Director of Marketing and Community Relations

Director, Marketing & Community Relations

Highland Community College is seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Marketing & Community Relations to direct strategic marketing initiatives, foster meaningful community engagement and lead department staff and project management. This full-time leadership position is essential in promoting the College's mission, enhancing its brand, and supporting enrollment and outreach objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive marketing and public relations plan, leveraging data to evaluate and refine strategies.
• Promote the College through high-quality marketing materials, digital content, and media tools to support branding and enrollment objectives.
• Manage marketing projects from concept to completion, including publications such as the College catalog, brochures, websites, annual reports, and digital campaigns.
• Cultivate relationships with media professionals to broaden recognition of the College, manage proactive media opportunities, and handle crisis communication as the College spokesperson.
• Provide strategic direction for web-based communications, ensuring accessibility compliance and optimizing digital platforms to reach diverse audiences.
• Represent the College in outreach opportunities, social media presence, speaker’s bureau, and recruiting activities.
• Supervise and evaluate assigned staff, recommend personnel actions, and provide training to ensure departmental success.
• Develop and monitor the annual budget for the department, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Ensure adherence to federal and state regulations and act as one of the College's Freedom of Information Act Officers.
• Serve as Public Information Officer and manage crisis communications, including emergency closures.
• Work closely with internal departments to develop marketing plans for programs and events and participate in statewide marketing initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Management, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in marketing or public relations, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory role.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Expertise in marketing principles, public relations practices, and digital marketing strategies.
• Strong skills in creating written and graphic presentation materials.
• Experience supervising teams and leading projects with cross-departmental collaboration.
• Proficiency in budget management and data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to handle challenging situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Sound judgment, high level of confidentiality, and strong customer service skills are essential.

Why Join Highland Community College?

• Opportunity to shape the College’s brand and community impact.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Engage in a dynamic role with opportunities to contribute to key initiatives.

Compensation: Salary range for this position is $68,615 - $102,922.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Online application (available at www.highland.edu/employment).
• Cover letter detailing interest in the position.
• Resume or CV.
• Unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and graduate).
• Contact information for three professional references.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For alternative application methods or inquiries, contact Human Resources at 815-599-3426 or email Stephanie.Hintz@highland.edu.

Commitment to Diversity

Highland Community College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. Applications from veterans, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and other diverse groups are strongly encouraged.

Salary : $68,615 - $102,922