Full-time Supervisory/Professional: Chief Public Relations Officer - Lakeland Community College

Full-time Supervisory/Professional: Chief Public Relations Officer 

Lakeland Community College invites interested and qualified applicants to apply for the position of Chief Public Relations Officer. 

Lakeland Community College, founded in 1967, was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to our mission, Lakeland provides quality learning opportunities to meet the social and economic needs of the community, offering day, evening, weekend and online classes. See About Lakeland. 

Reporting to the President of the College, the Chief Public Relations Officer will provide leadership for and is responsible for all aspects of College’s public relations, including managing the College’s public image, brand, and reputation; media relations; and overall marketing and communication strategy. This position will carry significant responsibilities for external and internal communication as well as building positive relationships with all stakeholders. The position will also have leadership and management oversight of the College’s marketing and communication staff. The individual in this position must be a strategic and proactive thinker. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Craft long-term public relations strategy aligned with the College’s mission, vision, and the Key Performance Indicators established by the College. 

• Provide strategic leadership and direction that strengthens the College’s reputation, brand, and image. 

• Compose internal and external communication such as new releases, announcements, online posts, and around public relations and marketing projects. 

• Compose speeches and help shape public statements, remarks, and presentations for the President. 

• Oversee the design and production of print materials and publications, website management, and social media content creation and management. 

• Serve as the central point of contact for media relations, advertising, public affairs, and community relations and as the media spokesperson for the College when appropriate. 

• Develop a rapport with members of media agencies for TV, print and digital publications, radio, and other communication channels. 

• Develop pre-emptive, proactive communications plans addressing targeted audiences to mitigate risk and drive communications around key issues. 

• Develop a comprehensive crisis communications plan and manage crises as they arise. 

• Provide leadership for marketing and communication staff. 

• Manage approved budgets responsibly and in fiscally sound ways. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

• A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communication, or a related field is required, master’s preferred. 

• At least three years of relevant experience is required; five years of relevant experience preferred. 

• Media savvy, with a solid understanding of all modes of and current trends in communication. 

• Crisis management expertise and experience. 

• Demonstrated experience as a strong writer and oral communicator. 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Superb writing and verbal communication skills; strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities; excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving as well as leadership and team management skills. 

• Identify story ideas and shape key messages to generate positive media coverage for the College. 

• Handle sensitive media relations situations, including crisis communication response. 

• Provide leadership, cultivate and maintain positive relationships with multiple audiences. 

• Shape and control the flow of information to key constituencies. 

• Penchant for attention to details. 

• Tolerance for ambiguity. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

• This is a 12-month, full-time, exempt position. The annual salary is within the pay grade 6 range of the administrative and supervisory/professional salary schedule with an anticipated hiring range of $75,000 - $90,000.  The position’s starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

• The College offers generous benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, vacation and personal days, along with holiday and sick time. See Compensation for Administrators. 

• College business hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. This position is eligible for one remote workday per week following the satisfactory completion of the 6-month probationary period. 

APPLICATION PROCESS  

Interested candidates should apply for this position through the college’s Human Resources website. Please be prepared to do the following: 

• Complete all questions in the application (*please read the note below) 

• Attach a current resume and a cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for this position. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, interested candidates are encouraged to apply by January 31, 2025, to assure full consideration. 

*To avoid difficulties when submitting your application, be sure your web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer) is updated to the latest version and allow yourself sufficient time to complete the application since you WILL NOT be able to save a partially completed application and work on it later. 

Lakeland Community College is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without attention to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.  Lakeland Community College is committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.  If your disability requires special accommodation to participate in the application/interview process, contact the Human Resources Office at 440-525-7575.