Basic Function

Under the direction of the Executive Director, Communications and Marketing, the Director of Community Relations and Marketing builds and sustains meaningful relationships with community members, media, and internal stakeholders while developing and implementing marketing strategies that advance the visibility and mission of Bakersfield College. Serves as the designated administrator in the absence of the Executive Director as assigned. Availability outside of standard business hours is an essential function of this role.

Representative Duties

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop and implement integrated marketing and public relations campaigns that support College-wide initiatives, academic programs, and institutional priorities; provide strategic input to campaign development and execute approved plans with consistency and quality.
• Provide marketing and communication guidance to college departments and programs; collaborate with department representatives to develop targeted materials and communications plans that align with institutional goals and brand standards.
• Represent the college by maintaining a visible and engaged public presence; build and sustain relationships with community members, business partners, and media representatives; attend and participate in college and community events, to fulfill the responsibilities of this role and advance institutional goals.
• Manage and develop content for the College's social media accounts; develop and execute data-informed social media strategies and digital campaigns using SEO best practices, and platform algorithms to build audience engagement and advanced institution visibility; monitor performance and recommend adjustments based on results.
• Produce original written content that reflects the college's voice, brand standards, and AP style across multiple platform and audiences. These include content such as speeches, correspondences, talking points, press releases, media advisories, and other internal and external communications.
• Maintain working relationships with local, regional, and statewide media representatives; respond to media inquiries as directed; assist in coordinating press conferences, interviews, and news events, some of which may occur outside of normal College operational hours.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of crisis communication and emergency messaging plans; coordinate timely communications during emergencies, incidents, and institutional disruptions in accordance with district protocols.
• Provide leadership and direction to assigned communications and marketing personnel. Coordinate and prioritize departmental workflow and projects.
• Ensure institutional brand standards are maintained across all communication platforms, publications, digital channels, and external-facing materials.
• Utilize knowledge of departmental budget guidelines and parameters to inform and guide the planning, development, and execution of marketing efforts, ensuring responsible and effective use of institutional resources.
• Develop and edit high-quality written content for a wide variety of publications and communication channels, including but not limited to brochures, invitations, emails and mailings, magazines, and annual reports.
• Maintain up-to-date expertise in communications, design, and productivity software and technology tools essential to marketing and public relations work, while proactively staying informed of emerging platforms, digital trends, and evolving industry technologies technology.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university or equivalent, preferably in, communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in community relations and marketing.
• A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position may be considered. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A working knowledge of print and electronic media, ability to write and speak effectively, ability to work harmoniously with a wide variety of people and have the knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the community college.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of community college students and employees.