Virginia's Community College System
Associate Vice President of Communications and Community Relations
Virginia's Community College System, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214
Associate Vice President of Communications and Community Relations
Working Title Associate Vice President of Communications and Community Relations Role Title 12 month Administrative Faculty Role Code 01126-SW FLSA Exempt Pay Band 00 Position Number 298FA084 Agency Laurel Ridge Community College Agency/Division Laurel Ridge Community College (Div) Work Location Frederick - 069 Hiring Range The hiring range for this position is $110,895.00 – $162,531.00 per year, however, actual starting salary will commensurate with education and/or experience Emergency/Essential Personnel No EEO Category A-Official or Administrator Full Time or Part Time Full Time Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference? Work Schedule
Typical schedule is Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. However, the position is on call as needed to include occasional evenings and weekends.
Please note : while this position is seated at the Middletown campus, the selected candidate will be expected to work at all college locations.
Sensitive Position Yes Job Description
Laurel Ridge Community College seeks an experienced and dynamic leader to serve as Associate Vice President (AVP) of Communications and Community Relations. The AVP of Communications and Community Relations provides strategic leadership for the college’s integrated marketing and communications efforts and serves as the senior communications strategist. The AVP for Communications and Community Relations develops and implements comprehensive strategies to enhance the college’s brand and visibility while supporting enrollment, philanthropy, recruitment, outreach, and institutional priorities. The position serves as the Public Information Officer for the college including during crisis management situations.
Reporting directly to the President, the AVP will build and maintain positive relationships with local, regional, state, and federal elected officials as well as community leaders. The AVP will be embedded in the community and will develop strategies that advance the College’s mission and goals. The position will work directly with the President and senior leadership team to develop communication and advocacy strategies for the college’s legislative agenda and funding priorities.
Department’s Areas of Responsibility Public Relations and Communications
Office serves as the primary media contact for the college and liaisons with news media, radio, and television
Oversee content and development of college publications
Ensure the regular development of news stories, articles, and social media posts
Handle urgent communications needs
Lead crisis communications planning and response in collaboration with college leadership
Collaborate with college leadership to devise swift responses to unexpected events and issues
Serve on the college’s Emergency Management Team
Responsible for coordinating and developing campus and community messaging that effectively communicates the college’s value proposition and successes
Oversee communication strategy with internal audiences via the college Intranet and other tools
Integrates the value and impact of philanthropy into institutional messaging across all platforms, including the website, social media, newsletters, and press releases
Marketing and Brand Management
Ensure consistency of college’s brand identity across all platforms and materials
Responsible for enforcing college policies regarding brand and style guidelines
Provide strategic direction for innovative marketing campaigns that supports the strategic enrollment management plan and college enrollment goals
Responsible for the college’s photography, video, social/digital media, website design and content
Ensure the development of an annual marketing plan that aligns with strategic enrollment and college strategic plan goals
College Outreach and Events
Oversee the college outreach plan to support the strategic enrollment management plan and marketing plan goals
Collaborate with academic and workforce units at the college to develop and plan outreach strategies and events
Oversee college-wide events
Community and Government Relations
Develop legislative and local government strategies to advance college’s funding priorities
Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, local government leaders, and community leaders
Oversee creation of communication and advocacy pieces as needed
College Leadership
Provide public relations counsel and recommendations to senior leadership team
Collaborate with and serve as a resource for senior leaders on communications-related strategies and initiatives, marketing, branding or related matters
Foster positive collaborative relationships with campus and community constituents, and represent the college at various community events as needed
Manage a team of high functioning marketing and communications professionals
Responsible for budget oversight of unit
Work Schedule and Location Typical schedule is Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. However, the position is on call as needed to include occasional evenings and weekends.
Please note : while this position is seated at the Middletown campus, the selected candidate will be expected to work at all college locations.
Compensation And Benefits The hiring range for this position is $110,895.00 – $162,531.00 per year, however, actual starting salary will commensurate with education and/or experience. The position is an administrative role and as such is eligible for the benefits package offered by the Commonwealth of Virginia for state agencies and the Virginia Community College System. For more information, please visit
https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/
and
https://www.vccs.edu/
Telework According to
DHRM policy 1.61 Teleworking , effective July 5, 2022, Virginia state employees will return to the workplace. Consistent with pre‑pandemic policies, telework may be an option for certain eligible positions. Eligible positions are determined by the type of work and job requirements of the position, as defined by heads of agencies.
