Job details

Communications Manager

Position Number: 6085547
Location: Spokane, WA
Position Type: Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

Communications Manager

Community Colleges of Spokane

Location: CCS District Office

Department: DIST Marketing/Public Relations

Salary Range: $65,497 - $74,041

Starting salary for this position is: $65,497 (Annually)

The salary range represents the earning potential for this position, through training, evaluations and years spent working in this position with CCS.
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.

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. PST on 04/02/2025. The application process will not be available after this time. To ensure consideration make sure your application is completed and submitted as soon as possible. Applications will only be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. on the closing date.
About the Communications Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the District Communications Director, the primary purpose of this position is to identify and manage the execution of internal and external communication strategies for Spokane Colleges (the district), Spokane Community College (SCC) and Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC)

The Communications Manager works under general direction, identifying and creating compelling stories and essential information within the colleges and the district, writing well-crafted content, then sharing it with internal and external audiences on a variety of platforms (including social media and the web). The work includes creating multiplatform content, such as news stories, press releases and email newsletters, then posting edited content to websites and internal communication channels/platforms (including Microsoft SharePoint). The position also monitors organizational media mentions, identifying and advising leadership of potential issues.

This position is best suited for an organized, creative, multiplatform writer with strong attention to detail and an appreciation for flexing communication styles to suit diverse audiences to promote the district and colleges, with an eye for identifying compelling stories and ways to tell them.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Identify and tell the stories of Spokane Colleges (the district, SCC, SFCC) with a fresh and creative perspective, using a variety of methods, platforms, and multimedia formats, including photo, video, writing and digital communications. *
Work with District Marketing and Public Relations teams and partners to develop and implement communications strategies that promote Spokane Colleges to current and prospective students, families, businesses, community partners and key stakeholders. *
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campuses and other administrative departments to proactively discover storytelling and content creation opportunities. *
Assist campuses and other administrative departments with effective communication strategies as needed. *
Write and manage content for the district, SCC, SFCC and associated marketing websites by working directly with administrators and campus personnel to gather information and promote specific initiatives, programs and services. Ensure information is accurate and presented in a manner appropriate for the desired outcome. *
Create work according to web content writing best practices, including search engine optimization (SEO), and meeting accessibility standards for images and web content. *
Assist the Communications Director with emergency communications, including routine tests, training, message development and system launch. *
Write, edit, produce and distribute timely e-newsletters during the academic year, and write content for other internal communications as needed. *
Write and distribute news releases. Respond to media requests according to District Media Guidelines. Collaborate with the District Communications Director on media relations, media strategy and tracking using online tools.
Work with the District Communications Director to develop KPIs, metrics, and measurements to determine the effectiveness of multiplatform communications projects and campaigns. Set goals and strategies to improve effectiveness. Report progress at regular intervals and identify adjustments to optimize performance. *
Assist with the execution of crisis communication plans using the web and media outreach, following Incident Command protocol and district emergency communications procedures. *
Ensure Spokane Colleges brand and style standards are followed. *
Monitor organizational media mentions, identifying and advising leadership of potential issues. *
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. Perform other duties as assigned. *

* Indicates this is an essential duty.

COMPETENCIES

Manages Complexity
Decision Quality
Action Oriented
Plans & Aligns
Ensures Accountability
Drives Results
Collaborates
Instills Trust
Demonstrates Self-Awareness
Self-Development
Nimble Learning
Situational Adaptability

Learn more about https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6085547&targetURL=programs and services. Ensure information is accurate and presented in a manner appropriate for the desired outcome. *

Create work according to web content writing best practices, including search engine optimization (SEO), and meeting accessibility standards for images and web content. *

Assist the Communications Director with emergency communications, including routine tests, training, message development and system launch. *

Write, edit, produce and distribute timely e-newsletters during the academic year, and write content for other internal communications as needed. *

Write and distribute news releases. Respond to media requests according to District Media Guidelines. Collaborate with the District Communications Director on media relations, media strategy and tracking using online tools.

