Jobs

This position is a grade 14 with a minimum of $49,575 and a mid-point of $66,100. Salary offer will be commensurate with the education/experience, in alignment with the College’s compensation philosophy, and the current CBA, if applicable.

In collaboration with the Chief Marketing Communications and Government Relations Officer, an employee in this classification performs work of moderate difficulty by building and maintaining effective relationships with executive-level stakeholder groups, including legislators, at the municipal, county, state and federal levels vital to the success of Community College District 509. Representing the president at community functions, as needed and in the absence of the CMCO, and co-presenting community updates with ECC trustees throughout D509, as needed.  Work is distinguished by identifying the community leaders throughout the D509 and targeting the relationships that need to be developed and/or strengthened; supporting the board of trustees’ goals to broaden interactions with the District 509 community and to develop a results-oriented legislative affairs program. Direction is received by the assigned manager.

1. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
2. 3-5 years’ experience (combined) in community engagement, public relations and/or government relations required.
3. Good knowledge of local workforce development and/or economic development required; three or more years’ experience preferred.
4. Considerable written communication skills demonstrated on application/resume/portfolio. Considerable oral communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Considerable skills in developing a solid network of executive-level contacts.
6. Some knowledge of the District 509 community leadership and/or state/federal D509 legislators preferred.
7. Experience in the higher education environment is preferred.
8. Working skill in MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and Access.

1. Bilingual (Spanish/English) speaker strongly preferred.
2. Experience working with elected officials and community leaders 

1. Execute a comprehensive community engagement program under the direction of the Chief Marketing Communications and Government Relations Officer. Identify, update and maintain a database of the most influential community leaders within the 33 municipalities, 4 counties (DeKalb excluded) and diverse communities (African American, Latino, Asian American) that comprise Community College District 509; cultivate relationships with these leaders; and actively engage with key stakeholders to enhance ECC’s presence and impact within District 509. Communicate and coordinate all of these activities with internal stakeholder groups. Maintain detailed records and files on all community engagement/legislative affairs activities. Organize, format and prepare reports and plans. Effectively obtain and use internal and external information, drawing data from a variety of sources.  Coordinate the distribution process for assigned reports in an efficient, cost effective and timely manner. 
2. Stay informed of all key programs, initiatives, successes and other progress at ECC in order to keep community stakeholder groups informed. Represent ECC at strategic external meetings and events. Attend events on behalf of the college president or the CMCO upon request. Give presentations and information updates to targeted municipalities, chambers, service organizations and other groups. Co-present community updates with ECC trustees and assist them in meeting their board goal to broaden their interactions with the D509 community. Answer community questions about ECC in a diplomatic, professional manner. Alert appropriate internal audiences to issues, concerns and other feedback as needed. Follow up whenever needed. Attend events along with the CMCO, or in the absence of the CMCO, on the board of trustees’ annual community engagement list.
3. Coordinate the college’s legislative affairs at the municipal, county, state and federal levels under the direction of the Chief Marketing Communications and Government Relations Officer. Execute legislative strategies and strategic opportunities for the president, trustees and other key stakeholders to effectively communicate the college’s needs to the appropriate government leaders. Support the board of trustees in meeting their legislative goals. Work collaboratively with internal partners to identify, develop and secure state/federal funding opportunities. Work with the CMCO to develop the college’s annual state and federal agendas; schedule and support on and off campus legislative “meet and greets” with the board of trustees and president; schedule and support the president and trustees’ attendance at state and federal lobby days; and host legislative activities as needed. Keep the CMCO, president and trustees informed of important legislation; activate legislative advocacy activities when needed. Proactively improve and increase the college’s government relations program.
4. Plan and execute institutional-level events targeting the District 509 stakeholders (i.e. bi-annual community open houses, college-wide celebrations, annual Business After Hours, CEO Roundtable). Proactively engage as a member of the marketing communications team and recommend tactics to connect ECC with community stakeholder groups (i.e. D509 taxpayers, influencers, leaders) using marketing, communication and event-based tactics.
5. Maintain extensive knowledge of community organizations and events. Serve as a primary resource for community event and organization information for other college departments.  Proactively evaluate community sponsorship, engagement and involvement opportunities for the college and recommend participation, sponsorship on behalf of ECC president, board of trustees and employees. Support the board of trustees’ community engagement goals, including developing, deploying and maintaining a robust community presentations program. Coordinate with the president’s office and other areas of the college, as needed.
6. Create a report of all activities, including community engagement, workforce development and economic development for inclusion in monthly reports to the President and Board of Trustees Ensure that the contact information of leaders throughout the District 509 community (and beyond) is reflected in the marketing communications database system. Effectively communicate updates to databases/mailing lists used for community engagement purposes. Proactively update the system throughout the year. Make recommendations for additional communications with identified community leaders.
7. Serve as a member of the Crisis Team and provide full support to the Chief Marketing Communications and Government Relations Officer. May be asked to work with the media.
8. Actively review all in-progress marketing communications jobs in order to suggest cross-marketing opportunities; stay informed of ECC key messages; and be aware of the marketing communication materials available for stakeholder distribution when making community presentations and attending community events.
9. Serve on appropriate internal boards & committees. Stay informed of relevant internal stakeholder group activities that may impact community relations needs and opportunities

1. Perform other job-related duties as assigned which pertain to the job description.
2. Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Light (up to 25 lbs occasionally or 10 lbs frequently)

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Moderate noise

Typical office or administrative