Associate Vice President, Communications and External Relations

Overview

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District is accepting applications for the management position of Associate Vice President of Communications and External Relations. This full-time, 12-month, contract position reports to the college President and leads internal and external communications and designated external programs and activities.

Salary range: Full Salary Range : $168,334.00 - $236,862.83 annually. Placement is based on verified education and experience. Customary Hiring Range : $168,334.00 - $15,465.69 annually. Additional pay may apply for verified education beyond minimum qualification. This role supports equity for historically underrepresented students, student success, and community engagement.

Location: Foothill-De Anza Community College District. There is no remote work policy; on-site presence is required as determined by the department. Travel, lodging, or interview costs are not reimbursed.

Mission statements and educational values emphasize equity, integrity, inclusion, student well-being, sustainability, and educational excellence.

Position Purpose and Scope

Reporting directly to the college President, the Associate Vice President of Communications and External Relations provides vision for, and plans and directs, the strategic implementation of successful internal and external communications and designated external programs. The role optimizes current communication platforms, digital tools, and outreach to share information about programs, initiatives, goals, challenges, and accomplishments. It supports the colleges commitment to equity and community engagement.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role leads internal and external communications for the college, including website, social media, print and digital materials, media relations, and stakeholder outreach. The position supervises administrative, supervisory and classified staff and participates in governance and operational committees.

Key duties and Responsibilities

• Lead internal and external communications and marketing, including website, social media, collateral, campaigns, and major event planning, aligned with the college's mission and values.
• Develop content and design for website, digital and print communications, and student recruitment platforms and materials.
• Conduct media, community, and government relations; manage media relations and draft press materials.
• Monitor legislative and governance developments affecting higher education; represent the college before legislative bodies and agencies.
• Organize legislative communications, advocacy events, community forums, and campus tours.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to the President and Senior Leadership Team.
• Oversee communications campaigns and branding for all college programs; manage technology operations to support student learning and outreach.
• Develop crisis communication protocols and serve as lead communicator during emergencies.
• Build relationships with community leaders, partners, and stakeholder organizations.
• Lead major planning documents (e.g., Accreditation Self-Study, Strategic Plan, Annual Report) and develop public information policies with the district PIO.
• Ensure brand, style guide, and accessibility across all materials; support fundraising and Foundation activities as needed.
• Participate in governance and represent the college on community boards as appropriate; oversee budgets and staff performance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Knowledge: Principles of communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, and media relations; government operations; relevant laws (e.g., Education Code, labor laws).

• Principles of communications, including crisis communications.

Skills and Abilities: Strong written and oral communication; project management; leadership and supervision; strategic thinking with attention to global and detail perspectives; interpersonal skills; sound judgment; proficiency with computer applications and social media.

• Ability to work with diverse student and staff populations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Two years of administrative experience, formal training, internship or leadership in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of administrative experience at a community college.
• Marketing experience in a non-profit institution.

Working Conditions

Environment: Typical office environment; travel as appropriate; some evenings and weekends may be required.

Physical Abilities: Hearing and speaking; keyboarding; vision; sitting for extended periods; bending; lifting up to 20 lbs.

Application Packet

• District online application at the designated careers portal.
• Statement addressing understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including life experiences or work that influenced this commitment.
• A cover letter addressing qualifications for the position.
• A current resume detailing work experience, education, and training.
• Note: Required materials only; omitted items will not be reviewed.

Starting date: as soon as possible upon completion of the search process. Position is full-time, contract, 12-months per year. Benefits include medical coverage for employees and dependents, dental, vision, EAP, disability, retirement benefits, and basic life insurance. For benefits, see the FHDA benefits page.

Notice: Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to participate in the employment process should notify Employment Services by the closing date. The successful applicant must provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S.

For more information, contact:

Employment Services, Foothill-De Anza Community College District

12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

Email: employment@fhda.edu

Website: http://hr.fhda.edu/