District Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

District Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications Community Colleges of Spokane Location: Spokane Colleges District Office Department: DIST Marketing/Public Relations Salary Range: $102,721 - $115,918 Starting salary for this position is: $102,721 (Annually) The salary range represents the earning potential for this position, through training, evaluations and years spent working in this position with Spokane Colleges. About Us Spokane Colleges is comprised of two accredited colleges, Spokane Community College (SCC) and Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) serving Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties, as well as portions of Lincoln County. Both colleges are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and governed by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. Job Summary Under the direction of the Chief Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Officer (CIAEAO), this senior-level position is responsible for executing the institution's marketing strategy, brand positioning and strategic communications ensuring consistent, credible and impactful messaging across all channels. This role works with college and district leadership to develop, implement and measure innovative and effective integrated campaigns to promote Spokane Colleges and drive enrollment. The District Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications is both a strategic planner and a hands‑on leader that oversees a talented, dynamic team of marketing and communications professionals in a fast‑paced environment. Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Planning & Execution Execute comprehensive, integrated marketing communications campaigns aligned with institutional goals and mission, brand positioning and enrollment objectives. * Oversee the creation of content across multiple platforms including print, website, social media, digital and public relations channels with a focus on serving key audiences including prospective students, current students, Spokane Colleges employees and the community at large. Ensure creative alignment, message coordination and distribution of content according to schedules and budget. * Develop and implement internal and external communications strategies to enhance brand awareness, public image and awareness, and stakeholder trust. * Use media tools and public engagement initiatives to highlight institutional impact and success. * Direct public relations activities including media outreach, media inquiries and facilitating news interviews. Oversee news release preparation. Ensure compliance with institutional policy and procedures. * Develop and oversee competitive Request for Proposals/Requests for Qualifications (RFP/RFQ) processes and oversee contract management with outside vendors. * Lead the Spokane Colleges web content and design team to ensure all external websites provide an engaging, compelling and seamless user experience. Oversee the launch of the new Modern Campus Content Management System (CMS) on all Spokane Colleges external websites in 2027. * Brand Leadership Oversee brand strategy, positioning and messaging across all channels, ensuring consistency and competitive differentiation. * Oversee use and compliance of Spokane Colleges brand guidelines across the institution. Enforce compliance when necessary. Revise and update brand guidelines when appropriate. * Campaign Management Lead the planning, execution and measurement of integrated marketing communications campaigns, including paid advertising, digital marketing, social media, website landing pages and community engagement initiatives. * Oversee contract management and paid advertising buys to include digital, broadcast, print and outdoor. * Oversee marketing and strategic communications expenditures. Ensure costs are correctly tracked and all state and district purchasing regulations are followed as well as marketing regulations from state and federal civil rights agencies. * Cross‑Functional Collaboration and Consultation Foster strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to build trust and drive collaboration. * Meet with college and program leadership to develop promotional strategies. * Working closely with the CIAEAO, manage the crisis communications team according to Spokane Colleges emergency communications protocols and Incident Command Structure (ICS). * Support and advance the Spokane Colleges Strategic Plan. * Team Leadership Oversee, manage and develop a high‑performing marketing communications team including graphic designers, communications, social media, website, digital content and videography/photography personnel. Foster professional development and retention. * Inform and educate staff about behavior and performance expectations, provide timely and accurate feedback regarding performance, and ensure performance and behavioral problems are corrected promptly and effectively. * Model professional decorum and mutual respect in all personal interactions. * Comply with district policies, procedures and directives, state and federal regulations, orders and statutes and collective bargaining agreements. * Support and advance Spokane Colleges' strategic plan and perform other duties as assigned. * Data‑Driven Decision Making Direct and conduct market research to identify industry trends and insights. Align marketing communication efforts with emerging trends and workforce needs. Test messaging to inform and refine strategy. * Analyze data including industry trends, student preferences and campaign performance to refine strategies and boost engagement. * Develop a dashboard containing key performance indicators (KPIs) to demonstrate collective impact and inform campaign strategy. * * Indicates this is an essential duty. Competencies Tech Savvy Manages Complexity Strategic Mindset Action Oriented Plans & Aligns Drives Results Collaborates Builds Effective Teams Manages Ambiguity Learn more about MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in marketing, communications, public relations, business or a closely related field. Or an equivalent mix of education and experience that demonstrates the candidate meets all competency requirements for this position. Four or more years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, brand management, and/or strategic communications, including at least two to three years of supervisory or management experience leading staff, vendors, or cross‑functional teams. Strong collaboration, conflict resolution and team building skills. Demonstrated ability to: Develop and implement integrated strategic marketing and communication plans Manage media relations and public information efforts Lead content creation across digital, print, web, social, media and video platforms Analyze metrics and use data to inform decisions Maintain brand standards and organizational messaging Manage websites to meet strategic needs and maximize user experience Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse stakeholder groups Manage teams of people including employees and committees Manage budgets and contracts DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Master's degree/MBA preferred Professional certifications in public relations, marketing, communications or digital strategy Higher education experience Experience with complex website migration projects and content management systems (CMS) Demonstrated expertise in strategic advertising, media buying and paid digital marketing. Strong working knowledge and experience with SEO, AI and UX/UI. Crisis communication and crisis management experience, especially in Incident Command Structure (ICS). Experience with Request for Proposal (RFP) and/or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) processes. Advertising or public relations agency experience Proficient in Associated Press (AP) style. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Work is performed in person in an office environment. May occasionally be required to work evenings and/or weekends Work directly with leadership and colleagues Frequent oral and auditory communication with others. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Position is exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Requires local or regional travel. Criminal background checks are required. Person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. This is an absolute condition of employment. An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H1‑B visa. In addition, the Spokane Colleges maintain a drug‑free work environment and prohibits all smoking in the college buildings and state‑owned vehicles. Must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment. 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. Once an applicant is chosen for a position, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law. Benefits Information This is a contracted, exempt management position. Medical, dental life and long term disability insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under the Public Employees Benefits Board; TIAA retirement plan or WA State Dept. of Retirement Systems Pension Plan. Vacation leave accrues at the rate of 14.67 hours per month (22 days per year) and sick leave accrues at the rate of 8 hours per month, effective upon employment. (For positions that are less than full time, leave accruals will be prorated to the percentage of the position. For questions regarding a job application or the hiring process, or if you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR at mailto:View email address on click.appcast.io. Equal Opportunity Institution Spokane Colleges provides equal opportunity in education and employment. We comply with applicable federal and state civil rights laws, and prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in programs, activities, and employment based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, disability, veteran or military status, service‑animal use, or other legally protected status. To report a concern or ask about Title IX oraccess, contact Frederick Davis, Chief Human Resource Officer / Title IX Coordinator, at mailto:View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr