Full-time Supervisory/Professional: Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer

Lakeland Community College invites interested and qualified applicants to apply for the position of Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer. 

Lakeland Community College, founded in 1967, was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to our mission, Lakeland provides quality learning opportunities to meet the social and economic needs of the community, offering day, evening, weekend and online classes. 

Reporting to the President of the College, the Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer will provide leadership for and is responsible for all aspects of College’s marketing and public relations, including managing the College’s public image, brand, and reputation; media relations; and overall marketing and communication strategy. This position will carry significant responsibilities for external and internal communication as well as building positive relationships with all stakeholders. The position will also have leadership and management oversight of the College’s marketing and communication staff. The individual in this position must be detail-oriented and a strategic and proactive thinker. 

• →Craft long-term public relations strategy aligned with the College’s mission, vision, and the Key Performance Indicators established by the College.
• →Provide strategic leadership and direction that strengthens the College’s reputation, brand, and image.
• →Compose internal and external communication such as new releases, announcements, online posts, and around public relations and marketing projects.
• →Oversee the design and production of print materials and publications, website management, and social media content creation and management.
• →Serve as the central point of contact for media relations, advertising, public affairs, and community relations and as the media spokesperson for the College when appropriate.
• →Compose speeches and help shape public statements, remarks, and presentations for the President.
• →Develop a rapport with members of media agencies for TV, print and digital publications, radio, and other communication channels.
• →Develop pre-emptive, proactive communications plans addressing targeted audiences to mitigate risk and drive communications around key issues.
• →Develop a comprehensive crisis communications plan and manage crises as they arise.
• →Provide leadership for marketing and communication staff.
• →Manage approved budgets responsibly and in fiscally sound ways.
• →Other duties as assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communication, or a related field is required, master’s preferred.
• At least three years of relevant experience is required; five years of relevant experience preferred.
• Media savvy, with a solid understanding of all modes of and current trends in communication.
• Crisis management expertise and experience.
• Demonstrated experience as a strong writer and oral communicator.

• Superb writing and verbal communication skills; strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities; excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving as well as leadership and team management skills.
• Identify story ideas and shape key messages to generate positive media coverage for the College.
• Handle sensitive media relations situations, including crisis communication response.
• Provide leadership, cultivate and maintain positive relationships with multiple audiences.
• Shape and control the flow of information to key constituencies.
• Penchant for attention to details.
• Tolerance for ambiguity.

• This is a 12-month full-time position.
• The annual salary is at grade 6 of the Supervisory/Professional salary schedule. The anticipated hiring range is $74,903 - $82,400.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Apply for this position through the college’s Human Resources website. Please be prepared to do the following:

• Answer all questions in the college’s employment application (*please read the note below)
• Attach a current resume and a cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for this position.
• Application review will begin immediately; however, the position will remain open until filled. 

*To avoid difficulties when submitting your application, be sure your web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer) is updated to the latest version and allow yourself sufficient time to complete the application since you WILL NOT be able to save a partially completed application and work on it later.

Lakeland Community College is an equal access and equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to a policy of equal opportunity in its employment practices. The College does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, disability, age, ancestry, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you have a disability that requires special accommodation to participate in the application/interview process, contact the Human Resources Office at 440-525-7575.

Please review Lakeland’s Mission, Vision, Purpose and Statement of Commitment.