Washtenaw Community College - Chief External Affairs Officer

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Washtenaw Community College in its search for Chief External Affairs Officer.  

For full consideration, please apply by May 15, 2025. 
 
Join a leading community college in one of America's top college cities as the Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) at Washtenaw Community College. Reporting directly to the President, the CEAO is a strategic and dynamic leader who will play a pivotal role in advancing the College's mission through government relations, strategic communications, and community partnerships. As a key member of the President's executive leadership team, this is a unique opportunity to shape institutional strategy and direction toward meaningful impact in this vibrant college community.

This position is responsible for the College's overall strategy relating to government relations, brand awareness, public relations, reputation, marketing and communications. The CEAO leads the College's comprehensive strategy for engaging with local, state, and federal government entities, as well as community-based organizations and civic leaders. This role advances the College's interests by fostering relationships with elected officials, governmental agencies, nonprofit leaders, and key community stakeholders, advocating for policies, funding, and initiatives that support student success and community development.

The Chief External Affairs Officer understands the attitudes and concerns of the community, residents, students, special interest groups, and business organizations and uses that information to help the College position itself as a quality, comprehensive community college meeting the needs of current and prospective students, citizens and business sectors. This position is responsible for presentations, speeches and targeted correspondence from the President's Office and positions the President/College as an educational leader through various platforms, publications and media outlets. 

The Chief External Affairs Officer reports directly to the President and works collaboratively with the Chief of Staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
Government Relations 

• Lead the College's comprehensive strategy for engaging with local, state, and federal government entities
• Foster relationships with elected officials, governmental agencies, nonprofit leaders, and key community stakeholders
• Advocate for policies, funding, and initiatives that support student success and community development
• In collaboration with the Chief Philanthropy Officer and VP of Economic, Workforce and Community Development, direct the College's public information efforts for bond proposals and funding initiatives

Public Relations

• Serve as spokesperson and chief communications officer for the college for internal and external public relation issues
• Lead the College's communication strategies to ensure the best possible institutional image
• Lead and implement a crisis communications plan in collaboration with the Chief of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Communications

• Ensure utilization of effective communication tools strategically targeted to specific audiences
• Oversee management of events related to the President and President's Office
• Write speeches, articles and develop presentations on behalf of the College President
• Represent the President in the planning and distribution of College publications (On The Record, Launch, Annual Report, etc.). 
• Remain current on industry trends related to communications and digital marketing tools

Marketing

• Position the college for success in marketing a comprehensive brand, programs, and services
• Establish marketing and communication guidelines for credit and noncredit programs/services
• Monitor and respond to marketing and communication metrics and key performance indicators
• Lead the College's branding campaign through multimedia including radio, TV, billboards, print, podcasts, video, web and social media
• Host targeted events to enhance college awareness, partnerships and funding opportunities

Leadership

• Provide leadership, management and oversight of government relations, public relations, marketing, and communications personnel, operations, and budget
• Lead a strategic communications plan to achieve college goals
• Build and inspire an exceptional team by setting high standards and demanding superior customer service
• Exhibit leadership, teamwork, and collaboration with internal staff and external constituents

Regular attendance on campus is required for this position. Travel may also be required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in public relations, communications or a related field
• At least seven (7) years of progressive, successful C-Suite experience in the role of public relations and communications supporting the CEO of a large organization
• Advanced writing and editing skills
• Knowledge in Adobe design tools: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree
• Experience in higher education

About the Institution

Washtenaw Community College was established in 1965, when Washtenaw County voters passed a millage to provide financial support for a countywide community college. WCC opened with a 6-member Board of Trustees, a newly appointed president, and a parcel of land in Ann Arbor and Superior Townships. Classes started in September 1966 on a temporary campus at Willow Run, with 1200 students enrolled in 30 occupational programs and a transfer curriculum.   
   
From this modest beginning, WCC has grown into one of the nation’s premier community colleges with an annual enrollment of more than 18,000 students in credit classes each year, and thousands more in Economic and College Development classes. The diverse student body includes more than 1,000 students from 100 foreign countries. The 285-acre campus and strategically located extension centers, operating resources, technology-enabled facilities, and instructional quality are the envy of post-secondary education institutions near and far. 
 
Living in the Area

Ann Arbor, with a population of 120,000, is consistently ranked “Best of” in numerous categories by multiple sources including being #1 in the Top 100 Best Places to Live ranking in 2018 conducted by Livability. The city hosts the best schools and universities in the entire state of Michigan and education is a priority for Ann Arbor locals. With more than 90% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a public park, Ann Arbor ranks high in walkability. Charming streets lined with bookstores, shopping, and unique culinary offerings set the backdrop for street fairs and a thriving arts scene. There are endless opportunities for sports, hiking and to enjoy nature along the Huron River which runs through the center of town. The city has lower unemployment and crime rates than the national average.  


To Apply 

For full consideration, please apply by May 15, 2025.

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to WCCCEAO@acesrch.com
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institutional Information
Washtenaw Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.   
 
Washtenaw Community College does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status as provided for and to the extent required by federal and state statutes. Nor does the college discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Washtenaw Community College is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities.