Director, Community Relations

Compensation

$67,555.00 Annual

Job Description Summary

The application deadline for this position is 11:59pm EST on May 30, 2025.

Under the leadership of the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Governmental and Community Relations, the Director of Community Relations develops and implements strategic initiatives that advances Santa Fe College’s (SF) mission, vision, and goals. This role serves as a key representative of SF by engaging key community groups and external agencies to ensure the college is positioned to meet community needs and make a meaningful impact. The Director also oversees the development of related communications and outreach efforts, organizes community-facing events and initiatives, attends local meetings and events, and maintains strong, professional relationships with business and community leaders, government entities and elected officials, civic groups, educational partners, and local organizations. By fostering community collaboration and engagement, the Director ensures SF remains well-connected and responsive to the needs of its service district.

The starting salary is $67,555 annually. Any salary amount above this is commensurate upon an individual's qualifications.

Job Description

Responsibilities and Duties Include:

• Leads the development and implementation of a community relations structure that promotes community affairs opportunities, engages key external stakeholders, and fosters mutually beneficial relationships that positively impact the college’s service district.

• Develops and maintains professional and strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including business and community leaders, government entities and elected officials, civic groups, educational partners, and local organizations.

• Represents the college to the community via speaking engagements, civic and professional meetings, important community events and meetings, and other related initiatives in areas of responsibility; serves as a central point of contact in the college’s community efforts to enhance the college’s presence and image in the community.

• Facilitates community outreach efforts and serves as a conduit between the community and the college to connect subject matter experts, discuss ideas and issues, support initiatives, and address any challenges with a collaborative and comprehensive approach. 

• Identifies, develops, and manages opportunities to enhance college visibility and awareness, collaborating with the Marketing and Communications department to implement social media campaigns that highlight the college’s presence and impact in the community.

• Directs the planning and coordination of related special engagements and on-campus visits with key stakeholders, including business and community leaders, elected officials, the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, and local community members.

• Hosts collegewide signature and strategic events, such as groundbreakings, business luncheons, ribbon-cuttings, and signings. This includes serving as a campus liaison to invited guests, offering customized tours and learning opportunities, as well as preparing and maintaining a schedule of events and activities.

• Oversees government-related initiatives and events on campus, including early voting and legislative delegation hearings, serving as the primary point of contact and coordinating with internal partners to ensure successful planning and execution. 

• Ensures the President’s participation in key community events by promptly responding to requests, working with the President’s support team to coordinate invitations and logistics.

• Serves as the point person for community event invitations hosted outside of the college and coordinates participation with members of the Executive Leadership Team as needed.

• Leads and completes community-based and related special projects and programs, including the coordination of the President’s Leadership Academy; prepares and presents reports on assignments.

• Maintains an up-to-date database of key local community leaders and organizations to extend special event and engagement invitations and conveys messages of importance that showcase the college’s contributions and impact to the community.

• Conceptualizes and develops informational and educational tools to promote community affairs opportunities to staff and leadership, helping them build and enhance their leadership skills.

• Maintains an inventory of employee community service opportunities, including volunteer activities and board membership, and reports information regularly to internal and external stakeholders.

• Collaborates and communicates with the Office of the Presiden