Posting Details (Default Section)
Position Title Director of Communications and Community Relations
Special Instructions to Applicants
Note: New employees will be placed at the first step which is $144,000 per year, second step $151,284 per year or third step at $158,940 per year (depending upon experience). Based on current salary placement guidelines, all step increases for which an employee becomes eligible shall take place on July 1st of each fiscal year. These increases will occur, on annual basis, until the maximum step of $175,452 per year is reached on the salary schedule.
Our Vision for Social Justice
We are seeking people who recognize the critical role community colleges play in social justice, who have ability in this space, enthusiasm for this work, ideas and vision to improve our approaches, and a commitment to achieving equitable academic success for the 50,000+ students attending our five beautiful colleges and centers. Our social justice work calls for employees who have a sense of social responsibility, interest in our community and world in which we live.
The intention of social justice work is to strengthen humanity by understanding that every person deserves the benefits of fully participating in our society and institutions.
Academic researchers have illustrated that crucial social justice principles are a compilation of equality, equity, diversity, inclusion, engagement, environmental sustainability and human rights. These complex principles are challenging to operationalize in higher education; yet we are steadfast in our diligence to forge ahead to advance this vital mission.
Community colleges are uniquely positioned to lead higher education in the work of social justice. Many of our students come from historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds, students of color, students with recent immigrant histories, students from cycles of low income if not poverty, students from indigenous communities, and students from first-generation families.
The idea of promoting social mobility through education is unconditionally and uncompromisingly embraced by community colleges. This is an exciting role, and it comes with a heavy responsibility. Simply put, we need to create environments where our students achieve greater academic success, so much so that we close our persistent equity/opportunity gaps.
If you are committed to social and racial justice and if you are interested in joining a community dedicated to solving these inequities through education, please apply.
Recruitment Type: Open (Internal and External applicants)
Location District Office
Posting Number 0001947
# of Openings 1
Range M9
Salary YEARLY: $144,000, step 1 – $175,452, step 5 (see special instruction for initial step placement)
Position Status Permanent
Overtime Status Exempt (not eligible)
Position Full-Time
If temporary, employment duration: N/A
# of Hours Scheduled Per Week 40
Work Schedule By Day and Work Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 5:00pm
Shift Differential % N/A
# of Months 12
Non-work Periods: N/A
EEO Job Category Executive/Administrative/Managerial
Employee Group Manager – Classified
Department M1030-Marketing & Community Relation
Position Definition
This position serves as the district’s key public relations expert and is responsible to manage public and government relations, marketing, media issues, political matters, and external affairs as well as internal communications initiatives.
Distinguishing Characteristics
N/A
Examples of Duties/Essential Functions
Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Advises the Chancellor, Cabinet, College Presidents, and Governing Board on public relations and political issues for the District.
- Attends and supports a variety of meetings (e.g., monthly Governing Board meetings, District retreats, community events, evening meetings, etc.), facilitates meetings and ensures transparency of District public information.
- Compiles data from a wide variety of sources (e.g., community groups, media, Board, staff/departments, etc.) for the purpose of analyzing issues, ensuring compliance with organization policies and procedures, and/or monitoring program components and developing internal/external communications materials.
- Organizes events with the community to maintain and build collaborative partnerships that contribute to District goals and objectives.
- Prepares a wide variety of complex documents and written or electronic materials (e.g., press releases, newsletters, service guides, annual reports, budgets summaries, materials for the Chancellor and Governing Board, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and issues, conveying information, meeting compliance requirements, and/or providing support materials.
- Develops and implements a government relations public affairs strategy that provides advocacy opportunities for internal and external communications and legislative support to meet key objectives. Activities shall include reviewing pending legislation, legal mandates, regulations and guidelines which may affect District programs, plans, functions, and activities.
- Serves as the District’s chief spokesperson and coordinates all media relations for the District the colleges working with media. Prepares news releases, news conferences, speeches and proposes story ideas.
- Works collaboratively with the leadership and colleges to formulate a unified message to enhance the district’s reputation among key audiences.
- In conjunction with the colleges, develops and coordinates Districtwide marketing plans to achieve organizational mission and goals.
- Oversees Districtwide marketing, advertising, and production of promotional materials. Ensures that Districtwide advertising is effective, efficient, and maintains its reputation/brand.
- Evaluates market reaction to public relations activities to ensure timely strategic responses to meet changing conditions.
