Director, Community Engagement & Partnerships

Loyola Marymount University; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Loyola Marymount University is seeking a Director of Community Relations to lead engagement with the surrounding communities and coordinate with city, neighborhood, and campus partners in Los Angeles. You will develop strategy, build trust with residents and officials, and ensure timely communications and accountability across university units.

The role requires substantial experience in community relations, excellent written and verbal skills, and the ability to manage a cross-functional team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, political science, public administration, organizational leadership, business, or related field.
• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, public affairs, or related fields.
• Experience in higher education or complex nonprofit environments is preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and execute community engagement strategies and KPI tracking.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive community relations strategy and annual operating plan.
• Cultivate relationships with neighborhood residents, organizations, and public officials.
• Represent LMU at community meetings, public hearings, and external forums.
• Maintain stakeholder maps, calendars, and relationship-management systems.
• Monitor developments; provide timely updates and risk assessments.
• Lead Neighborhood Advisory Committee and coordinate cross-functional outreach.
• Develop communications for community relations including newsletters and talking points.
• Track KPIs and report progress monthly; manage budget and vendors.

Skills

Relationship management

Political acumen

Communication skills

Stakeholder outreach

Project management

Conflict resolution

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/public relations/public affairs/political science/public administration/organizational leadership/business

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MS Office/Office tools

CRM/constituent-management tools

Email marketing tools

Data reporting tools

Job description

Loyola Marymount University is seeking a Director of Community Relations to lead engagement with the surrounding communities and coordinate with city, neighborhood, and campus partners in Los Angeles. You will develop strategy, build trust with residents and officials, and ensure timely communications and accountability across university units.

The role requires substantial experience in community relations, excellent written and verbal skills, and the ability to manage a cross-functional team.