Senior Director of Communications (Administrator II) (521743)

Description:

Application Process

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit application, along with cover letter and resume, by 8am on Monday, August 7.

Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Government Relations and Strategic Communications (AVP), the Senior Director of Communications strategically develops, executes and manages effective communication materials and other collaterals to promote Sonoma State University and its programs and services to both general and target audiences, with a primary goal to enhance the university’s reputation, increase resources and grow awareness in target audiences. The incumbent directly supports a broad range of projects involving the development, planning and execution of communication, publicity, media programs and plans involving research, identification of objects, development of themes and concepts, and overseeing creation of a variety of print and digital materials. The incumbent strategically produces written communications within Strategic Communications and manages the successful implementation of a marketing plan to meet strategic objectives of the university, schools, students, faculty and staff. Focus of work is on developing marketing collateral and objectives. Work involves daily contact with university management, and other key campus constituencies. In addition, the incumbent provides management and guidance within Strategic Communications and supervises staff and student personnel.

Key Qualifications

This position requires a minimum of five years related professional or technical experience, along with a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of communication, public affairs, media and marketing theories and concepts in order to develop and execute communication strategies and plans to promote and position the university. Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant coursework experience to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Higher education experience highly preferred. Expert knowledge of university communication objectives and ability to translate them into effective communication and media campaign; thorough knowledge of applicable copyright and other laws pertaining to publications and the news media;, comprehensive knowledge of marketing and research techniques and methods; working knowledge of appropriate use of statistical techniques; expert writing and editorial skills; and ability to analyze and select pertinent facts and integrate them into communication vehicles and apply standard theories, practices and principles and techniques related to communications required. Requires solid computer skills, including intermediate skills on a Macintosh platform in Microsoft Office, Creative Cloud suite and various marketing platforms and social media venues. Ability to use a variety of software for demographic analysis and surveys required. Photography skills required. Expert writing and editorials skills and demonstrated organizational skills required. Graphic design experience (Photoshop and InDesign) and PeopleSoft preferred.

The incumbent must demonstrate integrity and sound judgment in performing duties; possess the ability to supervise the work of staff and recommend appropriate personnel actions; be able to apply strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills and train and evaluate performance, taking corrective action as needed; deal with stressful situations while maintaining composure; and contribute to a collaborative environment utilizing exemplary communication and problem solving skills as necessary. Must have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously, adjusting quickly to changes needed on a daily basis. Must have the ability to effectively communicate with all levels within the university and establish and maintain productive, and effective and, inclusive working relationships among diverse populations including staff, faculty, administration, students, and other internal and external constituents. Must be able to accept constructive feedback and work cooperatively in group situations.

The incumbent must possess a comprehensive knowledge of marketing and research techniques and methods to enhance the impact of communication strategies and campaigns and effectively plan media coverage and media publicity campaigns for the university and events; an ability to understand issues from a broad, strategic perspective; exceptional interviewing skills; an ability to stay up-to-date with campus events, provide expertise in relation to current events to identify and capitalize on media opportunities to promote the university and encourage positive media coverage; a working knowledge of web communication techniques, vehicles and formats; an ability to effectively use web technology to achieve communication goals; an ability to analyze and select pertinent facts and integrate them into communication vehicles; an ability to define and deliver media messages; a working knowledge of marketing and research techniques and methods; an ability to apply market research to identify communication needs and target audiences; an ability to effectively manage media relations and apply effective media strategies and techniques; demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills, including strong public speaking, listening and interpretive skills.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the ran ge of $7,500 to $9,167 a month. This position is a member of the Management Personnel Plan and serves at the pleasure of the P resident.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 14 paid holidays are offered each year; 13 scheduled on specific days and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

Supplemental Information

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community.

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be 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.

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all faculty, staff, administrators, and students who are accessing campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to continue to help us protect and maintain a healthy Seawolf Community. More information related to campus level requirements can be found here: https://risk.sonoma.edu/covid- compliance-and-monitoring- office .

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu . The ADA Coordinator is also available ( hraccommodations@sonoma.edu ) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu .

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at https://housing.sonoma.edu/ resources/fire-safety . The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at housing@sonoma.edu .
Closing Date/Time: Open until filled

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