- Monitors the accuracy and effectiveness of internal information, marketing and government relations and community relations programs to ensure the programs of the District and the colleges are in alignment.
- Develop strategies to effectively manage public information about the District and the colleges to the region, state, and nation.
- Ensures continuous improvement of government relations, public affairs and public relations services through.
- Re-engineering, organizational change management, new technology solutions, assessment of best practices, and feedback from internal users and external customers to increase productivity and effectiveness.
- Provides expertise and assistance to ensure effectiveness of government relations, public affairs and public relations staff at the District and at the colleges.
- Promotes a work culture of customer service, innovation, and quality services to students, staff, and the community.
- Periodically convenes marketing and public information staff in the District to ensure effective communications and continuity.
- Complies with all District, county, state, and federal requirements including preparation of timely and accurate reports for internal and external entities.
- Coordinates special events aimed at the advancement of District goals and assists in the pursuit of public and private fundraising goals.
- Develops and maintains contacts with college colleagues, media representatives, community leaders, business executives and government officials.
- Proactively manages crisis communications.
- Represents the District at public events, presentations, meetings, and governmental committees as assigned by the Chancellor.
- Performs other duties assigned.
Minimum Qualification-Education/Experience
EDUCATION / TRAINING :A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, journalism, public policy, communications, marketing or related field.
EXPERIENCE :
Five years of management experience directing public relations work in a public or private agency.
Minimum Qualification-Knowledge Of
N/A
Minimum Qualification-Skill To
N/A
Minimum Qualification-Ability To
Sensitivity to and understanding of diversity in the workplace and educational environment.
Desirable Qualifications
N/A
Job Open Date: 10/20/2023
Job Close Date: 11/24/2023
Open Until Filled No
Foreign Degree and Credit Statement:
In accordance with the Human Resources Procedure 3050.05, all foreign degrees and credits used to meet the minimum qualifications must be evaluated by an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) agency www.naces.org prior to the implementation of the equivalency process. You must upload your evaluation with your application when you apply for this position to be considered. We cannot accept foreign degree evaluations after the closing date. The candidate bears all responsibility and costs associated with obtaining the evaluation.
About Us
About the District
The mission of the Contra Costa Community College District is to transform lives by providing outstanding learning opportunities that nurture and empower all students to achieve their educational goals. The dedicated faculty, classified professionals and administrators in the District are committed to core values and action that promote excellence in learning and equitable student success. The District is committed to hiring and developing a diverse staff that understands that cultural diversity in the academic environment promotes academic excellence; fosters cultural, racial and human understanding; provides positive role models for all students; and creates an inclusive and supportive educational work environment for its students, employees, and the community it serves.
Located in Contra Costa County, in the beautiful and diverse San Francisco East Bay area, the District serves the 1 million residents of the County through education, business partnerships and service in the community. The District first opened its doors in 1949 and is the second oldest and eighth largest multi-college community college district in California. The District consists of three colleges and two centers; Contra Costa College in San Pablo; Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill; Los Medanos College in Pittsburg; and the centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. The District Office located in downtown Martinez, supports the mission and functions of the colleges.
As evidenced by the rich diversity in Contra Costa County, the District enrolls a highly diverse student population. Serving over 41,364 students a year, in 2021-2022 fiscal year the demographic make-up of the students was 9% Black/African American; 21% Asian/Pacific Islander; 34% Hispanic/Latino; 25% White/Caucasian; and 11% Other.
The District actively encourages a diverse pool of applicants to serve the dynamic student population and work collaboratively with existing colleagues that are equally dynamic and diverse.
Contra Costa College
Contra Costa College is a dynamic, comprehensive community college with a diverse student population. The institution has served the communities of West Contra Costa County for more than 69 years. Most of the 10,500-plus students who attend the college come from local communities, but many also come from neighboring communities and from countries throughout the world. The college offers certificates and degree programs in 70 areas. It prepares students for immediate employment and for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Faculty and staff are proud to be affiliated with an institution that has a tradition of excellence and a reputation for educating students to live and work in a diverse global environment.
Diablo Valley College
DVC is committed to increasing student success. The college has distinguished itself as one of the nation’s most successful community colleges by offering incomparable transfer opportunities and exceptional career-technical programs. In both Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, a diverse student body engages with high-quality instruction and support services designed for excellence and equity in student learning. DVC’s career-technical programs keep pace with emerging technologies and skill requirements, while unparalleled transfer programs prepare students to be successful in four-year colleges and universities. DVC continuously ranks among the top transfer pathways to UC Berkeley.
