Director, Public Relations and Marketing (IN-HOUSE ONLY) Job at Coast Community

IN-HOUSE ONLY: This position is open to internal permanent and temporary Coast Community College District (CCCD) employees to apply. External candidates are not eligible to apply. If you are not a current active employee with CCCD, please do not apply at this time.

Coastline College, established in 1976 as the nation’s first campus‑free college, has evolved from a “college beyond walls” into a leader in online, competency‑based, correspondence, and in‑person education. Serving diverse student populations, Coastline offers associate degrees and certificates that lead to career advancement, transfer, and personal empowerment.

Mission & Values: We value and respect diversity in all its forms and seek candidates whose professional experience and service advance anti‑racism, equity, and social justice. Successful candidates will help all students, regardless of background, achieve their educational goals, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities.

About the Position

Plans, organizes and directs strategic communications, marketing, and outreach supporting the community college system. Serves the President as the top public information and media communications professional and advisor.

Distinguishing Career Features

The Director, Public Relations and Marketing is responsible for directing, coordinating, facilitating, and accomplishing the College’s community relations and public information goals and strategies. The Director also integrates outreach and communications efforts to reach the public, other government agencies, and the media, mobilizing campus‑wide initiatives aligned with District‑level directives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plans, organizes, and directs the work of the Public Information and Marketing department, ensuring staff and the community are engaged and proactively addressing public affairs and aggressively marketing the College and District to prospective and current students and alumni.
2. Plans, develops, coordinates, and implements programs of marketing, student recruitment, and media relations serving both internal and external audiences.
3. Facilitates and creates the College’s image and branding, and manages a social media presence across mobile, PDA, and computer platforms, attending community events, conferences, and schools.
4. Advises the President and other administrators on communications issues (internal communications, media relations, constituency correspondence) by producing, writing, and editing materials.
5. Assists and advises in communications on sensitive public issues to position the College with the media and public.
6. Directs the College's media relations activities, including personal contact with media, preparation of press releases, and responses to inquiries.
7. Prepares, reviews, and releases press releases, public service announcements, photographs, and other media materials on a regular basis.
8. Coordinates information gathering from divisions and units for news releases, including athletic coverage.
9. Develops, edits, and directs production of various communications and informational resources such as fact sheets, brochures, articles, reports, news releases, advertising, and broadcast content.
10. Implements campaigns and strategies to enhance visibility and enrollment, including special needs students, and seeks publicity to enhance recruitment.
11. May direct the development of College catalogs and related technical/promotional materials, managing compilation of course offerings for public distribution.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned that support the position’s objectives.
13. Abides by all District policies and procedures, including Board Policy 3050.

Qualifications

1. Professional knowledge of public information, public relations, and community outreach programs.
2. Specialization in marketing communications and public information.
3. Knowledge of media relations.
4. Knowledge of student recruitment and retention methods.
5. Knowledge of higher education promotion, including fee‑based services.
6. Knowledge of budgeting techniques and financial management.
7. Knowledge of management and supervision principles, including performance measurement.
8. Computer proficiency with spreadsheets, word processing, database management, and specialized applications.
9. Advanced written and oral communication to influence internal and external customers, conduct training, and manage performance.
10. Sufficient math skills for financial calculations and statistical analysis.
11. Advanced human relations skills for diverse personalities and complex negotiations.

Abilities

1. Ability to perform essential functions of the position.
2. Ability to develop and implement annual goals and objectives for programs and promotions.
3. Ability to learn and apply education code requirements and College policies.
4. Ability to build productive relationships with staff, community members, media, and co‑workers.
5. Ability to direct and prepare press releases and other materials.
6. Ability to apply sound judgment and creativity in interpreting events, rules, and regulations.
7. Ability to write professionally, proofread, edit, and compile high‑quality reports.
8. Ability to train, direct others, and organize multiple projects.
9. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Abilities

1. General physical demands and essential job functions are documented in HR records.
2. Essential functions vary by position.
3. Appointment to reasonable accommodations will be provided under ADA and FEHA.

Education and Experience

The position typically requires a Master’s degree in Business, Communication, Journalism, Public Policy, or a related discipline. A Bachelor’s degree and eight years of experience may be accepted. Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising, or Social Media experience preferred.

Licenses and Certificates

Valid driver’s license required.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors with minimal safety considerations. This job description outlines typical duties and qualifications; it is not a complete list of all responsibilities.

Application Requirements

Submit an online application at http://www.cccd.edu/employment. Include a complete application packet:

1. A complete Coast Community College District Online Employment Application.
2. Responses to supplemental questions with clear, detailed answers. Do not submit résumé placeholders.
3. A Cover Letter highlighting relevant experience, addressing minimum qualifications, and demonstrating DEI evidence.
4. A current résumé of professional and educational background.
5. Equivalency Request Form and supporting documentation, if applicable.

Selection Procedure

• Applicants will be screened to determine if they meet minimum qualifications. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
• Applicants must submit separate applications for each position.
• Qualified applicants may be invited to an interview.
• Travel during interview is candidate’s expense.
• Interview may include oral demonstration, writing exercise, or hands‑on practical.
• Decision is based on experience, education, and other factors.
• Reference checks performed on final candidates.
• Final recommendation made to the Board of Trustees.
• Schedule determined by campus needs.
• Eliminated applicants notified by email.

Note: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. and the district cannot sponsor visas at this time.

Coast Community College District is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and encourages candidates who advance these goals to apply.