InsideHigherEd
Vice President of Community Engagement and External Affairs
InsideHigherEd, Sugar Grove, Illinois, United States, 60554
Vice President of Community Engagement and External Affairs
Administrator
Sugar Grove Campus
Hybrid Option: Yes
Join our dynamic team at Waubonsee Community College, where your career can flourish. We are committed to being an exceptional employer, offering a comprehensive benefits package with generous time off, low-cost medical, dental, and vision plans, and a secure pension plan through SURS. You'll also enjoy 14 paid holidays, including winter and Thanksgiving breaks. Be part of a transformative institution, dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and the lives of our students. Your future starts here – join us today!
Waubonsee Community College is committed to hiring and retaining exceptional faculty and staff who are committed to the college’s culture of collaboration, professional growth and student success.
Responsibilities
Provide leadership and coordination for a comprehensive program of community engagement, including identifying, building, and maintaining key relationships with community members, community groups, chambers, community‑based organizations, and other stakeholders.
Work closely with the President and EVP to develop and implement strategies to build and strengthen partnerships within the community; create and execute outreach plans, manage community‑based programs and events, and collaborate with other departments to align engagement with organizational goals.
Develop and lead a comprehensive external affairs strategy aligned to organizational goals, including implementation of a college‑wide strategy for community engagement, cultivating partnerships, advising on local, state, and federal engagement strategies with elected officials, and ensuring the college’s presence on key community initiatives.
Oversee engagement of college employees in community engagement representation and activities.
Provide leadership for establishing a public relations strategy for the college to enhance visibility, brand, and reputation; oversee executive messaging, presidential communications, presentations, public statements, talking points, and thought leadership.
Build and maintain relationships with media outlets to promote the college to all constituents.
Shape the storytelling narrative of the college’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities to the community.
Identify and promote exceptional student and staff stories to local, regional, and national media.
Educate the community on college initiatives and strategies designed to contribute to student success and community vibrancy, strengthening stakeholder trust through consistent engagement and transparent communication.
Serve as an advisor to the President on matters related to community engagement and public relations.
Lead or support staff leadership, setting vision and expectations for the engagement team.
Serve as a community ambassador and represent the organization at meetings and external events.
Serve as college liaison to the Lifelong Learning Initiative, attending their Executive Committee meetings.
Identify and facilitate the development of strategic partnerships within the community that impact and advance the college’s strategic goals.
Represent the President within the community as needed.
Assist the President in the development of appropriate policies and practices.
Serve on college committees as assigned and represent the college at special events as required.
Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
Eight years’ related experience in administrative roles required (experience in higher education, government, or non‑profit preferred).
Five years of management experience required; community college experience preferred.
Must possess significant leadership, supervisory, and communication skills.
7–10 years of progressive leadership in external affairs, public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, or related fields.
Application Requirements
Cover Letter
Resume
References (can be provided at interview)
Transcripts (can be provided at interview; official transcripts required if hired)
Position Details Req2064 Grant Funded: No Compensation Range: 152,148.00 - 210,000.00 Compensation Type: Salaried Compensation: The pay for this position will be determined by your experience, education, and qualifications. Work Schedule: M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Targeted Hire Date: 2/16/2026
EOE, including disability and veteran
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Hybrid Option: Yes
Join our dynamic team at Waubonsee Community College, where your career can flourish. We are committed to being an exceptional employer, offering a comprehensive benefits package with generous time off, low-cost medical, dental, and vision plans, and a secure pension plan through SURS. You'll also enjoy 14 paid holidays, including winter and Thanksgiving breaks. Be part of a transformative institution, dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and the lives of our students. Your future starts here – join us today!
Waubonsee Community College is committed to hiring and retaining exceptional faculty and staff who are committed to the college’s culture of collaboration, professional growth and student success.
Responsibilities
Provide leadership and coordination for a comprehensive program of community engagement, including identifying, building, and maintaining key relationships with community members, community groups, chambers, community‑based organizations, and other stakeholders.
Work closely with the President and EVP to develop and implement strategies to build and strengthen partnerships within the community; create and execute outreach plans, manage community‑based programs and events, and collaborate with other departments to align engagement with organizational goals.
Develop and lead a comprehensive external affairs strategy aligned to organizational goals, including implementation of a college‑wide strategy for community engagement, cultivating partnerships, advising on local, state, and federal engagement strategies with elected officials, and ensuring the college’s presence on key community initiatives.
Oversee engagement of college employees in community engagement representation and activities.
Provide leadership for establishing a public relations strategy for the college to enhance visibility, brand, and reputation; oversee executive messaging, presidential communications, presentations, public statements, talking points, and thought leadership.
Build and maintain relationships with media outlets to promote the college to all constituents.
Shape the storytelling narrative of the college’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities to the community.
Identify and promote exceptional student and staff stories to local, regional, and national media.
Educate the community on college initiatives and strategies designed to contribute to student success and community vibrancy, strengthening stakeholder trust through consistent engagement and transparent communication.
Serve as an advisor to the President on matters related to community engagement and public relations.
Lead or support staff leadership, setting vision and expectations for the engagement team.
Serve as a community ambassador and represent the organization at meetings and external events.
Serve as college liaison to the Lifelong Learning Initiative, attending their Executive Committee meetings.
Identify and facilitate the development of strategic partnerships within the community that impact and advance the college’s strategic goals.
Represent the President within the community as needed.
Assist the President in the development of appropriate policies and practices.
Serve on college committees as assigned and represent the college at special events as required.
Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
Eight years’ related experience in administrative roles required (experience in higher education, government, or non‑profit preferred).
Five years of management experience required; community college experience preferred.
Must possess significant leadership, supervisory, and communication skills.
7–10 years of progressive leadership in external affairs, public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, or related fields.
Application Requirements
Cover Letter
Resume
References (can be provided at interview)
Transcripts (can be provided at interview; official transcripts required if hired)
Position Details Req2064 Grant Funded: No Compensation Range: 152,148.00 - 210,000.00 Compensation Type: Salaried Compensation: The pay for this position will be determined by your experience, education, and qualifications. Work Schedule: M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Targeted Hire Date: 2/16/2026
EOE, including disability and veteran
#J-18808-Ljbffr