Communications Manager

Location: CCS District Office

Department: District Development Office

Salary Range: $67,462 - $76,262 

Starting salary for this position is: $67,462 (Annually)

The salary range represents the earning potential for this position, through training, evaluations and years spent working in this position with Spokane Colleges.

About Us 

Spokane Colleges is comprised of two accredited colleges, Spokane Community College (SCC) and Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) serving Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties, as well as portions of Lincoln County.

Both colleges are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and governed by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges.

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. PST on 08/20/2025. The application process will not be available after this time. To ensure consideration make sure your application is completed and submitted as soon as possible. Applications will only be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. on the closing date.

About the Communications Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Spokane Colleges Foundation, the Communications Manager will lead the creation and implementation of all the Foundation’s communications and marketing efforts.

The manager is responsible for the successful creation and implementation of all Foundation communications, keeping in mind the fundraising needs of the Foundation while balancing the messaging of Spokane Colleges and always working to increase Spokane Colleges’ prestige/standing in the community and a wider understanding of the role that the Foundation plays in student success. This position is directly responsible for a communications and marketing plan that speaks to multiple different audiences and across at least nine communications platforms. This position acts at the Foundation’s brand manager and also manages all Foundation-led website work.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the creation and implementation of all communications which includes developing goals for each piece, creating communications that support both Spokane Colleges and Foundation strategic goals, monitoring and analyzing the impact and outcomes of each piece and results in increased financial support of the Foundation and broader awareness of and support for the work of Spokane Colleges. *
• Manage all Foundation communications platforms. *
• Work with the Foundation executive director and staff to encourage a sense of commitment to the fund-raising efforts of the organization. *
• Responsible for laying the groundwork for future solicitations through thoughtful, action-oriented communications. *
• Develop, maintain and uphold the brand of the Foundation. Ensure that all Foundation staff and volunteers, as well as Spokane Colleges employees also uphold the Foundation brand. *
• Develop and implement multi-year communications and marketing plans to multiple audiences, keeping in mind ever-changing priorities as to which audience needs to be featured. *
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with faculty, staff, students, administrators and community constituents, including the ability to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds. *
• Develop longer-term communications plans to ensure the Foundation mission and values remain prominent in order to increase future fundraising. *
• Manage a variety of Foundation projects, ranging from the creation of new communications pieces, to the production of printed publications, to the production of video pieces to the Foundation’s digital communications and website. *
• Write editorials, letters, call-outs and communications pieces as ghost writer for Foundation staff and board and Spokane Colleges leadership. *
• Act as part of the Foundation team: attend internal and external meetings. Assist in planning overarching strategies and approaches. Serve as key point of contact for assigned groups. Meet annually-established goals. Support department-wide communications endeavors and support other Foundation initiatives as assigned. *
• Ensure all Foundation communication mediums (e.g., website, electronic mailings, etc.) are compliant with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). *
• Ensure the Foundation values are held strong throughout all Foundation communications, both internal and external. *
• Manage all communications vendors, beginning with initial contact for an estimate of the cost of work, vetting and hiring, and contract signing, continuing through daily management of product creation and ending with final invoice processing. *
• Stay current with related local, regional, state, national and worldwide events to ensure that Foundation communications remain relevant and present the Foundation and Spokane Colleges in the best possible light. *
• Undertake ad hoc assignments from the Foundation board, executive director, Chancellor and Spokane Colleges executives. *
• Use databases and foundation software for data analysis to be used for reports and communications to the Board as well as planning for fundraising campaigns. *
• Create and annually update the Foundation’s case for support. *
• Responsible for cross-training staff on all duties to ensure continuity of operations. *
• Compile and manage the history of the Foundation. *
• Model professional decorum and mutual respect in all personal interactions. *
• Comply with district policies, procedures and directives, state and federal regulations, orders and statutes and collective bargaining agreements. *
• Support and advance the Spokane Colleges strategic plan, and perform other duties as assigned. *

* Indicates this is an essential duty.

COMPETENCIES

• Balances Stakeholders
• Strategic Mindset
• Action Oriented
• Resourcefulness
• Plans and Aligns
• Collaborates
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Communicates Effectively
• Persuades
• Instills Trust

Learn more about our competencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications or a related field from an accredited institution. Or an equivalent mix of education and experience that demonstrates the candidate meets all competency requirements for this position.
• Three years successful and progressive experience in jobs that rely on persuasive writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of flexibility in a highly collaborative, fast-paced and goal-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle interpersonal relationships maturely, thoughtfully and empathetically, including the ability to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to successfully create relationships and work in partnership with Spokane Colleges staff.
• Outstanding motivational and interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to use computerized information/software relevant to the position.
• Acceptance of the responsibility to promote the welfare and best interests of students at all times.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years progressive experience in individual and corporate fund raising.
• Experience in brand management.
• Demonstrated experience managing digital communications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in a normal, temperature-controlled office environment as well as other locations for fundraising events and campaigns.
• Work is active in nature.
• Move up to 25 lbs. occasionally for Foundation events. Team lifts are encouraged and to be used at the employee’s discretion.
• Frequent use of computers and exposure to terminal screens.
• Visual focus and strain.
• Work directly with students/clients.
• Frequent repetitive hand/wrist motions and finger manipulation.
• Frequent oral and auditory communication with others.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Contract 12-month position.
• This position is overtime eligible.
• Requires local or regional travel. If using a personal vehicle, proof of driver's license and car insurance is required.
• Criminal background check is required.

Person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. This is an absolute condition of employment. An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H1-B visa. In addition, the Spokane Colleges maintain a drug-free work environment and prohibits all smoking in the college buildings and state-owned vehicles. Must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.  

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. Once an applicant is chosen for a position, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.

Benefits Information

This is a contracted, exempt management position. Medical, dental life and long term disability insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under the Public Employees Benefits Board; TIAA-Cref retirement plan or WA State Retirement Plan. Vacation leave accrues at the rate of 14.67 hours per month (22 days per year) and sick leave accrues at the rate of 8 hours per month, effective upon employment. (For positions that are less than full time, leave accruals will be prorated to the percentage of the position.)

Public Employees Benefits Board

Additional benefits information

Required Application Materials

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet required competencies and submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:

• Cover letter - addressing your qualifications relevant to the responsibilities of this position.
• Resume.
• References – the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references.
• College transcript(s) if applicable - unofficial/copies of transcripts are acceptable; official transcripts are required upon hire.
• A 300-500 word persuasive writing sample on a topic of your choice. The piece can be either a new work or a sample of work previously used or published.

For questions regarding a job application or the hiring process, or if you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR at [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Institution

Spokane Colleges does not discriminate in its programs, activities and employment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, parental status or families with children, status as a mother breastfeeding their child, AIDS/HIV or hepatitis C, honorably discharged veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. 

Direct all inquiries or grievances regarding access, Title IX, ADA, equal opportunity compliance, and/or grievances to:
Fred Davis | Chief Human Resources Officer
Spokane Colleges
P.O. Box 6000, MS1004
Spokane, WA. 99217-6000
509-434-5040