Coast Community College District

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Interim, District Director, Public Affairs and Marketing

Job# DM-003-25

Salary: $131,412.00 - $174,646.00 Annually

Deadline: 7/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Full job description and OFFICIAL application available ONLY at: http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=304151

This is an open until filled position. However, interested, qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by the review date of July 7, 2025. Applicants who apply after July 7, 2025 will be held for a second review, as needed.

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.

Coast Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Details

Interim, District Director, Public Affairs and Marketing

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