Executive Director for Presidential Communications

California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, California 93405 United States  View Map
Posted: Jan 04, 2025
  • Administration and Management
  • Information Technology and Communication Services
  • Job Description

    Job Summary

    As part of a collaborative team, the executive director is responsible for leading the development of the president’s communication strategy to elevate the Office of the President and communicate the president’s strategic priorities and initiatives to key stakeholders, including a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, student supporters, alumni, and the broader community. The executive director plays a vital role in shaping and conveying the narrative surrounding institutional goals and the overall mission of the university for both internal and external constituents.

    Department Summary

    The Office of the President supports the university President who provides leadership for all aspects of Cal Poly operations. The President’s Office is committed to the pursuit of academic excellence, student success, service and community partnership through innovative leadership and collaboration. As stewards of Cal Poly, the presidential staff support the vision of the university president and the polytechnic Learn by Doing educational experience.

    Key Qualifications
    • Demonstrated expertise in the development of strategic communications and messaging.
    • Experience building and executing comprehensive communications strategies, building compelling internal communications plans, and making complex information comprehensible and compelling for different audiences.
    • Expert-level writing skills, with the demonstrated ability to write persuasively on a wide variety of topics and to adapt style for a range of audiences. Thorough knowledge of AP Style, English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
    • Research, data gathering and interview skills to compose effective written materials. Demonstrated skill in crafting speeches & message points covering leadership progress, ceremonial functions, formal events, and announcements. Demonstrated ability to support senior/executive leadership-positioning communication strategies.
    • Ability to provide advice and assistance to executive leadership regarding sensitive and/or controversial subjects.
    • Effectively perform work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature, which requires access to information which directly relates to leadership strategies.
    • Demonstrated ability to build relationships and frequently and effectively interact and collaborate with distributed stakeholders to develop communication plans and materials that help enhance awareness of programs, initiatives, and news to drive a single communication strategy.

    Education and Experience
    • Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in executive communications, preferably in higher education or a large, complex organization. Additional years of qualifying experience may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis.

    Salary and Benefits

    The anticipated hiring range for this role is $125,000 - $160,000 annually. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.

    Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.

    Cal Poly

    Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu .

    Diversity Statement

    At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

    Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer.

    Supplemental Information

    Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive.

    The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

    This position may be "Designated" under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This would require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter.

    Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

    Advertised: Jan 03 2025 Pacific Standard Time
    Applications close:

    Closing Date/Time:
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • California Polytechnic State University
    • California Polytechnic State University

    About Cal Poly

    Founded in 1901, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is one of five comprehensive polytechnic universities in the U.S., with about 21,000 undergraduate and 900 graduate students. Cal Poly maintains a guiding philosophy of “Learn By Doing” that is reflected in the school’s comprehensive curriculum combining technical and professional training with the arts and humanities. When you graduate from Cal Poly, you won’t just know theory, you will be able to think critically and know how to solve real-world problems. Today, Cal Poly is among the most selective public universities in the United States. Under President Armstrong’s leadership, Cal Poly’s national reputation is growing and, according to payscale.com, the return on investment for graduating students is consistently on par with some of the most prestigious universities in California. Visit www.calpoly.edu to learn more.

    Central to California

    Cal Poly is located in the beautiful Central Coast of California in the city of San Luis Obispo, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. This city is nestled in between great wine regions, relaxing beaches, and a small community. Our location gives students access to opportunities for hands-on research in agriculture, wine making, and distinct coastal ecosystems, as well as, close proximity to Southern California and the Bay Area for their tech, industry and the culture hubs. Given California’s status as a world leader in many areas and industries, our students have an opportunity to do work that makes an impact around the globe.

    Committed to Diversity

    We recognize and celebrate the value of the different viewpoints, knowledge, cultures and skills that diverse communities bring to the educational experience. Cal Poly is committed to becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and feel a sense of respect, belonging and personal safety. We’re not just a workplace — we’re a community.

    Highly Ranked

    Cal Poly consistently receives high rankings from major publications. For the past 27 years, we have been named the best public, master's-level university in the West by U.S. News & World ReportForbes also continues to name us the top public masters-level university in California and one of the Top 25 public and private universities in the West. 

    Benefits/ Perks

    Beyond the Job

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