Director of Communications & Marketing

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is hiring a Director of Communications & Marketing to join our System Office’s Public & Legislative Affairs department. The Marketing & Communications (MarCom) team plays a central role in advancing CCCS’s mission by communicating its value, supporting advocacy efforts, and elevating CCCS's visibility and influence across the state and beyond. We’re looking for a strategic storyteller who can bring their marketing expertise to our mission-driven organization. If you are looking for an opportunity to work on statewide communications that advocate for the largest institution of higher education in Colorado, this position may be for you! CCCS provides generous leave, excellent benefits, and flexible work schedules, including hybrid-remote work within the state of Colorado.

As the Director of Communications & Marketing, you will oversee the daily operations of the MarCom division and lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that reflects CCCS’s mission. This position supervises two Marketing Managers.

• Advance CCCS’s strategic communications and marketing agenda by
  • Building out and overseeing campaign planning and execution.
  • Writing stories and managing storytelling.
  • Guiding content development.
  • Ensuring alignment with CCCS’s strategic plan, editorial calendar, and system priorities.
• Serve as a senior advisor on communications strategy to the Chancellor and CCCS leadership.
• Manage the MarCom department budget as well as make informed recommendations with regard to how to spend funds in marketing budgets for other System Office departments receiving MarCom support, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and measurable ROI.
• Oversee and manage external vendors, ensuring deliverables align with CCCS’s brand standards, timelines, strategic objectives and contract requirements.
• Lead the creation of compelling narratives that communicate CCCS’s statewide impact on learners, communities, and the economy.
• Take the lead on the creative direction of the CCCS editorial calendar, ensuring cohesive storytelling across traditional, digital, and social platforms. Write and edit communications including press releases, speeches, blogs, and high-profile publications. Issue work to the Marketing Managers as it relates to communications.
• Manage and grow audience engagement for CCCS storytelling across all platforms, developing and implementing strategies to reach new audiences, expand subscriber and follower bases, and extend the reach of CCCS’s messages across the state and beyond.

• Serve as alternate Public Information Officer and serve as a resource to college public information officers by providing technical assistance and leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or other related field from an accredited college or university. Relevant education and/or experience in addition to that below may substitute year-for-year for the required degree.
• Five years leading strategic communications and marketing efforts for a large organization, preferably in higher education, government, workforce development, or public-sector communications.
• Experience in public/media relations, strategic writing, and crisis communications.
• Experience with digital engagement strategies, SEO, and analytics.

Attributes that will contribute to success in this position:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage external teams and direct reports.
• Strong writing and editing skills with expertise in creating content for a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated success in managing budgets and teams.
• Able to adopt the style, tone, and voice for various types of content and audiences.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Knowledge of SEO best practices, content management systems, and digital marketing tools.
• Able to effectively manage vendor relationships.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to follow strict deadlines and fact-check information.
• Ability to exercise discretionary judgment and make sound decisions.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail and the ability to work independently and follow through on projects to completion/deadlines.

Work Location/Travel Expectations: 

• This position is located at CCCS System Office: 9101 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO 80230.

• Weekly travel is expected for on- and off-site meetings and events.

• Alternative work arrangements, including flexible schedules and remote work may be available. All work must be completed in the state of Colorado.

The Colorado Community College System is the state’s largest provider of higher education and workforce training, consisting of 13 colleges and over 35 locations across the state, educating approximately 130,000 students annually. In addition, we train more than 4,000 Coloradans each year through customized employer training programs. Our mission is to provide accessible, responsive learning environments where students can achieve their educational, professional and personal goals in an atmosphere that embraces academic excellence, diversity and innovation. We are an organization that encourages individuals to bring their whole selves to work.

CCCS believes when all human qualities are regarded with dignity and respect and when everyone has access to the individualized support they need, all will have the opportunity to thrive. In all aspects of the employment process, decisions are made based on merit, competence, performance and business need without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.