Executive Director of External Engagement

Jackson College•Jackson, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Director of External Engagement provides strategic leadership for Jackson College’s external relationships, community presence, and partnership development across the communities the College serves. Reporting to the VP of Student Achievement and College Operations and working in close coordination with the President & CEO, this position develops and implements a comprehensive external engagement strategy that strengthens relationships with local governments, K–12 districts, business and industry, civic organizations, nonprofit partners, alumni, and other key community leaders. The position also advances strategic use of College assets, supports revenue-generating and mission-aligned partnerships, elevates public understanding of the College’s value, and advises senior leadership on community dynamics, emerging opportunities, and issues that may affect the College’s reputation or strategic agenda. Some nights and weekends required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in communications, public relations, marketing, public administration, business, education, or a closely related field.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, public affairs, external relations, public relations, or a related field, preferably in a higher education, public sector, or nonprofit environment.
Demonstrated success building and sustaining strong relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders, including local government officials, township, city, and county leaders and board members, chambers of commerce, business and industry, K–12 leaders, and civic organizations.
Experience representing an organization at public meetings, community events, or in media-facing roles.
Proven ability to plan, organize, and execute multi-faceted community outreach and engagement initiatives.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for different audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from a wide range of backgrounds and roles across the community.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a relevant field.
Experience working in a community college or public higher education environment.
Familiarity with south-central Michigan communities, including Jackson, Hillsdale, and Lenawee Counties, their local governments, and key stakeholder organizations.
Experience collaborating closely with marketing/communications, foundations or advancement offices, and workforce/continuing education units.
Experience implementing or using a relationship management or CRM system to track stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a strategic external engagement plan that identifies, prioritizes, and sustains relationships with key community and regional partners, including K–12 districts, business and industry, local government, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, chambers of commerce, alumni, faith communities, and other stakeholders important to the College’s mission and future.
Establish, cultivate, and maintain effective working relationships with township, city, county, and regional leaders; elected and appointed officials; economic development organizations; civic partners; and, as directed by the President or designee, state and federal legislative contacts.
Identify, develop, negotiate, and steward mission-aligned partnerships that generate revenue, expand community use of College assets, strengthen regional relationships, and support long-term institutional sustainability.
Serve as a primary relationship manager for priority external partners, ensuring regular contact, follow-up, and clear pathways into the College.
In collaboration with appropriate departments, develop and implement an external asset utilization strategy that aligns Jackson College facilities, programs, expertise, and infrastructure with community, regional, and industry demand.
Identify appropriate opportunities to increase non-tuition revenue through strategic use of College assets, including theaters, the observatory, laboratories, athletic facilities, housing, conference spaces, instructional training spaces, and other College resources.
Represent the President & senior leadership at significant community events, boards, task forces, coalitions, and public forums, ensuring the College’s priorities and contributions are clearly articulated.
Coordinate and maintain a structured schedule of College participation in major community events across the district, including appropriate representation by trustees, the President, executive leadership, faculty, staff, and students.
Work with internal partners to develop and maintain a structured approach to community-facing communications (e.g., presentations, talking points, fact sheets, newsletters, web content, and social media aligned to community audiences).
Establish and maintain a stakeholder contact management system (CRM or similar) to document and track key relationships, outreach efforts, and follow-up responsibilities.
Design and coordinate community engagement initiatives, such as listening sessions, community briefings, advisory gatherings, and recognition events, that help the College better understand regional needs, communicate its priorities, and strengthen long-term public trust.
Collaborate with Workforce and Community Development, as needed, to promote partnership, training, apprenticeship, and short-term credential opportunities that respond to employer and community needs.
Advise the President & CEO and VP SA/College Operations on community dynamics, key influencers, emerging opportunities, and potential issues that may impact the College’s reputation, partnerships, or strategic agenda.
Prepare briefing materials, talking points, presentations, and follow-up summaries for the President, trustees, and senior leaders in advance of significant community meetings or events.
Provide regular reports to the VP SA/College Operations and President on community relations, engagement, and partnership activities, any interactions with elected officials, as well as outcomes, and recommendations.
Establish annual goals, key metrics, and dashboards for community relations (e.g., number and type of strategic relationships, level of engagement, event participation, collaborative projects, media exposure, and sentiment).
Develop and manage the External Engagement budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and alignment with institutional priorities.