted vendors; establish communication and rapport with partners and decision-makers at the local, state, and national levels as appropriate to further the goals of the District and to ensure the District interests are represented and supported whenever possible; attend regular meetings with representatives from Congress, US Senate, State Senate, State Assembly, and other local and regional officials; coordinate and secure community involvement and support for the District's efforts with governmental entities, civic organizations, and community groups or associations; produce daily press releases and regularly publish newsletters, brochures, and midyear and annual reports regarding people, events and activities; identify positive stories for publication through interaction with the college community and the community at large; create speeches, PowerPoint presentations, and other support materials for senior management when requested; prepare correspondences on behalf of institutional leadership to communicate with key constituents; edit/review material prepared by others for accuracy and appropriateness; conduct media relations in both English and Spanish and serve as official spokesperson for the District; initiate press contacts; respond to reporter inquiries and written informational survey requests; generate and issue press advisories and hold press conferences; maintain District credibility and image; communicate with District and public officials; respond appropriately to requests for speakers, tours, and other opportunities for participation in industry and community events; plan, coordinate, and implement special events; conduct a variety of studies and investigations; prepare a variety of statistical and narrative reports including governing board reports, Chancellor's Office reports, contracts, documents, and other materials; perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: MUST HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF:
Operations, services, and activities of a marketing, communications, and community & governmental relations program; principles and practices of program development and administration; principles, practices, methods, and procedures related to assigned functions including marketing, communications, and community and governmental relations principles and practices; principles and techniques of preparing, producing, and disseminating public information; principles of establishing and maintaining effective media and community relations, including professional standards and ethics; journalistic writing techniques and communication content analysis; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; methods and techniques of research, analysis, and decision making; principles and practices of fiscal, statistical, and administrative research and report preparation; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; English and Spanish oral and written communication techniques and skills; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; advanced oral and written communication skills; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.

MUST HAVE ABILITY TO: Design and implement organizational and strategic communications plans and programs that are in-line with institutional goals; analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments; analyze and evaluate marketing objectives, identify target audiences, and select and customize appropriate strategies and themes; identify and seize public relations opportunities; promote the District and advance its image and initiatives to targeted community, business and political constituents through strategic public relations, outreach and advocacy efforts; provide direction to District administrators on marketing, communications, and community & governmental relations issues; identify and respond to sensitive organizational issues, concerns, and needs; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; be a forward thinking leader who displays a high level of proficiency in newspaper and publication writing; prepare and present comprehensive, effective oral and written reports; write and edit clear, concise, accurate, and effective informational materials and feature stories for public distribution in both English and Spanish; communicate effectively with both the English and Spanish media; ability to use tact, diplomacy and creative initiative to achieve objectives and solve problems; work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse racial, ethnic, disabled, sexual orientation, and cultural populations of community college students; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in journalism, English, communications, marketing, business administration, or a related field, a Master’s degree in any of the above areas preferred; six years experience in public information, media relations, or a related management experience with documented writing experience; recent experience in a journalistic environment that includes reporting in newspapers, magazines, or journals; recent and extensive experience in writing and editing publications, information and promotional materials.

LICENSE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California driver’s license and a safe driving record. Must qualify for insurability by the District’s insurance carrier

DESIRED QUALIFICATION: Bilingual in English and Spanish

WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with some travel to different sites and locations; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside District boundaries and overnight as needed.
PHYSICAL: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
VISION: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
HEARING: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.


SALARY & BENEFITS:
R. 35, Step 1-9, $7,309.00 - $10,393.00 per month. An excellent benefits package which includes medical, vision, dental, retirement, vacation, generous sick leave package, and life insurance is available for the employee and eligible dependents. This position is a classified exempt position in accordance with the Fair Labor Standard Act and California Education Code Section 88020. The employee holding this position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

WORKING DAYS & HOURS:
Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Approximately). Work schedule may be adjusted to meet the needs of the office.

STARTING DATE:
As soon as the successful candidate is identified and following the subsequent governing board approval.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
All application materials must be received in the Human Resources Office. Position open until filled. Screening of applications begins 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2012; Extended deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2012 are guaranteed to be reviewed by the selection committee. Any application received after the deadline is not guaranteed a review.

FAXED MATERIALS AND E-MAILS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Submit the following application materials on-line at https://jobs.swccd.edu

1.)Letter of application (cover letter)
2.)On-line application
3.)Resume
4.)Two letters of recommendation dated within the past year
5.)Unofficial copies of college transcripts with date degree conferred
6.) Supplemental Questionnaire

Upon offer of employment, the successful applicant must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all application materials are received by the deadline date. A separate, complete application packet is required for each position for which you are applying for.

All materials included in your application packet become District property,
will not be returned, will not be copied, and will be considered for this opening only.
We reserve the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay or cancel filling this position. All materials included in your application packet become District property,
will not be returned, will not be copied, and will be considered for this opening only.


INTERVIEW TRAVEL COSTS MUST BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer and in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act,
Southwestern Community College District will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.






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