Associate Deputy Chief Community Relations

Deputy Chief of Community Relations

The Deputy Chief of Community Relations serves as a senior leader responsible for advancing Dallas College's community engagement strategy and strengthening relationships with local communities, civic organizations, public officials, and regional stakeholders. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor, External Affairs, this role supports the development and execution of initiatives that enhance Dallas College's visibility, reputation, and impact.

The Deputy Chief operates at the intersection of community engagement, public affairs, and institutional strategy - ensuring that Dallas College maintains strong, collaborative relationships with its surrounding communities while proactively addressing concerns, fostering trust, and aligning engagement efforts with the College's mission of student success, workforce development, and economic mobility Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of a comprehensive community relations strategy aligned with Dallas College's institutional priorities.
• Lead community-based initiatives, programs, and events that strengthen relationships with neighborhoods, civic groups, and regional partners at the national, state, and local levels.
• Serve as the primary liaison to residents, community leaders, municipal officials, landlords, and public safety partners
• Build, manage, and sustain strong relationships with local governments, community-based organizations, and key stakeholders.
• Advise the Vice Chancellor, External Affairs, and senior leadership on community relations strategies, messaging and emerging issues.
• Proactively identify and address community concerns related to on campus operations, student activity, construction, and neighborhood impact.
• Develop and implement strategies to resolve issues, mitigate risks, and strengthen community trust.
• Oversee community-facing communications, including newsletters, reports, digital content, and outreach materials.
• Strengthen and expand partnerships with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and regional stakeholders.
• Support the development and management of community programs, service initiatives, and engagement efforts.
• Lead the planning and execution of high-profile community events involving public officials, donors, community leaders and stakeholders.
• All employees are required to complete a minimum of 19 hours.
• People leaders are required an additional 16 hours of leadership development.
• Perform other duties not listed as assigned. (MUST BE INCLUDED)
• The following duties are required for People Leader roles specifically:
• Exercises full discretion and decision-making authority in the recruitment, selection, hiring, mentoring, coaching, development & termination of staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, budgetary constraints, and workforce planning strategies.
• Drive high performance by administering the performance management process timely, setting clear expectations, conducting performance evaluations, and implementing initiatives that enhance employee engagement, motivation, and retention.

Minimum and Preferred – Education, Experience, and/or Certifications

• Bachelor's degree and 15 years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, public affairs, government, public service or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with municipal governments, community organizations, or public sector entities.
• School/Education Transcripts

Other Preferred Qualifications for Role

• Experience working within or alongside higher education institutions, particularly in community engagement or public service roles.
• Familiarity with workforce development, education access, and economic development initiatives.
• Established relationships with local or regional stakeholders in North Texas.
• Experience supporting or leading community engagement strategies within a complex organization.
• Strong writing and communication skills, including the ability to develop reports, briefings, and outreach materials.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of municipal government operations, community dynamics, and public sector engagement.
• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including public officials, community leaders, and residents.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively in both public and private settings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, sensitive, or high-visibility community issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and in situations requiring diplomacy and cultural awareness.
• High-level of professionalism integrity, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

Other Preferred…