Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

About ECC:

Elgin Community College serves over 9000 students at every stage of their educational journeys including university transfer programs career and technical education continuing education classes and adult basic education. As a community we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every personstudents staff members faculty members and campus visitorsfeels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the colleges mission and as an employer the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges excellent benefits and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.

Work Schedule:

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Rate of Pay/Benefits:

This is a Full-Time Administrative position at grade 19 with an annual salary range of $116138 to $154851. The salary offer will be based on education and experience in alignment with the Colleges compensation philosophy and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) if applicable.

Benefits:

• Medical Dental Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA DCA Commuter)
• Retirement Plans (Pension 457b 403b)
• Time Off with Pay
• Professional Development/Expense
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Banks

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Grant Funded:

No

Job Summary:

The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) is a dynamic and strategic leader responsible for shaping and advancing the overall image reputation and visibility of Elgin Community College. As a member of the Presidents Cabinet the CMCO plays a critical role in articulating the colleges mission values and strategic priorities to diverse internal and external audiences. This executive-level position leads a comprehensive integrated marketing and communications program that supports institutional goals related to enrollment student success community engagement and brand development.

The CMCO provides visionary leadership in the development and execution of innovative marketing branding and communication strategies that elevate the colleges profile locally regionally and nationally. The role requires a forward-thinking collaborative leader who can inspire teams build consensus across departments and drive measurable results through data-informed decision-making and creative storytelling.

In addition to overseeing all aspects of marketing and communicationsincluding media relations digital strategy crisis communications and internal engagementthe CMCO serves as the colleges chief spokesperson in coordination with the President. The CMCO ensures that all messaging is consistent inclusive and aligned with the colleges mission to serve a diverse student population and foster a culture of equity excellence and innovation.

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Bachelors degree in integrated marketing communications marketing communications public relations or a related fieldor an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in public relations marketing or communications including team and budget management. Experience in higher education is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in brand management strategic planning and crisis communication.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects in fast-paced environments.
• Strong knowledge of media relations public relations and marketing communications with excellent writing editing and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency in social media strategy digital marketing and content development.
• Familiarity with graphic design photography videography and web content management systems.
• Experience writing speeches and developing communications for senior leadership.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets and manage consultants and deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to foster internal and external partnerships that support institutional goals.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement principles and practices is a plus.
• Understanding of the higher education landscape and its key audiences.

Desired Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

1. Masters degree

Essential Duties:

1. Lead crisis communication strategy planning and rapid response with executive and emergency teams.
2. Serve as ECCs primary spokesperson and NIMS Public Information Officer (PIO).
3. Draft update and test the Crisis Communications Plan and emergency alert systems.
4. Monitor risks via media tools; collaborate with departments to protect ECCs reputation.
5. Train leadership for media relations and crisis communication.
6. Provide 24/7 monitoring of ECC-related online content and social mentions.
7. Advise President Cabinet and Board on strategic communications and reputation management.
8. Direct strategic marketing campaigns to support enrollment retention and brand awareness.
9. Oversee in-house creative team and integrated marketing aligned with ECCs goals.
10. Partner with Admissions and Student Services on recruitment messaging.
11. Manage digital marketing paid media and ROI analysis.
12. Ensure brand consistency across platforms including ADA-compliant web content.
13. Develop ECCs marketing vision policies and editorial standards.
14. Use market research to guide strategy and assess campaign effectiveness.
15. Promote diversity and inclusion in all marketing efforts.
16. Lead internal communications: intranet newsletters institutional emails and meetings.
17. Oversee presidential messaging speeches and convocation communications.
18. Manage editorial direction and production of major publications (e.g.Impact MagazinePara Ti).
19. Lead media relations strategy including crisis response and media training.
20. Build relationships with media to ensure accurate positive coverage.
21. Analyze media coverage and feedback to inform future tactics.
22. Maintain communication policies and ensure message consistency.
23. Serve on strategic committees and support student success initiatives.
24. Plan and execute key institutional events (e.g. convocation commencement grand openings)

Other Duties:

Perform other job-related duties as assigned which pertain to the job description.

Physical Demands:

Light work (up to 25 lbs occasionally or 10 lbs frequently)

Visual Acuity:

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer assembly)

Work Environment:

Moderate noise

Environmental Conditions:

Typical office or administrative

Current SSECCA Union Member Information:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: