District Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

CCS Spokane • Spokane, WA

1d • $68,811 - $77,787 • Onsite

About The Position

Spokane Colleges is seeking a senior-level District Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications to execute the institution’s marketing strategy, brand positioning, and strategic communications. Reporting to the Chief Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Officer (CIAEAO), the director ensures consistent, credible, and effective messaging across channels and works with college and district leadership to develop, implement, and measure integrated campaigns that promote Spokane Colleges and support enrollment. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on leadership of a marketing and communications team.

The director oversees marketing and communications content and activities across print, web, social media, digital, public relations, and other channels; leads brand strategy and integrated campaigns; manages web content and design, including the planned 2027 launch of a new Modern Campus CMS on external websites; and directs media relations and crisis communications. The position also manages budgets, advertising purchases, contracts, and vendor procurement processes; collaborates with stakeholders; leads and develops staff; and uses research, testing, and performance data to inform strategy.

The position is based in person in an office environment at the Spokane Colleges District Office and requires local or regional travel. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. The position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and is described as a contracted, exempt management position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and complete a criminal background check. The role supports a multicultural work and education environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in marketing, communications, public relations, business, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the required competencies.
• At least four years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, brand management, and/or strategic communications.
• At least two to three years of supervisory or management experience leading staff, vendors, or cross-functional teams.
• Strong collaboration, conflict-resolution, and team-building skills.
• Ability to develop and implement integrated strategic marketing and communications plans.
• Ability to manage media relations and public information efforts.
• Ability to lead content creation across digital, print, web, social, media, and video platforms.
• Ability to analyze metrics and use data to inform decisions.
• Ability to maintain brand standards and organizational messaging.
• Ability to manage websites to meet strategic needs and maximize user experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to manage teams, including employees and committees.
• Ability to manage budgets and contracts.
• Must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States.
• Must be able to work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.
• Must complete a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or MBA.
• Professional certification in public relations, marketing, communications, or digital strategy.
• Higher education experience.
• Experience with complex website migrations and content management systems (CMS).
• Expertise in strategic advertising, media buying, and paid digital marketing.
• Strong working knowledge and experience with SEO, AI, and UX/UI.
• Crisis communications and crisis management experience, especially with Incident Command Structure (ICS).
• Experience with RFP and/or RFQ processes.
• Advertising or public relations agency experience.
• Proficiency in Associated Press (AP) style.

Responsibilities

• Execute integrated marketing communications campaigns aligned with institutional goals, mission, brand positioning, and enrollment objectives.
• Oversee content creation across print, website, social media, digital, and public relations channels, ensuring audience focus, creative alignment, coordinated messaging, timely distribution, and budget adherence.
• Develop and implement internal and external communications strategies that enhance brand awareness, public image, and stakeholder trust.
• Use media tools and public engagement initiatives to communicate institutional impact and success.
• Direct public relations activities, including media outreach, inquiries, interviews, and news release preparation, while ensuring compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
• Develop and oversee competitive RFP/RFQ processes and manage contracts with outside vendors.
• Lead the web content and design team; oversee the 2027 launch of the Modern Campus CMS on Spokane Colleges’ external websites.
• Oversee brand strategy, positioning, messaging, and compliance with brand guidelines; update guidelines and enforce compliance when appropriate.
• Lead planning, execution, and measurement of integrated campaigns, including paid advertising, digital marketing, social media, landing pages, and community engagement.
• Oversee advertising contracts and media buys across digital, broadcast, print, and outdoor channels.
• Oversee marketing and strategic communications expenditures, expense tracking, and compliance with state and district purchasing regulations and applicable marketing regulations.
• Build working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and meet with college and program leaders to develop promotional strategies.
• Work with the CIAEAO to manage the crisis communications team under Spokane Colleges’ emergency communications protocols and Incident Command Structure.
• Support and advance the Spokane Colleges Strategic Plan.
• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team across graphic design, communications, social media, web, digital content, and videography/photography; foster professional development and retention.
• Set and communicate staff behavior and performance expectations, provide timely feedback, and address performance or behavioral problems promptly.
• Model professional decorum and mutual respect; comply with district policies, procedures, directives, laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Conduct market research, identify industry trends and workforce needs, test messaging, and use insights to refine strategy.
• Analyze industry trends, student preferences, and campaign performance to improve strategies and engagement.
• Develop a dashboard of key performance indicators to demonstrate impact and inform campaign strategy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• TIAA retirement plan or Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Pension Plan
• Vacation leave accrues at 14.67 hours per month (22 days per year)
• Sick leave accrues at 8 hours per month

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior