Chief Communications and Government Relations Officer

Click here to view position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NIC_Chief_CGRO_Profile.pdf

Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

NIC is looking for a dynamic, results-driven leader who can further shape the college’s voice, brand, and public presence. This executive directs all aspects of communications, marketing, government relations, and community engagement, leading media and crisis communications, strategic marketing, digital initiatives, and brand management. They oversee a high-performing team that executes integrated communications strategies, advances the college’s mission and strategic goals, and ensures consistent, compelling messaging across all internal and external audiences. With a strong presence among students, employees, community partners, and elected officials, this role establishes NIC as an innovative, forward-focused institution. The Chief Communications and Government Relations Officer has the authority and responsibility to execute bold strategies that reinforce NIC’s mission, values, and long-term vision.

Working for Nick Swayne, NIC’s President, means collaborating with a highly engaged and mission-driven leader who brings a strong background in strategic leadership, public service, and organizational development. A U.S. Army veteran with advanced degrees in public administration and strategic leadership, Dr. Swayne has focused his presidency on enhancing institutional stability, rebuilding enrollment momentum, and reinforcing the college’s commitment to student success and community partnership. His leadership has centered on renewing confidence in the college’s direction, strengthening workforce training focused on regional stakeholders, and advancing pathways that prepare students for meaningful careers and further academic achievement.

Professionals joining NIC have the opportunity to work under a president who values collaboration, accountability, and decisive, forward-moving leadership. Dr. Swayne emphasizes transparent communication, data-informed decision-making, and a culture of continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas, engage in strategic initiatives, and participate in shaping the college’s future. For individuals seeking to make a tangible impact within a vibrant, relationship-focused institution, NIC offers the chance to work alongside a leader committed to growth, excellence, and long-term sustainability. This is an opportunity to engage in work that drives real progress, strengthens the college, and leaves a lasting impact on students and the region.

Responsibilities:

• Provides strategic assistance and advises the President and other college leaders regarding communications, marketing, community relations, and government relations. Contributes to institutional mission, vision, values, and policy development. Serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet.
• Oversees the strategic development and implementation of a comprehensive, research-driven, results-oriented communications and marketing strategy that supports the college’s strategic plan, brand, and enrollment and advancement goals.
• Serves as the college’s official spokesperson, leading media relations and representing the institution on internal and external matters, including community, legislative, crisis, and issues impacting the college’s public image.
• Oversees integrated marketing, branding, and digital communications (web, social media, print, video) to ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all channels and audiences.
• Responds to and resolves citizen inquiries and complaints, including editorials in media.
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws and policies related to public records, public information, and government relations. Acts as the custodian of public records in researching and responding to requests for public records.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of current laws, pending legislation, and related information in matters pertaining to communications, marketing, public and government relations that may directly or indirectly impact the college and provides recommendations to the President and other college leaders.
• Leads the college's local, state, and federal government relations strategy, serving as a primary liaison to elected officials and agencies. Maintains close contact with and gathers information from appropriate community and governmental entities.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with community, business, industry, K-12, and higher education partners to advance the college's role in regional economic and workforce development. Maintains a strong presence in Idaho’s five northern counties, representing and promoting the college to external groups and organizations.
• Oversees development of speeches, remarks, presentations, and key messages for the President and other leaders; plans and executes major announcements, press events, and high-visibility activities.
• Leads the development and execution of the department’s mission, establishing strategic goals and objectives for communications, marketing, and government relations initiatives.
• Develops and manages a high-performing communications and marketing team, including hiring, coaching, supervision, performance management, and professional development.
• Maintains effective working relationships with other departments, agencies, and the public throughout the college's regional service area, as well as with officials of other state colleges and universities and appropriate institutions.
• Maintains and pursues a positive, helpful, constructive attitude and work relationship with supervisor, college staff, students, and the community.
• Represents the President as needed at State Board of Education, legislative, and other meetings as assigned.
• Monitors, participates in, reports on, and assists with various economic development-related initiatives within the region as appropriate.
• Coordinates special events as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the President.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the scope of the position, Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible upper-management experience in community relations, marketing, governmental relations, public relations and/or public administration; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in higher education or the public sector is preferred.
• Knowledge of communications, marketing, and public relations principles and strategies that support institutional visibility and reputation.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal government relations processes and public policy environments.
• Knowledge and understanding of higher education operations and the role of community colleges in serving students, workforce, and community needs.
• Strong skills in developing and delivering clear, concise, and effective written and oral communications for diverse audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to communicate diplomatically and build collaborative relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to speak and write persuasively on a wide range of topics.
• Ability to prepare clear and well-organized documents such as briefings, reports, talking points, and presentations. Ability to analyze complex information, think critically, and evaluate alternative courses of action when developing solutions.
• Ability to facilitate dialogue, gather input, and navigate differing perspectives toward constructive outcomes. Ability to travel occasionally by car and plane within the region and periodically out of state.
• Proficient skills in the use of personal computers and applications, including MS Office, and current digital communication tools and platforms, including social media and web content management.

