External Relations & Strategic Communications
The Office of External & Strategic Communication develops the strategies, programs, and relationships that inspire philanthropy and advocacy, forge strategic partnerships, further strengthen the brand of our district and three colleges, enhance organizational effectiveness, and honor the community colleges within our district.
Our division goal is to develop strong relationships between the District/ Colleges
and its many audiences.
When Do You Need Our Support?
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- If you want something advertised in local and state media outlets.
- If you want it on our News site or the Colleges.
- Need something promoted on District social media accounts.
- Marketing efforts both at district level and college level
- Photography/video support
- Website support
- Graphic Design
- Need a liaison to interact with policymakers and stakeholders at the local, state, federal, and tribal levels
- Advise faculty and staff on government opportunities
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Types of Support
Below you will find the different types of support and areas we focus on within our department.
The RCCD Government relations serves as the primary liaison for RCCD’s interactions
with policymakers and stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels. We advise
faculty, classified employees, managers, and leadership on funding and policy opportunities,
keep the external community informed about district initiatives and proactively create
strategic partnerships throughout the community. Our goal is to continue to support
and advance RCCD’s mission by supporting our students through system-wide advocacy
efforts. To receive support contact the director of Government Relations. Riverside Community College District (RCCD) offers comprehensive photography and video
support for both district and college events to enhance marketing efforts. The media
team captures high-quality photos and videos at key events, such as graduations, student
programs, special celebrations, and conferences. These visuals are used to promote
the district's initiatives, showcase student success, and highlight campus life. The
content generated supports social media campaigns, website updates, press releases,
and recruitment materials, ensuring that RCCD's messaging is visually appealing and
engaging for a broad audience. To receive photography support please fill out the photography request form. To receive
Video support please contact a PAO or Chris Clarke directly. Riverside Community College District (RCCD) offers a full range of graphic design
support to enhance marketing and communication initiatives across the district and
its colleges. The graphic design team creates visually appealing materials, such as
brochures, posters, event flyers, banners, and social media graphics, all tailored
to RCCD’s branding standards. In addition to digital media, RCCD provides print services
for various marketing materials, including large-format banners, handouts, and promotional
items. For events and special campaigns, RCCD also designs branded merchandise such as t-shirts,
hats, and other apparel, ensuring consistency in visual identity across physical and
digital platforms. These custom-designed items can be used for student outreach, staff
events, and community engagement efforts, helping to promote school pride and further
enhance the district’s presence in the community. Through professional design and
diverse print options, RCCD ensures that all marketing materials support outreach,
recruitment, and engagement goals. Kris LoVerso To receive support please contact Denise Hernandez or Mark Knight directly or coordinate
with your PAO so they can organize graphic design, corrections and hand it off to
the web tech. The Public Affairs Officer plays a pivotal role as the primary liaison between Riverside
Community College District (RCCD) and its colleges, ensuring seamless communication
and coordination. They lead marketing initiatives, working closely with both district
and college teams to organize and deploy resources that enhance marketing efforts.
Their strategic oversight helps align district-wide messaging with the unique needs
of each campus, advancing their outreach and visibility in the community. In addition to overseeing marketing strategies, the Public Affairs Officer is responsible
for writing newsletters and speeches, ensuring that all communications reflect RCCD’s
voice and vision. They also serve as the key point of contact with local media, managing
press releases and media relations to promote district and college events, programs,
and achievements. This multifaceted role ensures RCCD’s public image is consistently
maintained and its communication objectives are met. To receive support please contact the PAO’s directly or Chris Clarke if you are unsure
who your Liaison is. Vacant Leslie Vargas
LaShé Rodriguez
Director, Government Relations
lashe.rodriguez@rccd.edu
Photo library has photos currently taken by our photographer.
Gio Cardenas
Chief Photographer
gio.cardenas@rccd.edu
Brian Thomas
Multi-Media Graphic Artist
brian.thomas@rccd.edu
Sr. Grapics Designer
kris.loverso@rccd.edu
John Matsuzaki
Production Graphic Designer
john.matsuzaki@rccd.edu
Deb Ferguson
Production Graphic Designer
deb.ferguson@rccd.edu
Web Applications Technician
denise.hernandez@rccd.edu
Sr. Public Affairs Officer (NC)
Sr. Public Affairs Officer (RCC)
leslie.vargas@rccd.edu
Sr. Public Affairs Officer (MVC)
robert.schmidt@rccd.edu
Resources
Below, you will find a link to the brand toolbox for Riverside Community College District
and its colleges. This resource provides access to official seals, logos, and branding
materials to ensure consistency and professionalism in all communications and marketing
efforts. The guidelines are designed to assist staff in maintaining consistency when working
with AP writing style, speaking on behalf of the district, working with the listservs,
or utilizing social media. Their purpose is to ensure clear, professional communication
that aligns with RCCD's standards and enhances the district's public image across
all platforms. All official social media accounts for RCCD and its colleges can be found below, providing
a direct link to stay informed about campus events, student achievements, and district-wide
initiatives. Follow these accounts to engage with the latest updates and connect with
the RCCD community across multiple platforms. Riverside Community College District
RCCD Police Department
Moreno Valley College
Norco College
Norco College Athletics
Riverside City College
Riverside City College Athletics
Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties
Executive Director, Strategic Communications & External Relations
Chris Clarke
chris.clarke@rccd.edu
Administrative Staff
Bianca Vidales
Administrative Assistant IV
(951) 222-8857
bianca.vidales@rccd.edu
Hours & Mailing Address
Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday
District Offices
Attn: External Relations & Strategic Communications
Tech B Room 206
4800 Magnolia Ave
Riverside, CA 92501