Job Details

Executive Director, Strategic Communications

Apply now Job no: 545626
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Humboldt
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, Faculty - Communications/Journalism, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Marketing and Communications
Job #545626
First Review Date: Monday, March 24, 2025

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability.

Cal Poly Humboldt is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that strives to foster an inclusive and equitable community to support our students of diverse backgrounds. We are committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and endeavors to employ faculty and staff of the highest quality committed to working in a multicultural and multiracial community that reflects the diversity of the state.

(Job #545626) Administrator III, Executive Director, Strategic Communications, Salary Range: $82,692 - $265,428 annually. Hiring Range: $120,000 - $135,000 annually. This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, 12-month pay plan permanent position in the Department of Marketing and Communications. This position is an Administrator III in the California State University Management Personnel Plan (MPP). Under this plan, incumbents are subject to normal management reviews and serve at the pleasure of the University President.

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Vice President, University Advancement, the Executive Director of Strategic Communications serves as the official voice of Cal Poly Humboldt and shares the President's vision, values and priorities while articulating a unified message about the university's unique story. Supervises the News & Information team and is responsible for planning, implementing, and leading integrated, compelling communications strategies that reflect the overall university brand.

Key Responsibilities:

1. 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 crisis communications planning.
2. 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.
3. 30% - Leads and directs the work of the News & Information staff and has responsibility for personnel actions including hiring, performance management, and termination.
4. 5% - Other Duties as Assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include:

• Ability to serve as an on-camera spokesperson.
• Strong verbal, writing and editing skills.
• Demonstrated effective communication with technical and non-technical individuals.
• Ability to identify and implement methods to measure the success of communications initiatives.
• Strong experience with issues management and crisis communications.
• Ability to create compelling content in multiple forms.
• Ability to coordinate work projects and manage competing demands.
• Relentless attention to detail.
• Ability to work nights and weekends, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Application Procedure: To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Application Deadline: The deadline to submit application materials for first review is Monday, March 24, 2025. This position is open until filled.

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.

Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. The employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California and must be able to accept on-campus work assignments as needed.