Director

Salary: $117,975.12 - $170,843.40 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2500126
Division: Office of the President
Department: Institutional Advancement
Opening Date: 11/24/2025
Closing Date: 1/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Description

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

• The Community - Coachella Valley
• College of the Desert

Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

• Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
• Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
• Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
• Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
• Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement or designee, the Director of Public Affairs and Community Relations oversees the Office of Public Affairs, managing internal and external communications, media relations, social media, publications and the College website. The Director develops and implements communication strategies that support the College's goals and ensure consistent branding and messaging.

This position requires strong writing, editing, and public speaking skills; knowledge of community engagement; and the ability to support leadership and speeches, presentations, and media responses. The Director also applies basic skills in photography, videography, and design, and serves as a media liaison and spokesperson for the College as needed.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Select, train, assign, supervise, and evaluate the work and performance of assigned staff; recommend transfers, reassignments, discipline, terminations, promotions, and other personnel actions as appropriate.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic communications plan to strengthen relations with diverse stakeholders; direct all community outreach efforts to communicate the college's mission and secure ongoing media coverage in local, regional, national, and specialized (e.g., Spanish-language) outlets.
• Provide strategic counsel to college leadership on public affairs, media, and legislative matters. Monitor state and federal legislation, advise leadership on potential impacts, and advocate on behalf of the District to elected officials.
• Formulate and update policies related to public information and community relations. Manage all college responses to California Public Records Act (CPRA) requests, including maintaining all records and developing related Board policy.
• Develop and maintain extensive media contacts, respond to inquiries in a timely manner, and proactively build positive working relationships with the press. Provide media guidance and prepare leadership for interviews. Support the Executive Director in their role as spokesperson by responding promptly to media inquiries and preparing timely and accurate news releases.
• Maintain internal and external calendar of events to cover and serve as an event coordinator for assigned special events.
• Oversee the planning and production of major college events and reports, such as Commencement and the Annual Report. Manage the internal and external events calendar and direct all event-related photography and videography for use in publications and archives.
• Serve as a primary author and reviewer for executive and internal/external communications; research, write, and produce a wide array of materials, including news releases, reports, newsletters, talking points, speeches, presentations, social media posts, and video scripts.
• Manage and enforce the college's brand identity, style guide, and logos. Ensure all publications and communications are proofed for quality, consistency, and alignment with the college mission, assisting departments as needed to maintain brand standards and AP style.
• Assist in producing the Annual Report, State of the College, Commencement, FLEX, and other major college events and reports, as assigned. Oversee the creation of collateral materials for internal and external audiences.
• Direct the policies, content strategy, and brand consistency for the District's website, portal pages, and social media channels; coordinate with Information Technology on standards, presentation, navigation, and digital accessibility (per section 508/WCAG)
• Develop and manage the budget for the Office of Public Affairs.
• Oversee the photography and videography of college events for use on websites, publications, and the college's image library and archives.
• Collaborate with the Director of Student Life and Student Ambassadors as appropriate.
• Act as the campus liaison to KCOD radio, Chaparral newspaper, and other student communication organizations and clubs, as assigned.
• Assist the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement in directing crisis communications and communications related to emergency preparedness/planning. Serve as District Public Information Officer on the district Emergency Response Team.
• In coordination with the Vice President of Administrative Services, develop and maintain campus signage/wayfinding systems and maps as needed and maintain accuracy of campus signage. Meet schedules and timelines, organize multiple projects efficiently and effectively and carry out required project details.
• Seek and participate in professional development, and campus committee activities.
• Work collaboratively with the College of the Desert Foundation, Alumni Association and other auxiliary entities to ensure messaging is aligned, accurate and in compliance with College branding guidelines.
• Ensure accessibility of webpages, media, and materials created.
• Perform other work-related duties and special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Public relations, strategic communications, and community/government relations
• Internal and external communication strategies and AP style
• Digital and social media trends and engagement strategies
• Crisis communication planning and implementation
• Meeting facilitation and presentation techniques
• English grammar, composition, and professional writing standards
• Media production, design, layout, and content management systems
• Photography, videography, and digital media tools
• Communication planning, budgeting, and staff supervision
• District policies, and local, state, and federal regulations affecting community colleges
• Microsoft Office and relevant communication or design software
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse populations

Ability to:

• Think creatively and strategically in communication planning
• Develop and lead media relations, marketing, and awareness campaigns
• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff effectively
• Prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt to changing needs
• Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and speech
• Build positive relationships across diverse internal and external groups
• Apply critical thinking and sound judgment to problem-solving
• Monitor legislation impacting community colleges
• Maintain confidentiality and work independently with minimal direction
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others, including those from a diverse academic socioeconomic cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Environment: Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Sit or stand for an extended period of time, pushing and pulling, and visual acuity. The ability to type, use phone, stand intermittently, walk, bend and stoop, occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects of light to moderate weight (up to 25 lbs.).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, public relations, journalism, public administration, marketing, film and media studies or related field and Five (5) years of experience developing targeted content in public affairs, public administration or communications, preferably in a higher education setting, including at least two (2) years directing the work of others; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

• Classified Supervisor (Download PDF reader)
• Classified Leadership Salary Schedule: Range 9 (Download PDF reader)
• In-person position, remote work is not available.

REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS:
Applications missing any of the required documents listed will not be considered. The following documents are required at the time of application:

• Online Application: Please fill out your online application completely with all requested details.
• Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start & end dates) for each employer.
• Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
• College Transcripts: For consideration of college coursework, transcripts must be attached. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts. Must be from an accredited institution, show name of institution, degree awarded, discipline, and date awarded.

IN YOUR APPLICATION:

• List of Professional References: List of Professional References: References should include at least three supervisors and two colleagues. Please include name, title, email, and current phone numbers for all references in your application. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted in lieu of the required addition of Professional References.
• Online Application: Please fill out your online application completely with all requested details.

TIMELINES:

• Recruitment timeline may be updated based on District need.

DISTRICT RIGHTS:

• College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.

FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE NOTE:

• Employment is contingent on residence in California.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for any employment VISA.
• Remote work is not available.
College of the Desert does not provide any special financial incentives or reimbursement for moving expenses.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

• Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
• Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to ctate-meyer@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
  • Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
  • Reasonable Accommodation
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
• AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
• COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5144553/director-public-affairs-and-community-relations

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