Salary: $78,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annually
Location : Central Campus, Jackson, MI
Job Type: Administrator
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
DescriptionSUMMARYThe Executive Director of External Engagement provides strategic leadership for Jackson College's external relationships, community presence, and partnership development across the communities the College serves. Reporting to the VP of Student Achievement and College Operations and working in close coordination with the President & CEO, this position develops and implements a comprehensive external engagement strategy that strengthens relationships with local governments, K-12 districts, business and industry, civic organizations, nonprofit partners, alumni, and other key community leaders. The position also advances strategic use of College assets, supports revenue-generating and mission-aligned partnerships, elevates public understanding of the College's value, and advises senior leadership on community dynamics, emerging opportunities, and issues that may affect the College's reputation or strategic agenda.
Some nights and weekends required. Essential FunctionsESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Relationship Building and Community Presence -
- Develop and implement a strategic external engagement plan that identifies, prioritizes, and sustains relationships with key community and regional partners, including K-12 districts, business and industry, local government, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, chambers of commerce, alumni, faith communities, and other stakeholders important to the College's mission and future.
- Establish, cultivate, and maintain effective working relationships with township, city, county, and regional leaders; elected and appointed officials; economic development organizations; civic partners; and, as directed by the President or designee, state and federal legislative contacts.
- Identify, develop, negotiate, and steward mission-aligned partnerships that generate revenue, expand community use of College assets, strengthen regional relationships, and support long-term institutional sustainability.
- Serve as a primary relationship manager for priority external partners, ensuring regular contact, follow-up, and clear pathways into the College.
- In collaboration with appropriate departments, develop and implement an external asset utilization strategy that aligns Jackson College facilities, programs, expertise, and infrastructure with community, regional, and industry demand.
- Identify appropriate opportunities to increase non-tuition revenue through strategic use of College assets, including theaters, the observatory, laboratories, athletic facilities, housing, conference spaces, instructional training spaces, and other College resources.
- Represent the President & senior leadership at significant community events, boards, task forces, coalitions, and public forums, ensuring the College's priorities and contributions are clearly articulated.
- Coordinate and maintain a structured schedule of College participation in major community events across the district, including appropriate representation by trustees, the President, executive leadership, faculty, staff, and students.
Brand, Reputation, and Information Sharing -
- Work with internal partners to develop and maintain a structured approach to community-facing communications (e.g., presentations, talking points, fact sheets, newsletters, web content, and social media aligned to community audiences).
- Establish and maintain a stakeholder contact management system (CRM or similar) to document and track key relationships, outreach efforts, and follow-up responsibilities.
Community Engagement Strategy and Initiatives -
- Design and coordinate community engagement initiatives, such as listening sessions, community briefings, advisory gatherings, and recognition events, that help the College better understand regional needs, communicate its priorities, and strengthen long-term public trust.
- Collaborate with Workforce and Community Development, as needed, to promote partnership, training, apprenticeship, and short-term credential opportunities that respond to employer and community needs.
Advising Leadership and Internal Coordination -
- Advise the President & CEO and VP SA/College Operations on community dynamics, key influencers, emerging opportunities, and potential issues that may impact the College's reputation, partnerships, or strategic agenda.
- Prepare briefing materials, talking points, presentations, and follow-up summaries for the President, trustees, and senior leaders in advance of significant community meetings or events.
- Provide regular reports to the VP SA/College Operations and President on community relations, engagement, and partnership activities, any interactions with elected officials, as well as outcomes, and recommendations.
- Establish annual goals, key metrics, and dashboards for community relations (e.g., number and type of strategic relationships, level of engagement, event participation, collaborative projects, media exposure, and sentiment).
- Develop and manage the External Engagement budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and alignment with institutional priorities.
Minimum QualificationsKNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREDTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications -
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in communications, public relations, marketing, public administration, business, education, or a closely related field.
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, public affairs, external relations, public relations, or a related field, preferably in a higher education, public sector, or nonprofit environment.
- Demonstrated success building and sustaining strong relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders, including local government officials, township, city, and county leaders and board members, chambers of commerce, business and industry, K-12 leaders, and civic organizations.
- Experience representing an organization at public meetings, community events, or in media-facing roles.
- Proven ability to plan, organize, and execute multi-faceted community outreach and engagement initiatives.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for different audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from a wide range of backgrounds and roles across the community.
Preferred Qualifications -
- Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a relevant field.
- Experience working in a community college or public higher education environment.
- Familiarity with south-central Michigan communities, including Jackson, Hillsdale, and Lenawee Counties, their local governments, and key stakeholder organizations.
- Experience collaborating closely with marketing/communications, foundations or advancement offices, and workforce/continuing education units.
- Experience implementing or using a relationship management or CRM system to track stakeholder engagement.
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to occasionally lift and carry materials and equipment (up to 25 pounds) for community events and presentations
WORK ENVIROMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent local travel for community meetings and events; occasional evening and weekend work is required.
- Must be able to travel throughout the College district and region, including to Jackson, Hillsdale, Adrian, and other locations as needed.
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing; to prepare and deliver presentations; and to work at a computer for extended periods.
"This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required and shall not be construed as declaring the specific duties and responsibilities. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty."Supplemental InformationJackson College only accepts on-line applications though this system. For assistance with this, please call 517-796-8468.
Please use your
legal first and last names on your application. If you are hired you will have the opportunity to identify and utilize your preferred name.
The Jackson College
Nepotism policy prohibits hiring of a relative or someone with a familial relationship to work in the same instructional department, office or administrative unit of the College including spouse, child, stepchild, parent, stepparent or sibling of the employee or spouse, aunt, uncle, niece/nephew, grandparent, grandchild, and members of the same household including domestic partner.
It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess (even if you are repeating it from your resume or cover letter). For instance, do not say, "See Resume or C/V."
Your resume, cover letter that includes your salary requirements and an unofficial transcript for the degree required must be attached to your application. Applications will be rejected if incomplete. When you apply for the position, you will get to the document upload area where you will be given an opportunity to attach your documents such as your resume/vita, transcripts, etc. Instructions will also be found there.
The College reserves the right to request proof of degree or certification at a later date, if these documents are required as part of the qualifications for the position.
Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background as part of the employment process.
If selected you will be required to complete the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Employment Eligibility Verification form I-9 and provide documentation verifying identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Jackson College is NOT able to support Visa applications for employment at the college. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States to be considered.
Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and interview process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.
A copy of Jackson College's is available on the JC Campus Safety & Security website. The security report contains crime statistics for the previous three years for all of our campus locations and the annual fire safety report, which contains statistics for any reported fires in campus housing units and fire safety systems in these buildings. Additionally, the report contains policies, available resources and information concerning personal safety, fire safety and reporting procedures for both crimes and fires.
Applicants have rights under Federal employment . Jackson College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively supports workforce diversity.
Jackson College provides a generous benefit package to full-time administrative employees that includes: medical, dental, vision, employee life/AD&D, optional life for employee and family, long and short-term disability,and travel insurances; personal illness, personal, bereavement and vacation leaves; tuition reimbursement and waivers; 16 paid holidays; and retirement plans. Details are available on the
01
How many years of experience do you have in community relations, external engagement, public affairs, or related work?
- Less than 3 years
- 3-5 years
- 6-8 years
- 9+ years
02
This position is located in Jackson, MI at our central campus. Do you live within a commutable distance, or are you willing to relocate prior to starting work?
03
Which of the following best describes your highest completed degree?
- Doctoral Degree
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associated Degree
- High School Diploma/ GED/ Certifications
04
Do you possess a valid driver's license with no restirctions?
Required Question
