Responsibilities

• 40% - Serves as the university spokesperson. Manages the creation of and directs strategic communications for the university while providing proactive guidance to departments and units in the creation of their communications strategies and tactics. Leads emergency and crisis communications and leads crisis communications planning.
• Writes and edits speeches, remarks, talking points, scripts, letters, email messages and reports on behalf of senior leadership.
• Under the direction of the Vice President, University Advancement, develops communication plans for leadership and strategic priorities.
• Working closely with the Director of Marketing, the News & Information team, and campus communicators, identify opportunities to elevate university leadership priorities and brand messaging in storytelling content.
• In collaboration with the Director of Marketing and the News & Information and Creative Services teams within Marketing & Communications, create written, visual and audio content for the web, social media, email and other outlets.
• 25% - Directs all public relations activities for the university and serves as the public information officer directing media relations strategy and engagement with media outlets and provides guidance to stakeholders who are contacted by the media.
• 30% - Leads and directs the work of the News & Information staff and has responsibility for personnel actions including hiring, performance management, and termination.
• Ensures that output aligns with the university's mission, vision, values, and priorities as well as manages day-to-day functions of the communications unit.
• Defines performance metrics and measures the success of specific communications or campaigns. Establishes departmental policies, practices, and procedures that have a significant impact on the university.
• Provides input and manages the communications budget in consultation with the Vice President, University Advancement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, graphic design, English or a related communication field.
• At least six (6) years of related professional experience.

Preferred

• Prior experience leading a dynamic communications and marketing organization in a higher education setting is highly preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of related professional experience, with higher education experience preferred.
• Established relationships with reporters in national markets.
• Graduate degree in a related field is preferred.
• Experience with successfully leading a media relations program and strategy attentive to both earned and paid media.
• Experience as an on-camera spokesperson.
• Superior writing, editing and proofreading ability and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge and/or experience producing communications materials for both English and Spanish speakers.

Benefits

• outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans
• life insurance
• voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts
• a fee waiver education program
• membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 15 paid holidays per year