People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Public Affairs Manager

  • Title: Public Affairs Manager
  • Category: Manager
  • Grade: L

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Department Director leads the public affairs functions of the College including media, government and public relations. In consultation with College administrators and executives, plans and executes a comprehensive, proactive public affairs strategy that advances the College’s mission and goals with the community, government, media, business and industry.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Public Affairs Manager serves as the key spokesperson to local, state and national media in all College matters and communicates college priorities to elected officials.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1.  In collaboration with the Department Director, Marketing Manager, Foundation Executive Director, the District President, Executive Officers and others, provides leadership for the media, government, and public relations components of the College Marketing Plan, as well as internal communications planning. Works with College Board of Directors, faculty and staff to plan, implement and ensure College communications policies and practices are followed.
  2. Manages media relations for the College, Develops and implements a strategic media relations campaign to ensure a positive public image for the College. Works with the media to obtain press coverage on the College. Maintains contact with Executive Officers, District President and board members in matters relating to news media, public statements, crisis communications and public relations activities. Represents the College Administration, Board of Directors and Foundation trustees to news media. Oversees development and dissemination of press releases, web features, and other media communications. Works with state and national associations to promote media awareness of community college issues.
  3. Manages governmental relation for the College. Communicates College priorities to local, state and national elected officials. Establishes and maintains contact with elected officials and their staff. Coordinates efforts with state and national associations; participates in development of state legislative agenda with state organizations. Tracts legislation and keeps staff informed as necessary. Monitors interim activities when state legislature is not in session. Advises the Department Director and the District President on legislative tactics and other government relations issues.
  4. Manages public relations for the College. Plans external audience special events for the College. Provides guidance and support to departments and campuses planning events and other public relations activities. Represents College administration at public relations strategy meetings with business and industry, education, other partners and with media outlets for shared promotional efforts. Represents College administration at public events, press conferences and meetings. Develops and manages VIP database. Develops public relations materials.
  5. Supervises administrative services technical/support staff, casual employees and independent contractors. Hires, evaluates, trains, disciplines and discharges staff as necessary.
  6. Establishes priorities for work assignments, monitors progress, reviews work products and ensures products are delivered in a timely manner.
  7. Assists the Department Director with development and implementation of special projects, such as bond and capital campaigns.
  8. Writes and researches speeches and articles for the District President and assists with public appearances. Writes speeches and other materials for board members and other College staff.
  9. Provides technical assistance to College faculty and staff on public relations issues.
  10. Plans budget for public affairs activities within the Office of Institutional Advancement.
  11. Represents the College at state, regional and national meetings related to areas of media, government and public relations.
  12. Positions in this classification may perform all or some of the responsibilities above and all positions perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science, marketing, public relations, communications or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Four years of progressively responsible, professional experience related to area of assignment, including one year of supervisory experience.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:
  • Supervisory principles;
  • Media, government and public relations principles and practices;
  • Budgeting principles and practices;
  • Project management principles and practices;
  • Community college operations and administration principles and practices.
Skills in:
  • Developing and monitoring budgets;
  • Managing and coordinating special projects;
  • Preparing a variety of reports, speeches and articles;
  • Communicating effectively with all levels of management, board of directors, staff and external individuals and groups, including government officials and representatives of the media;
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with members of the community, media, business and industry;
  • Analyzing and interpreting data and information and making appropriate recommendations based on findings;
  • Working with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff;
  • Utilizing computer technology for communication, data gathering and reporting activities;
  • Communicating effectively through oral and written mediums.

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is generally performed in an office environment with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. Frequent in-district and state travel is required. Working hours may vary and occasional evening and weekend work is required. No special coordination beyond that used for normal mobility and handling of every day objects and material is needed to perform the job satisfactorily.

Rev: 04/07
Replaces: Public Affairs Manager