Director of Community Relations

Pittsburg State University is accepting applications for a Director of Community Relations in the Division of Economic and Community Engagement that is responsible for servingas liaison between the university and the local community as well as between the division and internal stakeholders and constituents fostering relationships that support the universitys mission and enhance its role as a civic partner. This position develops and implements strategic initiatives to build partnerships promote university programs and engage with diverse internal and external stakeholders including government agencies non-profits businesses neighborhood associations faculty and staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement and Partnerships 30%

• Cultivatesandmaintainsstrong relationships with local government officials community organizations and business leaders
• RepresentsPSU at community meetings events and forums to foster goodwill and mutual understanding
• Actsas a key point of contact for community inquiries ensuringtimelyand effective responses
• Servesas tenant relations lead for The Foundry andleadsdevelopment of strong community ecosystem within The Foundry and the entire Block22 District. Including the following:
  • Servesas the primary point of contact for tenants within The Foundry and the Block22 District addressing inquiries resolving concerns and ensuring a positive tenant experience while collaborating with legal and management teams to define lease terms and agreements
  • Coordinateslease agreement processes including preparation review and obtaining signatures while working with theFacilitiesCoordinator tomaintainaccurateproperty records and regularly collect tenant feedback for continuous improvement

Strategic Planning and Leadership 25%

• Developsandexecutesa comprehensive community relations strategy that aligns with the university and division mission and strategic goals
• Usesindependent judgement toidentifyopportunities for collaboration with community partners to enhance the universitys visibility and impact
• Servesas a lead advisor on community relations and engagement matters providing counsel to division leadership
• Worksclosely in alignment with government relations and economic/community development teams
• Monitorsandevaluatesthe effectiveness of community relations initiatives providing regular reports to division leadership
• Identifieskey performance indicators (KPIs) andusesdata to inform decision-making and continuous improvement

Program Development and Coordination20%

• Plansandoverseesinnovative and strategic community relations and engagement programs and initiatives
• Plansandoverseesuniversity-sponsored community events including open houses service projects educational workshops and partnership driven events such as the annual Four State Farm Show
• Collaborateswith academic and administrative departments to develop community-based programs and initiatives
• Workswith student organizations to promote civic engagementandvolunteer opportunities

Communication and Advocacy 20%

• Developsmessaging and communication materials that highlight the universitys community impact and contribution
• Overseesthe work of theDigital CommunicationsProject Manager in the development and postingon various social media platforms
• Worksclosely withthe CreativeandStrategic Communicationsteam to promote university research community relations and economic development initiatives programsnewsand impact
• Advocatesfor the PSU interests in local policy discussions and community development projects

OtherDutiesas assigned 5%

• Contributes to the success of Economic and Community Engagement by performing other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire

• 5 years of progressive experience in community relations public affairs or a similar role preferably in higher education

Preferred Education and Experience

• Masters degree in public relations communications public administration or related field
• 1 yearofexperience working withlocal governmentsand communityorganizations

Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and sex offender check.

Job Type: Unclassified

Appointment Duration: 12 months

Work Schedule: Full Time Monday Friday weekends as needed 8:00 AM 4:30 PM other hours as needed

Application Documents Required*:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Names and Contact Details for three (3) Professional References

*Consolidate into two documents to upload.

Open Until Filledwith a first consideration date of July 22^nd 2026.

Search Committee Chair: Kristi Toeller

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.

Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a respectful and supportive environment for all employees.