Click
here
to learn about Laurel Ridge Community College.
Laurel Ridge Community College is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Laurel Ridge will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in order to provide access to the application, interviewing, and selection process. Please email
eeo@laurelridge.edu
for further information.
Sponsorship of an employee’s work authorization takes time and requires an ongoing financial investment. Therefore, Laurel Ridge Community College does not have funding to sponsor potential employees in the US on a work visa. We consistently follow this funding model to ensure our practices are not discriminatory. Exceptions would require approval from the college president.
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. While honoring bona fide occupational exceptions as needed, the college shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or other non‑merit factors. The college also promotes a safe working environment and prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual violence and harassment.
Know your rights!
Special Assignments May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
Master’s degree or equivalent education and experience
Significant, progressive experience in marketing and/or communications or related field
Progressive leadership role with direct supervision of a department or unit
Demonstrated understanding of the higher education landscape
Media relations, including building press relationships, serving as college spokesperson
Digital communications, with strong understanding of social media strategy, SEO, and digital engagement
Content strategy, including oversight of storytelling, videos, photography and web content to further institutional priorities
Data and analytics, using data and metrics to inform and strengthen communication strategies
Additional Considerations
Experience working in higher education marketing or communications
Experience providing leadership to support both college enrollment goals and philanthropic initiatives
Demonstrated experience with community or government relations
Travel and Vehicle Travel as per any required duties of the position, such as to sites/campuses and any training. Ability to cover assignments throughout the college service region as necessary for the job is required. The selected candidate is expected to work as needed (at times including evenings and weekends) and will need to work at all college locations.
Operation of a State Vehicle No Supervises Employees Yes Required Travel
Posting Details Posting Number FAC_1802P Recruitment Type General Public - G Number of Vacancies 1 Position End Date (if temporary) Job Open Date 12/19/2025 Job Close Date 01/19/2026 Open Until Filled Agency Website https://laurelridge.edu/ Contact Name Kris Iden Email kiden@laurelridge.edu Phone Number Special Instructions to Applicants
Upload cover letter (this is optional, but recommended) and resume (this is optional, but recommended) and unofficial transcripts (required). Reference checks, background screenings, and eVerify are required for all Laurel Ridge positions. Satisfactory reference, background screenings are a condition of employment.
Additional Information Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non‑merit factors.
ADA Statement The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Typical schedule is Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. However, the position is on call as needed to include occasional evenings and weekends.
Please note : while this position is seated at the Middletown campus, the selected candidate will be expected to work at all college locations.
Sensitive Position Yes Job Description
Laurel Ridge Community College seeks an experienced and dynamic leader to serve as Associate Vice President (AVP) of Communications and Community Relations. The AVP of Communications and Community Relations provides strategic leadership for the college’s integrated marketing and communications efforts and serves as the senior communications strategist. The AVP for Communications and Community Relations develops and implements comprehensive strategies to enhance the college’s brand and visibility while supporting enrollment, philanthropy, recruitment, outreach, and institutional priorities. The position serves as the Public Information Officer for the college including during crisis management situations.
Reporting directly to the President, the AVP will build and maintain positive relationships with local, regional, state, and federal elected officials as well as community leaders. The AVP will be embedded in the community and will develop strategies that advance the College’s mission and goals. The position will work directly with the President and senior leadership team to develop communication and advocacy strategies for the college’s legislative agenda and funding priorities.
