Salary Range: Grade C: $148,997.91 - $199,671.45/year, $220,137.78 (top step effective 7/01/2023), $228,943.30 (top step effective 7/01/2024)

Job Type:

Job Number: CL22-00515

Location: Santa Ana, CA

Division: Educational Services

Closing: Continuous

Job Description

ABOUT RANCHO SANTIAGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) is one of the most established districts in the state and has been in operation for nearly 50 years. Located in the heart of Orange County, it is one of the largest of California's 72 community college districts, based on the number of credit and non-credit students. RSCCD encompasses 25 percent of Orange County's total area and serves a population of more than 700,000 residents in the communities of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Santa Ana, Villa Park, and portions of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Tustin, and Yorba Linda. The District includes Santiago Canyon College and Santa Ana College, as well as the Centennial and Orange Continuing Education Centers, the Digital Media Center, Joint Powers Fire Training Center, the Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy, the College and Workforce Preparation Center, and the District Operations Center. RSCCD's three (3) auxiliary Foundations are actively involved in supporting both community and campus programs.
CLASS SUMMARY
Assists the Chancellor and Board of Trustees and provides leadership in the planning, organization, administration, evaluation and policy development for public relations, marketing and communications initiatives for the district. Serves as the central point of contact for media relations, advertising, public affairs and community relations. Responsible for the development, implementation and assessment of the district's operations in the Communications, Marketing and Public Relations department.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Manages the institution's brand and reputation through strategic surveying, distribution of news, announcements, social media posts and marketing campaigns to ensure that the public views the organization favorably; Represents RSCCD at external meetings and events; identifies opportunities for the Colleges and District to obtain resources, visibility and potential funding; Serve as the media spokesperson for the district; Oversees the design and production of print materials and publications, website management, and social media content creation and management; Develops rapport with members of media agencies for radio, TV, digital publications, podcasts and other channel exposure; coordinate communication between the College and District leadership, employees, students, donors, elected officials, media and community members; Composes internal publications such as newsletters, news releases, announcements, on-line posts, website updates, video productions, special projects and related PR and marketing projects develops pre-emptive, proactive communications plans addressing targeted audiences to mitigate risk and drive communications around key issues; Develops a comprehensive crisis communications plan and manages crises as they arise (and/or manages outside crisis consultants when appropriate); Coordinates with the Chancellor's Executive Cabinet, College Presidents' executive leadership, and Public Information Officers to communicate regularly with communities and elected officials; Analyze the higher education landscape, the role and dynamics that the community college district plays in operating within the region it serves to garner engagement and support; Implement innovative methods for brand reach to enhance perception and strengthen the images of the District and its Colleges.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
This position reports directly to the designated administrator. This classification works closely with college and district leadership to direct and manage internal and external communications initiatives, publications and media relations.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• California Chancellor's Office, federal and state regulations;
• Administration, supervision and training principles for staff;
• Collective bargaining agreements and shared governance procedures
• Communications research, processes, planning and program implementation;
• Current and emerging technology in order to produce content for the websites, intranet, and/or social media;

Ability to: Provide leadership, cultivate and maintain positive relationships with multiple audiences; Interpret, analyze, monitor and track budget reports; Manage, supervise, coach and evaluate a team of diverse communications professionals to ensure effective and efficient operations; Communicate with strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and oral; Shape and control the flow of information to key constituencies; Sustain positive and open lines of communication with internal and external stakeholders; Coordinate a variety of high-profile tasks and responsibilities; Identify story ideas and shape key messages to generate positive coverage of the district and colleges; Handle sensitive media relations situations, including on-site crisis communications response; Demonstrate experience with marketing and public relations campaigns with a thorough understanding of branding and marketing communications strategies and tactics, including content strategy, digital and social media; Understand and articulate the mission of RSCCD to work collaboratively with varied constituencies, internally and externally; Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of students and employees, as well as the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Job Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSTraining and ExperienceA bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism or English or another related field. At least five years' experience in public relations, community relations, marketing or related occupation with direct responsibility for publications, media relations, and communications planning and implementation, including at least three years of project management and supervisory experience. Demonstrated ability as a strong writer and oral communicator. A Master's degree is preferred.
EEO STATEMENT
The Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) is committed to the concept and principles of staff diversity and equal employment opportunity by prohibiting discrimination based on ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, sex, race, color, ancestry, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, gender identity, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), marital status, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Applications from all persons interested in the position are encouraged.
SELECTION CRITERIA Application ScreeningIn addition to the requirements and responsibilities listed, the following criteria will be considered in selecting candidates for interviews:

• Education experience (breadth and depth)
• Work experience (breadth and depth)
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities
• Program development
• Community involvement
• Demonstrated experience in working with a diverse socio-economic community
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others

Based on the information presented in the application materials, a limited number of candidates with qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a written test and an oral interview. Meeting the position's minimum requirements does not guarantee advancement in the selection process. Candidate qualifications will be assessed to determine those who meet and exceed requirements and are deemed the most competitive in the applicant pool. InterviewApplicants selected for an interview may be required to take additional tests or assessments and will be notified of such prior to the interview date. During the oral session, those selected for interviews will, in addition to the above, also be evaluated on the following factors:

• Oral communication skills
• Presentation
• Problem-solving skills
• Successful teaching, problem-solving, or performance demonstration
• Writing skills/demonstration

A predetermined set of questions will be asked of all applicants interviewed. Applicants are requested to provide thorough yet concise information on their related experience to ensure the correct evaluation of their qualifications. Evaluation criteria will be applied consistently to all applicants. The District will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants should contact Recruitment in the Human Resources Office for assistance. Application ProcedureThe position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will begin on Friday, January 13, 2023. To ensure full consideration, all applicants must submit a complete online Rancho Santiago Community College District Online application that includes the items listed below no later than January 12, 2023. People & Culture will review all applications for completeness, and only complete application packets will be forwarded to the screening committee for further review.
A Complete Application Packet Must Include the Following:

• RSCCD Online Application
• Cover Letter
• Resume - details all relevant education, training, and other work experience
• Academic Transcripts (unofficial copies are accepted)

Foreign Transcripts: Education completed outside of the United States must be equivalent to that gained in the conventional/accredited United States education programs to be considered for the satisfaction of minimum qualifications. The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), a United States-based credentials evaluation service, must translate and evaluate Foreign transcripts. Conditions of EmploymentSelected candidate(s) is required to complete the following prior to employment as part of the onboarding process:

• Submit official transcripts - Based on Minimum Qualifications
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States (by in-person appointment in People & Culture)
• Provide a certificate of Tuberculosis Exam
• Fingerprints (by a Live Scan Agency at the candidate's expense, and clearance must be received before the first day of employment)

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/rsccd/jobs/3829752/chief-communications-officer