Los Medanos College
Los Medanos College, opened in 1974, is the newest campus of the Contra Costa Community College District. The college prepares students to excel and succeed economically, socially and intellectually in an innovative, engaging and supportive learning environment. LMC provides quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities to serve the needs of a rapidly-growing and changing East County while enhancing the quality of life of the diverse communities it serves. Los Medanos College is known for its transferable general education program and career technical programs strongly connected with local business and industry. The college serves approximately 10,000 students.
Employee Benefits:
Insurance: The District offers health, vision, dental and life insurance for monthly classified employees and managers/supervisors and their eligible dependents. Monthly classified employees and managers/supervisors covered by another health medical plan may waive District coverage and receive a monthly cash stipend.
Retirement: Most employees are members of the PERS (Public Employees Retirement System). Faculty employees and Academic Managers are members of the STRS (State Teachers Retirement System). Police Service employers are members of Safety Public Employees Retirement System.
Deferred Compensation: The District offers two optional deferred compensation plans. Eligible employees have a choice of the 457, 403b plans and a selection of savings and investment options.
Leave Allowance: The District offers monthly eligible classified employees and managers/supervisors a generous vacation and sick leave benefits as well as 20 paid holidays annually (which can vary based on length of winter break).
Additional Benefits: The District also offers monthly eligible classified employees and managers/supervisors educational reimbursements, employee assistance programs, a travel assistance plan, longevity compensation, retiree benefits, employee discounts on health memberships and a comprehensive wellness program.
Newly hired employees may notify the respective union (Local 1 or United Faculty) if they opt to join and/or authorize payment to the union. If the newly hired employee authorizes payment to the union then the following fees apply: Local 1 has a one-time initiation fee of $45.00 and monthly contribution of 1% of gross pay +$1. United Faculty has an agency fee of .55% of gross pay plus $2.50. (All confidential, supervisory and management positions are exempt from union membership)
For further information regarding benefits eligibility and details please refer to the following documents available on the 4CD website:
Classified Employees Local 1 Contract (Article 20-Benefits):
https://www.4cd.edu/hr/localonecontract/2019-2022%20Local%201%20Contract.pdf
Managers/Supervisors/Confidential Personnel Manual (Section 8-Insurance Benefits):
https://www.4cd.edu/gb/policies-procedures/manuals/MSC_08.pdf
POST OFFER PRE-PLACEMENT EVALUATION PROGRAM (PEP)
All job offers of employment are conditional upon the applicant’s satisfactory results of the Post Offer Pre-Placement Evaluation Program. This involves a physical strength test to demonstrate a minimum level of strength to perform the essential duties of the job. There is no charge for this service. Please do not make an appointment for testing until you have received notification from the Human Resources Department after a job offer is extended. The positions we currently evaluate are: Building Maintenance Worker, Custodian I and II, Lead Custodian, Cook, Food Services Assistant, Food Services Supervisor, Food Services Supply Clerk, Food Services Coordinator, Grounds Worker/ Gardener I and II, Senior/ Lead Grounds Worker/Gardener, Lead Maintenance Mechanic, Senior Equipment Maintenance Worker. If you are not hired in a listed classification, you may disregard this notification.
ADA Accommodations:
In conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests for reasonable accommodations may be made to slever@4cd.edu. For administrative purposes, requests must be made at the time of application.
COVID-19 Information
N/A
Quicklink https://www.4cdcareers.net/postings/10054
Diversity Statement
It is the District’s policy to ensure that all qualified applicants for employment and employees have full and equal access to employment opportunity, and are not subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the District on the basis of ethnic group identity, race, color, ancestry, religion, marital status, sex, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, parental status, citizenship or because an individual is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Please tell us how you meet the minimum requirements of: (1) A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, journalism, public policy, communications, marketing or related field AND (2) Five years of management experience directing public relations work in a public or private agency.
(Open Ended Question)
Required Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume/CV
- Unofficial Transcript (must show degree(s) conferred)
Optional Documents
- Application for Equivalency
- Unofficial Transcript 2
- Unofficial Transcript 3
- Unofficial Transcript 4
- Foreign Degree Evaluation Form (NACES Approved Agency)