Department’s Areas of Responsibility Public Relations and Communications
Office serves as the primary media contact for the college and liaisons with news media, radio, and television
Oversee content and development of college publications
Ensure the regular development of news stories, articles, and social media posts
Handle urgent communications needs
Lead crisis communications planning and response in collaboration with college leadership
Collaborate with college leadership to devise swift responses to unexpected events and issues
Serve on the college’s Emergency Management Team
Responsible for coordinating and developing campus and community messaging that effectively communicates the college’s value proposition and successes
Oversee communication strategy with internal audiences via the college Intranet and other tools
Integrates the value and impact of philanthropy into institutional messaging across all platforms, including the website, social media, newsletters, and press releases
Marketing and Brand Management
Ensure consistency of college’s brand identity across all platforms and materials
Responsible for enforcing college policies regarding brand and style guidelines
Provide strategic direction for innovative marketing campaigns that supports the strategic enrollment management plan and college enrollment goals
Responsible for the college’s photography, video, social/digital media, website design and content
Ensure the development of an annual marketing plan that aligns with strategic enrollment and college strategic plan goals
College Outreach and Events
Oversee the college outreach plan to support the strategic enrollment management plan and marketing plan goals
Collaborate with academic and workforce units at the college to develop and plan outreach strategies and events
Oversee college-wide events
Community and Government Relations
Develop legislative and local government strategies to advance college’s funding priorities
Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, local government leaders, and community leaders
Oversee creation of communication and advocacy pieces as needed
College Leadership
Provide public relations counsel and recommendations to senior leadership team
Collaborate with and serve as a resource for senior leaders on communications-related strategies and initiatives, marketing, branding or related matters
Foster positive collaborative relationships with campus and community constituents, and represent the college at various community events as needed
Manage a team of high functioning marketing and communications professionals
Responsible for budget oversight of unit
Work Schedule and Location Typical schedule is Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. However, the position is on call as needed to include occasional evenings and weekends.
Please note : while this position is seated at the Middletown campus, the selected candidate will be expected to work at all college locations.
Compensation And Benefits The hiring range for this position is $110,895.00 – $162,531.00 per year, however, actual starting salary will commensurate with education and/or experience. The position is an administrative role and as such is eligible for the benefits package offered by the Commonwealth of Virginia for state agencies and the Virginia Community College System. For more information, please visit
https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/
and
https://www.vccs.edu/
Telework According to
DHRM policy 1.61 Teleworking , effective July 5, 2022, Virginia state employees will return to the workplace. Consistent with pre‑pandemic policies, telework may be an option for certain eligible positions. Eligible positions are determined by the type of work and job requirements of the position, as defined by heads of agencies.
Click
here
to learn about Laurel Ridge Community College.
Laurel Ridge Community College is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Laurel Ridge will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in order to provide access to the application, interviewing, and selection process. Please email
eeo@laurelridge.edu
for further information.
Sponsorship of an employee’s work authorization takes time and requires an ongoing financial investment. Therefore, Laurel Ridge Community College does not have funding to sponsor potential employees in the US on a work visa. We consistently follow this funding model to ensure our practices are not discriminatory. Exceptions would require approval from the college president.
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. While honoring bona fide occupational exceptions as needed, the college shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or other non‑merit factors. The college also promotes a safe working environment and prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual violence and harassment.
Know your rights!
Special Assignments May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
Master’s degree or equivalent education and experience
Significant, progressive experience in marketing and/or communications or related field
Progressive leadership role with direct supervision of a department or unit
Demonstrated understanding of the higher education landscape
Media relations, including building press relationships, serving as college spokesperson
Digital communications, with strong understanding of social media strategy, SEO, and digital engagement
Content strategy, including oversight of storytelling, videos, photography and web content to further institutional priorities
Data and analytics, using data and metrics to inform and strengthen communication strategies
Additional Considerations
Experience working in higher education marketing or communications
Experience providing leadership to support both college enrollment goals and philanthropic initiatives
Demonstrated experience with community or government relations
Travel and Vehicle Travel as per any required duties of the position, such as to sites/campuses and any training. Ability to cover assignments throughout the college service region as necessary for the job is required. The selected candidate is expected to work as needed (at times including evenings and weekends) and will need to work at all college locations.
Operation of a State Vehicle No Supervises Employees Yes Required Travel
Posting Details Posting Number FAC_1802P Recruitment Type General Public - G Number of Vacancies 1 Position End Date (if temporary) Job Open Date 12/19/2025 Job Close Date 01/19/2026 Open Until Filled Agency Website https://laurelridge.edu/ Contact Name Kris Iden Email kiden@laurelridge.edu Phone Number Special Instructions to Applicants
Upload cover letter (this is optional, but recommended) and resume (this is optional, but recommended) and unofficial transcripts (required). Reference checks, background screenings, and eVerify are required for all Laurel Ridge positions. Satisfactory reference, background screenings are a condition of employment.
Additional Information Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non‑merit factors.
ADA Statement The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
#J-18808-Ljbffr