About North Idaho College:

North Idaho College (NIC) is a comprehensive community college located on the beautiful shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene serving the five northern counties (Kootenai, Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, and Shoshone) of Idaho. NIC is Idaho's oldest public community college, having been founded in 1933.

Today, NIC has grown into a vital educational hub that combines academic excellence with a strong commitment to workforce development and community engagement. NIC offers degrees and certificates in a broad spectrum of academic transfer, career and technical education, and general education programs. More than 5,000 students are enrolled in credit classes and more than 4,400 participate annually in non-credit courses offered by the Workforce Training Center in Post Falls. NIC also plays a key role in the region’s economic development by preparing competent, trained employees for area businesses, industries, and governmental agencies.

• NIC was ranked #1 community college in Idaho by Intelligent.com in their 2024 rankings.
• NIC boasts a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

NIC’s picturesque 45-acre campus on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene creates an inspiring environment for learning and growth. The college leverages its location to provide unique programs in outdoor recreation, health sciences, and technical education, blending natural beauty with academic opportunity. Its vibrant campus culture fosters student involvement, inclusivity, and leadership, while promoting a close-knit, supportive atmosphere that resonates throughout the institution. The college lives its mission, vision and values every day:

Mission

North Idaho College meets the diverse educational needs of students, employers and the northern Idaho communities it serves through a commitment to student success, educational excellence, community engagement and lifelong learning.

Vision

As a comprehensive community college, North Idaho College strives to provide accessible, affordable, quality learning opportunities. North Idaho College endeavors to be an innovative, flexible leader recognized as a center of educational, cultural, economic and civic activities by the communities it serves.

Values

North Idaho College is dedicated to a set of core values that guide its decisions and actions.

The college subscribes to the philosophy of the comprehensive community college, including an “open-door” admissions policy. To truly reflect its role as a community college, NIC accepts the fundamental responsibility to meet the varying needs of individuals with widely divergent interests and abilities. To this end, the college offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees in various college transfer programs, and Associate of Applied Science degrees and technical certificates in its career and technical education programs. Students obtaining an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree can transfer with junior standing to all other Idaho public colleges and universities.

Revenue for NIC is derived primarily from annual legislative appropriations, property taxes from the local district, and student tuition and fees. The college also receives gifts, grants, and endowments for scholarships and development from many sources, both public and private, primarily through the North Idaho College Foundation.

Governance and leadership at NIC reflect both its strong community roots and its forward-looking vision. The college is governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, with an administrative team committed to transparency, student success, and institutional stability. NIC has faced recent challenges, like many institutions, but continues to focus on strengthening internal operations, improving enrollment, and enhancing academic programming.

Looking ahead, NIC is poised for a new chapter of strategic growth and innovation. With strong community support, a dedicated faculty and staff, and a mission to serve as an accessible, affordable gateway to higher education, NIC remains a cornerstone of opportunity in northern Idaho. For leaders passionate about education, regional development, and institutional excellence, NIC represents both a meaningful challenge and a compelling opportunity.

Communications and Marketing

The Communications and Marketing Department at North Idaho College serves as the central hub for the college’s internal and external communications, ensuring all messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with NIC’s mission, vision, and values. The department leads media relations, crisis communications, marketing, branding, and digital engagement while partnering with academic and administrative units to create targeted, high-impact content for students, employees, and the broader community. It also manages public records requests, internal communications channels, and the college’s visual and verbal identity, maintaining a cohesive and professional presence across all platforms. By integrating communications, marketing, and outreach, the department amplifies institutional initiatives, strengthens stakeholder engagement, and positions NIC as a trusted, innovative, and highly visible leader regionally and beyond.

Why Consider the Opportunity:

• Thrive in a Dynamic Environment: Lead with flexibility, adapting strategies to meet evolving institutional and community needs.
• Bold, Strategic Risk-Taking: Drive priorities and initiatives proactively, pivoting as needed, to achieve key goals.
• Principled Leadership: Navigate evolving opportunities and relationships with integrity, accountability and confidence.
• Community College Mission in Action: Shape marketing and communications strategies that attract, engage and support students.
• Campus-to-Community Connector: Align internal strategy while amplifying NIC’s external presence with community, media and government partners.
• Incredible Location & Quality of Life: Join a vibrant lakefront campus in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and exceptional livability.

To Apply:

A confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. For priority consideration, individuals are encouraged to apply by April 9, 2026. Please submit a PDF version of your letter of application outlining your interest/suitability for this position and a resume.

To Apply Online: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su503

Karen Pedersen, PhD

Senior Consultant

Summit Search Solutions, Inc.

(719) 747-2545

kpedersen@summitsearchsolutions.com

To review NIC’s comprehensive and affordable benefits package, click here.

North Idaho College is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status.