Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking an Assistant Director for Communications, Academic and Student Affairs to lead strategic communications for the division of Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) and serve as a primary liaison with CSU communicators to promote and elevate the university’s brand. The incumbent is responsible for developing and maintaining a consistent voice and narrative across multiple disciplines and departments while ensuring alignment with the CSU master brand. Collaborating closely with Associate Vice Chancellors and Assistant Vice Chancellors for all departments, the incumbent provides an integrated communication strategy to support a wide range of intersegmental and campus stakeholder relationships as well as key initiatives such as Graduation Initiative 2025, strategic enrollment management and academic preparation. The incumbent provides leadership, direction and guidance for marketing communications operations within ASA to ensure the highest standards of accuracy, responsiveness and quality across ASA communications.

The incumbent ensures accuracy of fact, appropriateness of tone and consistency of message in high-level internal and external communications, primarily originating from members of the Academic and Student Affairs Leadership Team. This is an essential quality control function that protects the public image of the California State University.

This position is approved for telecommuting (two days telecommuting, three days in office (in-person)) with onsite work at the main headquarters located in Long Beach, California.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs , the Assistant Director for Communications, Academic and Student Affairs will:

-In consultation with ASA leadership, develop and maintain division wide voice and brand in alignment with the CSU master brand.

-In consultation with ASA subject matter experts, SCPA colleagues and outside consultants, conceptualize and manage communications strategies for ASA-driven initiatives including Graduation Initiative 2025, strategic enrollment management, academic preparation and more.

-Develop and direct a communications strategy for fostering engagement with and adoption of key ASA policies following distribution of formal memorandum to campuses.

-Develop and direct a communications strategy for intersegmental relations to support EVC and Deputy Vice Chancellor outreach.

-Liaise with external (e.g. agencies) and internal communications partners (CO and campus) to help foster holistic and integrated communications for all ASA stakeholders.

-Collaborate with SCPA to identify, brief and support ASA spokespeople to engage with internal and external stakeholders.

-Responsible for ensuring appropriate brand messaging and tone, accuracy of content, usability and accessibility for ASA-affiliated web sites.

-Develop and manage integrated communications operations and procedures.

-Provide professional development and support to departments with communications needs.

-Work closely with ASA leadership team and Executive Writing Team to provide strategic advice and creative input on communication methods and preparation of communication materials.

-Write, edit and proofread the content for internal and external communications from ASA including legislative reports, content for the division website, special announcements and other division/department materials.

-Work closely with ASA leadership team in creating, developing and editing of the Board of Trustees presentations and materials.

-Develop strong understanding of departmental and divisional goals and strategies, and ensure they are integrated into communications.

-Respond to Division communications-related issues in a timely manner. When appropriate, coordinate and consult with SCPA on crisis communications.

-Ensure accuracy of fact, appropriateness of tone and consistency of message in high level internal and external communications.

-Provide guidance and create professional development content for ASA staff to improve quality and consistency of communications originating from the division.

-Develop communication plans for new initiatives and programs; determine purpose, messaging, means and frequency for communications to those key audiences as part of a cohesive communications program.

-Keep informed of ASA programs and initiatives as well as the California State University and higher education climate.

-Streamline ASA Communications office processes and procedures to ensure optimal ongoing productivity and effectiveness. Identity areas for improvements and implement changes as needed.

-Lead, direct, and supervise ASA Communications staff to achieve organizational goals and objectives, including training, assigning, and reviewing duties for accuracy and efficiency.

-Monitor office staff performance, provide constructive feedback and coaching. Foster a positive and inclusive work environment promoting collaboration and teamwork.

-Other duties as assigned in support of ASA Division mission and goals. Assist with special projects as needed.

Qualifications

This position requires:

-Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or another relevant field from an accredited four-year university or college. Graduate degree highly preferred.

-A minimum of seven years of demonstrated professional writing experience, preferably in an academic/higher education environment.

-Experience writing and editing according to the Associated Press Stylebook or an AP-based style guide.

-Experience producing high-quality documents with Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop and related programs.

-High-level editing experience and skills, including the ability to review and refine content for clarity, accuracy, and consistency.

-Extensive experience in researching, writing and editing of communications content in higher education institution, public relations or closely related field.

-Demonstrated track record of performing excellently under pressure and adhering to strict deadline while maintaining a sophisticated understanding of organizational and external contexts.

-Effective oral communication skills.

-Experience in collaborating directly with senior level administrators or executives.

-Excellent organizational skills in a multi-tasking environment, excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

-Ability to work independently and collaboratively, multi-task to balance multiple priorities.

-Demonstrated strong experience in project management with ability to track progress and coordinate highly detailed projects in a well-organized, efficient, and timely manner.

-Experience with working effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders in a multi-cultural environment, and ability to maintain efficient working relationships.

-Flexibility and the ability to pivot and navigate a complex and dynamic work environment with rapidly changing priorities. Ability to adapt to new information and make informed decisions when responding to evolving circumstances while maintaining a focus on goals and objectives.

-Intellectual agility and ability to make independent judgments and work with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

-Experience with managing outside agencies and consultants as well as internal teams in support of brand strategy preferred.

-Supervisory and office management experience preferred.