Work with the District Communications Director to develop KPIs, metrics, and measurements to determine the effectiveness of multiplatform communications projects and campaigns. Set goals and strategies to improve effectiveness. Report progress at regular intervals and identify adjustments to optimize performance. *

Assist with the execution of crisis communication plans using the web and media outreach, following Incident Command protocol and district emergency communications procedures. *

Ensure Spokane Colleges brand and style standards are followed. *

Monitor organizational media mentions, identifying and advising leadership of potential issues. *

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. Perform other duties as assigned. *

* Indicates this is an essential duty.

COMPETENCIES

Manages Complexity
Decision Quality
Action Oriented
Plans & Aligns
Ensures Accountability
Drives Results
Collaborates
Instills Trust
Demonstrates Self-Awareness
Self-Development
Nimble Learning
Situational Adaptability

Learn more about our competencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or another closely related field from an accredited institution OR an equivalent mix of education and experience that demonstrates the candidate meets competency requirements for this position.
Progressive experience in public relations, communications, marketing, writing for the web, social media marketing, or a related field.
Experience in marketing, social media strategies, creation of video/photos, and/or ability to strategically plan and execute communications initiatives.
Experience in media relations including writing and issuing news releases, facilitating media inquiries and interviews, and establishing strong working relationships with reporters.
Demonstrated creativity in developing and executing communications plans and strategies.
Skilled in the use of word processing and computers, including PowerPoint, the Adobe Creative suite, email and public relations platforms, and content management systems.
Excellent and effective oral and written communication skills, including ability to present ideas and information to groups of people.
Demonstrated ability to relate and work in a positive, professional manner with a diverse group of staff and community members in a confidential manner.
Understanding of best practices to fulfill ADA compliance requirements, including web accessibility standards.
Understanding of integrated marketing/communications tools, techniques and best practices.
Strong writing and copyediting skills for the web and media, such as press releases, while following the district and Associated Press (AP) Style Guides.
Excellent project management methods and techniques.
Ability to effectively organize multiple work assignments, involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, of high quality and meet deadlines.
Ability to be self-motivated, take initiative, be coachable and to effectively work independently as well as part of a team.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working in higher education in a public relations and/or marketing setting.
Knowledge of Spokane Colleges, characteristics of the students and region it serves, and the kinds of programs and services it provides.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is generally performed in a normal, temperature-controlled office environment.
Work is generally sedentary in nature, with regular visits to campuses and offsite locations. Frequent use of computer and exposure to terminal screens.
Visual focus and strain.
Work directly with students/employees/media.
Work involves constant interruptions and the requirement to answer on demand questions by phone, in person, or electronically.
Frequent repetitive hand/wrist motions and finger manipulation.
Occasional to frequent change in position from sedentary, standing, stooping and walking.
Frequent oral and auditory communication with others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Contract 12-month position.
This position is overtime eligible.
Requires local or regional travel.
Criminal background check is 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-Cref retirement plan or WA State Retirement 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.)

https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=6085547&targetURL=stooping and walking.

Frequent oral and auditory communication with others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Contract 12-month position.
This position is overtime eligible.
Requires local or regional travel.
Criminal background check is 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-Cref retirement plan or WA State Retirement 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.)

Public Employees Benefits Board

Additional benefits information
Required Application Materials

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet required competencies and submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:

Cover letter - addressing your qualifications relevant to the responsibilities of this position.
Resume.
References - the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references.
College transcript(s) if applicable - unofficial/copies of transcripts are acceptable; official transcripts are required upon hire.

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 CCS.Recruiter@ccs.spokane.edu.

Equal Opportunity Institution

Spokane Colleges does not discriminate in its programs, activities and employment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, parental status or families with children, status as a mother breastfeeding their child, AIDS/HIV or hepatitis C, honorably discharged veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected category.

Direct all inquiries or grievances regarding access, Title IX, ADA, equal opportunity compliance, and/or grievances to:
Fred Davis | Chief Human Resources Officer
Spokane Colleges
P.O. Box 6000, MS1004
Spokane, WA. 99217-6000
509-434-5040

To apply, please visit: https://careers.ccs.spokane.edu/jobs/communications-manager-spokane-washington-united-states