(Auraria) Deputy Chief of Marketing & Communications.

Job Summary
Auraria Higher Education Center is seeking a Deputy Chief of Marketing & Communications (Non‑Classified) to report to the Chief of Staff. The role provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and governance for the Marketing & Communications function within a multi‑institutional environment.

Essential Job Functions

Strategic Communication and Executive Counsel

Provide strategic leadership for integrated marketing and communications.

Advises senior leadership on reputation management, stakeholder engagement, and crisis communications.

Develops executive communications, including speeches, presentations, media advisories, and key messages.

Represents the agency on executive committees and external stakeholder groups as assigned.

Internal Communications

Oversees strategy, editorial direction, content development, and distribution of agency‑wide internal communications.

Partners with department leaders to ensure consistency and clarity across communications.

Identifies opportunities to engage employees via newsletters, digital platforms, and targeted campaigns.

Manages review and approval processes for messaging alignment.

Campus Relations and Multi‑Institutional Communications

Leads collaboration with partner institution communications leaders for campus‑wide messaging.

Oversees communications for campus operations, major events, and shared initiatives.

Conveners campus communications forums and committees to strengthen relationships and alignment.

Negotiates and resolves inter‑institutional communication issues.

External Communications and Media Relations

Develops and disseminates external communications, including media statements, press releases, and website content.

Serves as primary point of contact for media relations and manages external inquiries.

Coordinates external messaging with internal departments and partners.

Public Information and Crisis Communications

Acts as Public Information Officer during emergencies and crises.

Collaborates with campus police, emergency personnel, and partners for coordinated messaging.

Develops crisis communication protocols and spokesperson materials.

Coordinates activation of Joint Information Centers when necessary.

Marketing, Brand Strategy, and Creative Services

Provides strategic oversight of marketing and branding initiatives.

Ensures consistent brand stewardship and visual identity across platforms.

Partners with departments to develop marketing strategies and measurable outcomes.

Digital Communications, Website, and Social Media Strategy

Oversees digital strategy, including website governance and content management.

Ensures digital tools remain current, accessible, and aligned with priorities.

Provides oversight of social media strategy and performance analytics.

Establishes metrics and evaluates communication performance.

Leadership, Governance, and Organizational Strategy

Establishes strategic vision, priorities, and performance measures.

Cultivates partnerships with leadership, departments, and external stakeholders.

Supports initiatives through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and change management.

Manages departmental budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.

Provides oversight to communications, marketing, and digital engagement functions.

Application Requirements

Completed online application, resume, and cover letter.

Cover letter must describe how education and experience meet required qualifications.

Must possess a valid and unencumbered Colorado driver’s license at the time of application.

Failure to submit a completed application may result in removal from consideration.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a related field.

Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.

Five (5) years of experience supervising staff, managing programs or projects, and leading cross‑functional initiatives.

Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications, executive communications, media relations, crisis communications, or stakeholder engagement strategies.

Experience drafting, editing, and reviewing high‑level written communications, including executive messaging and public‑facing materials.

Must maintain a valid and unencumbered Colorado driver license.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in communications or a related field.

Experience in higher education, government, public sector, or nonprofit organizations.

Experience collaborating across multiple institutions or stakeholder groups.

Experience serving in a public information, crisis communications, or emergency management role.

Experience advising executive leadership on communication strategy, reputation management, or stakeholder engagement.

Experience managing external media relations or high‑profile public communications issues.

Experience supervising communications or creative professionals.

Conditions of Employment

Must be a resident of the state of Colorado.

Must successfully pass a criminal background check.

Must maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Must be able to work on‑site Monday‑Friday and weekends or nights as needed.

Attributes and Abilities

Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and listening skills.

Strong organizational, project‑management, and prioritization skills.

Critical thinking, judgment, and discretion in fast‑paced environments.

Ability to anticipate issues, assess risks, and proactively recommend actions.

Professionalism, emotional intelligence, and commitment to a respectful workplace culture.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters.

Ability to build trusted, collaborative relationships across institutional boundaries.

Experience building consensus and advancing shared priorities.

Effective communication across various modalities and positive professional presence.

Ability to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities and backgrounds to apply. Aurora Campus is an equal‑opportunity employer and will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection process will be conducted by email. For additional questions, contact Nicole Yanez at nicole.yanez@ahec.edu.

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