Director, Community Relations Position Available In Alachua, Florida

Director, Community Relations page is loaded
Director, Community Relations locations
Northwest Campus

• Gainesville, FL
  time type
  Full time
  posted on
  Posted Yesterday
  time left to apply

End Date:

May 31, 2025 (20 days left to apply)
job requisition id
JR1294 Compensation $67,555.00 Annual Job Description Summary The application deadline for this position is 11:59pm EST on May 30, 2025. Under the leadership of the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Governmental and Community Relations, the Director of Community Relations develops and implements strategic initiatives that advances Santa Fe College’s (SF) mission, vision, and goals. This role serves as a key representative of SF by engaging key community groups and external agencies to ensure the college is positioned to meet community needs and make a meaningful impact. The Director also oversees the development of related communications and outreach efforts, organizes community-facing events and initiatives, attends local meetings and events, and maintains strong, professional relationships with business and community leaders, government entities and elected officials, civic groups, educational partners, and local organizations. By fostering community collaboration and engagement, the Director ensures SF remains well-connected and responsive to the needs of its service district. The starting salary is $67,555 annually. Any salary amount above this is commensurate upon an individual’s qualifications.

Job Description Responsibilities and Duties Include:

Leads the development and implementation of a community relations structure that promotes community affairs opportunities, engages key external stakeholders, and fosters mutually beneficial relationships that positively impact the college’s service district. Develops and maintains professional and strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including business and community leaders, government entities and elected officials, civic groups, educational partners, and local organizations. Represents the college to the community via speaking engagements, civic and professional meetings, important community events and meetings, and other related initiatives in areas of responsibility; serves as a central point of contact in the college’s community efforts to enhance the college’s presence and image in the community. Facilitates community outreach efforts and serves as a conduit between the community and the college to connect subject matter experts, discuss ideas and issues, support initiatives, and address any challenges with a collaborative and comprehensive approach. Identifies, develops, and manages opportunities to enhance college visibility and awareness, collaborating with the Marketing and Communications department to implement social media campaigns that highlight the college’s presence and impact in the community. Directs the planning and coordination of related special engagements and on-campus visits with key stakeholders, including business and community leaders, elected officials, the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, and local community members. Hosts collegewide signature and strategic events, such as groundbreakings, business luncheons, ribbon-cuttings, and signings. This includes serving as a campus liaison to invited guests, offering customized tours and learning opportunities, as well as preparing and maintaining a schedule of events and activities. Oversees government-related initiatives and events on campus, including early voting and legislative delegation hearings, serving as the primary point of contact and coordinating with internal partners to ensure successful planning and execution. Ensures the President’s participation in key community events by promptly responding to requests, working with the President’s support team to coordinate invitations and logistics. Serves as the point person for community event invitations hosted outside of the college and coordinates participation with members of the Executive Leadership Team as needed. Leads and completes community-based and related special projects and programs, including the coordination of the President’s Leadership Academy; prepares and presents reports on assignments. Maintains an up-to-date database of key local community leaders and organizations to extend special event and engagement invitations and conveys messages of importance that showcase the college’s contributions and impact to the community. Conceptualizes and develops informational and educational tools to promote community affairs opportunities to staff and leadership, helping them build and enhance their leadership skills. Maintains an inventory of employee community service opportunities, including volunteer activities and board membership, and reports information regularly to internal and external stakeholders. Collaborates and communicates with the Office of the President, the Executive Leadership Team, the Marketing and Communications department, and the Office of Advancement in coordinating public relations efforts and related initiatives within community relations. Oversees the process for public-facing awards to highlight those in the community who have made a difference at SF; this includes the solicitation of nominations, selection of awardees, and production and presentation of awards. Works with the AVP in establishing a community investment budget and in prioritizing and allocating funds to external organizations and causes. Collaborates with the AVP to create and implement departmental goals that strategically advance the stature of SF and provide consistent, meaningful direction. Complies with all published College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws/regulations governing public employees, including but not limited to those related to document retention and destruction, FERPA, and confidentiality. Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement. Performs other duties as assigned.

Reports to:

Associate Vice President, Governmental and Community Relations

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

A bachelor’s degree and four (4) years of related experience and/or a combination of education and experience equal to eight (8) years.

Additional Requirements:

A criminal background check will be conducted; applicants must have a valid Florida driver license and be authorized to drive for the college; extensive travel within the College’s service district and surrounding area is required. General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment. Adaptability to Change

• able to be flexible and supportive, able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment. Analytical Aptitude & Problem Solving
• able to analyze information, problems, situations, practices and/or procedures, collect and interpret data, reason logically, establish facts, identify and define existing and potential issues, recognize the interrelationships among elements, draw valid conclusions, develop recommendations, as well as alternative courses of action, select appropriate course, follow up, and evaluate. Communication
• able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job. Critical Thinking & Judgement
• able to make well-reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and informed analysis of available information, considerations, and other factors. Customer Service
• ability to respond promptly and courteously to all questions from students and faculty, demonstrating patience and persistence when helping students with little or no computer skills. Ethics
• able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions. Organization & Time Management
• able to plan, schedule, and organize tasks related to the job to achieve goals within or ahead of established time frames. Problem Solving
• proven skills in identifying issues, determining their cause, developing creative solutions, and following through with implementing resolutions. Relationship Management
• able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs. Results Orientation
• proven ability to set and exceed established targets. Systems & Software
• proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs. Detail Oriented
• Proven accuracy and attention to detail. Multi-task
• Ability to expeditiously organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously to swiftly assess a situation, determine a logical course of action, and apply the appropriate response.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. sfcollege.edu/eaeo Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to: equity.officer@sfcollege.edu Santa Fe College reserves the right to extend deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions. Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans. About Santa Fe College Santa Fe College (SF) has been recognized as one of the top-rated community colleges in the United States. Santa Fe College is a comprehensive public college that offers a range of bachelor’s degrees, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degree options, as well as Certificate and Non-Degree programs. Santa Fe College is a student-centered institution with a commitment to open access, academic excellence, and cultural and ethnic diversity. A high quality of life, temperate climate, proximity to the University of Florida, diverse cultural events, and plentiful recreational opportunities make SF and Gainesville an ideal community to work and live. Current Employees If you are a current Santa Fe employee, you are required to apply through the internal jobs site. Please log into your Workday account and search “Browse Jobs” to access the internal jobs website.