This position is located at Baton Rouge Community College
The Chief Community Engagement Officer reports directly to the Chancellor and serves as principal executive support, leading Public Relations, Strategy, and Community Affairs. This role involves designing and overseeing executive-level initiatives, ensuring execution, and tracking high-level projects.

College: BRCC

Department: Chancellor's Office

Type of Appointment: Full time - Regular

Salary: Will be commensurate with education and experience.

Duties and Responsibilities: 
Essential Duties:
35% Public Relations & Communication:
• Provide leadership of the Office of Public Relations
• Represents and serves as the liaison for the Chancellor’s Initiatives with various internal and external stakeholders as directed.
• Manages correspondence for the Chancellor’s office to ensure prompt and efficient communication, including drafting, editing, and reviewing the Chancellor’s remarks, correspondence, presentations, and announcements to faculty, staff, and others.
• Represent the Chancellor at key meetings and events and with the media when necessary.
• Prepare presentations, speeches, and other communication materials for the Chancellor.
• Facilitates organizational communications, public involvement, education, and community relations initiatives.
• Guides communication initiatives and community relations efforts to foster community support.
• Monitors and analyzes public opinion and media coverage, providing strategic recommendations to enhance BRCC’s reputation.
• Responses to inquiries received in the Chancellor's office. Addresses, coordinates, and delegates to the appropriate department for resolution
30% Strategic Support:
• Develop and manage executive-level project initiatives for the Chancellor's Office, including community justice matters.
• Identifies and prioritizes project initiatives, develops and executes plans, and tracks key metrics and assessment measures.
• Develop change strategies for the Chancellor's Office, identifying opportunities for optimal solutions.
• Collaborates with the College Executive Team to support interactions with BRCC’s internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist the Chancellor in strategic thought processes.
• Provide regular reports on external affairs and community engagement to the Chancellor and Executive Leadership Team.
30% Community Affairs:
• Build community awareness and support for BRCC and its regional programs.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance relationships with local, regional, and state agencies, organizations, and government entities.
• Serves as the primary liaison between BRCC and community stakeholders, including government officials and community organizations.
• Monitors and advocates for legislation relevant to higher education and civic engagement.
• Collaborates with officials to influence public policy supporting BRCC’s programs and services.
• Cultivates partnerships with external stakeholders to promote BRCC’s mission and initiatives.
• Represents BRCC at community events, meetings, and conferences to enhance visibility and strengthen relationships.
• Advises administrators on engaging with public stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the Chancellor's objectives.
• Develop and implement community engagement initiatives in collaboration with college departments.
5% Perform other duties as assigned by the Chancellor.

Required Education: Bachelor's in a relevant field such as communications, public relations, public administration, political science or a related discipline.

Required Experience: 
• At least 5 years of experience in external affairs, government relations, public relations, or related fields, preferably in a leadership capacity.
• Proven track record in developing and executing comprehensive external relations strategies.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with federal, state, county, and local government agencies.
• Five or more years of executive-level professional leadership
• Significant experience (at least 5 years) in external affairs, government relations, public relations, or related fields, preferably in a leadership capacity.
• Proven track record of developing and executing comprehensive external relations strategies contributing to organizational growth and impact.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with federal, state, county, and local government agencies.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Leadership Skills:
Strong leadership abilities with a track record of effectively managing and developing teams.
Ability to inspire and motivate teams towards common goals, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Strategic thinker who can translate vision into actionable plans and initiatives.
Strategic Planning:
Experience in strategic planning and execution, including aligning organizational objectives with external relations strategies.
Ability to identify key stakeholders and cultivate strategic partnerships to advance organizational goals.
Adaptability and Resilience:
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, navigating complex organizational structures and political landscapes.
Demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenges and setbacks with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
Innovative Thinking:
Creative thinker with the ability to ideate and implement innovative initiatives to enhance the organization's presence and impact within the industry.
Collaboration and Teamwork:
Strong collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and campuses, fostering synergies between communication, government relations, and strategic development teams.

Preferred Education: Master's degree in a relevant field such as communications, public relations, public administration, political science or a related discipline.

Preferred Experience: • Over 15 years of executive-level professional leadership.
• Extensive experience in external affairs, government relations, public relations, or related fields.
• Experience in higher education or government contracting is advantageous.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 
• Advanced Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Public Relations Expertise: Proven expertise in media relations, public speaking, and crafting compelling narratives to enhance institutional reputation.
• Government Relations: Deep understanding of government processes and experience in legislative advocacy, policy analysis, and regulatory compliance.
• Community Engagement: Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain community partnerships, foster stakeholder engagement, and lead community-based initiatives.
• Conflict Resolution: Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and maintaining positive relationships under challenging circumstances.
• Analytical Abilities: Strong analytical skills to assess public opinion, community sentiment, and media coverage, providing data-driven recommendations.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in using technology for communication, project management, and data analysis to support strategic initiatives.
• Cultural Competence: Sensitivity and experience in working with diverse populations, understanding cultural nuances, and promoting inclusivity.
• Crisis Management: Experience in handling crisis communication and managing the organization's public image during emergencies.

Benefits: As a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, LCTCS has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, term life, disability, accident, vision, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), holidays (14 per year, typically includes longer break at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits and Employee Assistance Program. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and position will remain open until filled. 

Application Instructions: Applicants for this position should submit a cover letter that addresses the outlined responsibilities, a resume, transcript, and the names and contact information for three professional/work-related references. *If selected, applicant will be asked to provide a certified copy of transcript prior to final offer.

In accordance with LCTCS Policy #6.036, a criminal history check will be conducted on all new hires. BRCC participates in the federal E-Verify system for identification and employment eligibility purposes. BRCC is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.