Director of Community Relations

Pittsburg State University is accepting applications for a Director of Community Relations in the Division of Economic and Community Engagement that is responsible for serving as liaison between the university and the local community as well as between the division and internal stakeholders and constituents, fostering relationships that support the university's mission and enhance its role as a civic partner. This position develops and implements strategic initiatives to build partnerships, promote university programs, and engage with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits, businesses, neighborhood associations, faculty, and staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement and Partnerships - 30%

• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with local government officials, community organizations, and business leaders
• Represents PSU at community meetings, events, and forums to foster goodwill and mutual understanding
• Acts as a key point of contact for community inquiries, ensuring timely and effective responses
• Serves as tenant relations lead for The Foundry and leads development of strong community ecosystem within The Foundry and the entire Block22 District. Including the following:
• Serves as the primary point of contact for tenants within The Foundry and the Block22 District, addressing inquiries, resolving concerns, and ensuring a positive tenant experience while collaborating with legal and management teams to define lease terms and agreements
• Coordinates lease agreement processes, including preparation, review, and obtaining signatures, while working with the Facilities Coordinator to maintain accurate property records and regularly collect tenant feedback for continuous improvement

Strategic Planning and Leadership - 25%

• Develops and executes a comprehensive community relations strategy that aligns with the university and division mission and strategic goals
• Uses independent judgement to identify opportunities for collaboration with community partners to enhance the university's visibility and impact
• Serves as a lead advisor on community relations and engagement matters, providing counsel to division leadership
• Works closely in alignment with government relations and economic/community development teams
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of community relations initiatives, providing regular reports to division leadership
• Identifies key performance indicators (KPIs) and uses data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement

Program Development and Coordination - 20%

• Plans and oversees innovative and strategic community relations and engagement programs and initiatives
• Plans and oversees university-sponsored community events, including open houses, service projects, educational workshops, and partnership driven events such as the annual Four State Farm Show
• Collaborates with academic and administrative departments to develop community-based programs and initiatives
• Works with student organizations to promote civic engagement and volunteer opportunities

Communication and Advocacy - 20%

• Develops messaging and communication materials that highlight the university's community impact and contribution
• Oversees the work of the Digital Communications Project Manager in the development and posting on various social media platforms
• Works closely with the Creative and Strategic Communications team to promote university research, community relations, and economic development initiatives, programs, news and impact
• Advocates for the PSU interests in local policy discussions and community development projects

Other Duties as assigned - 5%

• Contributes to the success of Economic and Community Engagement by performing other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire

• 5 years of progressive experience in community relations, public affairs, or a similar role, preferably in higher education

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree in public relations, communications, public administration, or related field
• 1 year of experience working with local governments and community organizations

Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and sex offender check.

Job Type: Unclassified

Appointment Duration: 12 months

Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, weekends as needed, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, other hours as needed

Application Documents Required*:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Names and Contact Details for three (3) Professional References
• Consolidate into two documents to upload.

Open Until Filled with a first consideration date of July 22nd, 2026.

Search Committee Chair: Kristi Toeller, ktoeller@pittstate.edu

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.

Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a respectful and supportive environment for all employees.

About Pittsburg State University

Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State's 373-acre campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art athletics, arts, and research facilities.

Its residential and online undergraduate and graduate student population of nearly 6,000 is guided by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrative team.

Pitt State's hands-on learning environment and engagement by alumni working in a variety of professional sectors creates incredible academic, internship, and employment opportunities for students. Academic programs often bring home national honors.

The university enjoys a close relationship with Pittsburg residents as well as city and business leaders. Throughout town, you'll see gorilla statues in front lawns and red and gold Gorilla spirit at local businesses. Students, faculty, and staff are highly engaged in the local school district and with service projects, and in turn the community is highly supportive of and engaged in university activities.

Faculty, staff, and students have access to many amenities, including discounts and free access to concerts, plays, athletic events on campus as well as discounts on meals and services off campus.

Pitt State has developed unique partnerships in downtown Pittsburg, 1.4 miles north of the main campus. There, Block22 and the historic Hotel Besse offer innovative student housing options and the new Kelce College of Business building, scheduled to open in July 2026, will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and space for professional development and public events.

The university has earned institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and two elite classifications from the Carnegie Foundation.