Vice President of Community Engagement and External Affairs

Vice President of Community Engagement and External Affairs

Administrator

Sugar Grove Campus

Hybrid Option:
Yes

Join our dynamic team at Waubonsee Community College, where your career can flourish. We are committed to being an exceptional employer, offering a comprehensive benefits package with generous time off, low-cost medical, dental, and vision plans, and a secure pension plan through SURS. You'll also enjoy 14 paid holidays, including winter and Thanksgiving breaks. Be part of a transformative institution, dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and the lives of our students.

Your future starts here – join us today!

Waubonsee Community College is committed to hiring and retaining exceptional faculty and staff who are committed to the college’s culture of collaboration, professional growth and student success.

The Vice President of Community Engagement and External Affairs (VPCEEA) reports to the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff. The VPCEEA provides leadership in the planning, development, and administration of Community Engagement activities and External Affairs within the Office of the President. Included in this position are the functions of strategic development, staffing, personnel evaluation, budget, goal development and implementation.

The priority of the position is to develop community partnerships that are mutually beneficial and contribute to the success of students and vibrancy of the community. This position leads the institution’s outward-facing strategy and relationships to advance mission, reputation, and growth. The VPCEEA works collaboratively with the EVP to implement and integrate strategic approaches across government relations, community and partner engagement, institutional communications, media relations, and strategic initiatives—serving as a senior advisor while building coalitions that expand influence and impact.

• Provide leadership and coordination for a comprehensive program of community engagement, including the advancement and visibility of the College within the community by identifying, building, and maintaining key relationships with community members, community groups, chambers, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with the President and EVP to develop and implement strategies to build and strengthen partnerships within the community, create and execute outreach plans, manage community-based programs and events, and collaborate with other departments to align engagement with organizational goals. Represent the organization, supervise staff, and report on the effectiveness of community engagement initiatives.
• Develop and lead a comprehensive external affairs strategy aligned to organizational goals, including the implementation of a College-wide strategy for community engagement, identifying new partnerships, cultivating new and existing partnerships, advising and supporting the EVP on local, state, and federal engagement strategies with elected officials, and ensuring the College’s presence on key community initiatives.
• Oversee the engagement of College employees in community engagement representation and activities.
• Provide leadership for establishing a public relations strategy for the College to enhance the visibility, brand, and reputation of the College. Oversee executive messaging, presidential communications, presentations, public statements, talking points, and thought leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets to promote the College to all constituents.
• Shape the storytelling narrative of the College’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities to the community.
• Identify and promote exceptional student and staff stories to the local, regional, and national media.
• Educate the community on College initiatives and strategies designed to contribute to student success and community vibrancy. Strengthen stakeholder trust through consistent engagement and transparent communication.
• Serve as an advisor to the President on matters related to community engagement and public relations.
• Lead or support staff leadership, including setting vision and expectations for the…