About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges-North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College-and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington. We are leaders in change and innovation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the passionate work of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as we work against systemic racism. Additionally, you will gain the rewarding experience of contributing to the success of an open-access learning institution that prepares students for life and work, fostering a diverse, engaged and dynamic community.

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy a competitive benefits package, professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice including, committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Position Summary

Open until filled, first Review of materials will begin: 11/08/2022

Salary range for this position is: $76,600/yr. - $100,000/yr. (depending on experience)

Seattle Central College is seeking an experience public relations practitioner to serve as the Director of Communications.

Under the supervision of the President, the Director of Communications will be responsible for leading Seattle Central College's Communications team and will be a vital member of the President's Cabinet. They represent the college in a competitive urban market and reflect the high standards established by faculty, staff, and students.

The director will provide vision and leadership in the execution of a comprehensive and strategic communications plan that aligns with the vision and goals of the college, builds support for the college programs, enhances/increases recruitment and enrollment, and improves the image and reputation of the college in the greater Seattle and Puget Sound area.

The director serves as the college's communication strategist and may supervise classified, permanent, part-time staff, student employees in the Communications Office.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will enjoy competitive compensation as well as all the benefits as a Washington State employee. To learn more about our excellent benefits offerings please see our benefits overview here: Seattle Colleges Employment Benefits

Application Procedures:

• Attach current resume
• Attach cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job
• Written response to the following questions:
  • Describe a strategic communication plan you implemented. Please include and outline the overall goal, objectives, strategies, etc. of the campaign.
  • Seattle Colleges is an anti-racist, anti-bias institution. One of our goals is to eliminate institutional racism. Doing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work requires developing accountable relationships and trust within and across different internal communities at Seattle Colleges (students, staff, faculty, etc.) and externally with our larger Seattle communities. Please tell us a time where you built a community and relationships. What were the outcomes?

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants:
Please note that Seattle Colleges is working under hybrid remote and on-site operations, pending public health guidance and business needs. Per CDC and WA Public Health directions, at this time we will be practicing social distancing and holding interviews virtually using video conference or teleconference options. As such, if you are selected for interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

What you will be working on:

Policy Development & Leadership

• Act as administrative lead in developing program goals, creating measurable objectives, and assessment of the Communications Office.
• Advise the president and college executives on communication policies, procedures, and implications, including participation in the management decision-making process and policy development.
• Develop and implement executive-level communications for the president (e-mails, presentations, speeches, etc.) and regularly provide counsel and strategy on issues.
• Plan, lead, and implement emergency/crisis communications efforts and serve as a member of the emergency response team.
• Leads with an equity, diverse, and access mindset, crafting communications and publishing materials that are culturally responsive and accessible for all communities served by the college, including, individuals with disabilities, individuals whose primary language is not English, and communities historically underrepresented in higher education.

Strategic Communications Planning

• Collaborate with outreach/recruitment office to design, lead, and implement the college's comprehensive recruitment/marketing/branding plan with an emphasis on measurable results.
• Coordinate with the district's communication and Customer Relationship Management team to create enrollment campaigns and other related initiatives.
• Work directly with college departments and programs to create and implement marketing and communication plans to increase student recruitment, retention, and persistence.
• Oversee and implement targeted communications plans for each satellite location of the college (including Seattle Maritime Academy, Health Education Center, and Wood Technology Center).

Integrated Marketing Communications

• Develop and implement policies, procedures and guidelines that protect and enhance the college's image and graphic identity and ensure factual, appropriate, and timely information.
• Lead media relations efforts including acting as primary spokesperson for the college, maximizing coverage of the college in the media, complementing outreach and enrollment activities, and collaborating with faculty and staff to identify and respond to communication needs.
• Write and edit event scripts in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee the development of the college's print, broadcast, and digital assets (web and social media). This includes concept development, creative, coordinating, purchase, and placement of advertising in print, broadcast, and digital media outlets. This also includes negotiating and maintaining advertising/media contracts that comply with State law and District policy.
• Overseeing internal and external newsletters
• Provide communications support and work collaboratively with fundraising, special events & community relations personnel to achieve college goals.

Office Management

• Manages, and is responsible for, the communications office's budget(s).
• May supervise full-time, part-time, and student employees.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations or journalism or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of educational and professional experience.
• Demonstrated progressive professional leadership experience in communications, marketing, and/or public relations.
• Understanding of public relations (audience-based communication), strategic planning, photography/video, online media, and graphic design.
• Demonstrated success leading diverse teams, including teams comprising of content creators (e.g. writers, artists, graphics designers, etc.).
• Demonstrated successful experience working with employees, community members, students, and others from very broadly defined diverse communities and cultures including individuals with disabilities and individuals for whom English is not their first language.
• Must be an excellent listener with good innovation and creativity skills.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate effectively through written and oral presentations.
• Ability to synthesize information from technical and non-technical disciplines and then identify meaningful story angles for the appropriate internal and/or external audience.
• Possess strong leadership abilities and project management skills.
• Must possess excellent organizational and effective interpersonal skills, and have the ability to work independently while managing and coordinating multiple projects with minimal supervision; maintain high quality work products that meet critical deadlines.
• Ability to multitask at a high level of competency and accuracy performing detailed work.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale projects involving many constituencies.
• A demonstrated commitment to working within a college community that is diverse and serves students from a broad spectrum of socioeconomic and academic backgrounds.
• Ability to contribute to the district's commitment to diversity by fostering a climate of multicultural understanding and appreciation.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with stakeholders about higher education strategy and policy.
• Must be thoughtful and exercise independent judgment, and yet able to engage college leaders, as appropriate, when making difficult and challenging decisions.
• Highest levels of integrity, honesty, and openness.
• Knowledge of employee, community, government, alumni, donor, and media relations principles and practices.

Physical Requirements:

The position

• Typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office.
• Encounters frequent interruptions throughout the workday.
• Is regularly required to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disability Accommodation

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:

• Ability to operate office equipment
• Ability to read and verify data and prepare various materials
• Ability to exchange information on the phone or in person

Notice of Non-discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of "bullying" behaviors, including "cyber bullying".

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the college's Director of Legal Compliance:

1500 Harvard Avenue Seattle, WA 98122-3803

(206) 934-3873

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

Background Check Statement

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will be required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form as required WA HB 2327.