Director of Communications – University Communications and Public Affairs
MPP employees serve at the pleasure of the campus President. MPPs do not serve a probationary period and never receive permanent status.
Classification Title: Administrator II
Position Salary Range: $8,979 - $13,469 per month.
The anticipated hiring range for this position is $8,979 - $11,200 per month.
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Review of applications will begin February 7, 2023, and the position will remain open until filled.
About the Department/Position:
The Office of Communications and Marketing builds public understanding, recognition, and support for CSU Dominguez Hills by shaping the image and voice of the university. This is accomplished through coordinated communications strategies and media relations that position the university as an important urban center for teaching, learning, research, scholarship, creative activity, and service.
Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing, the Director of Communications is responsible for planning, implementing, and leading integrated, compelling communications strategies for the university. Incorporating communication channels that include the university website, the CSUDH Magazine (digital and print), social media, and the CSUDH News Site, the director will lead the development of consistent messaging that supports CSUDH's vision, mission, and values while elevating its profile and reputation. The director is expected to actively engage with the CSUDH community, publicly representing UCM and modeling professional written and verbal communication. The director is also responsible for maintaining communications industry standards, evaluating evolving audience expectations, and learning the communications preferences of the CSUDH community.
Overview of Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manages the creation of and directs strategic communications for the university while providing proactive guidance to departments and units in creating their communications strategies and tactics.
- Leads emergency and crisis communications
- Lead crisis communications planning.
- Leads and facilitates cross-divisional communications workgroup to build a common communications knowledge base and ensure that departments and units adhere to communications standards.
- 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.
- Leads and directs the work of UCM editorial and social media staff.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, English, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
- Minimum of five years of experience as a communications or public relations professional, with at least two years as a manager or supervisor of communications or public relations staff.
- Valid driver license
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of communication industry standards, higher education as an industry, and the role of strategic communications in advancing the profile of the university, supporting admissions efforts, and its impact on the student experience and engaging alumni.
- Expert written and verbal communication skills and editing expertise.
- Strong organizational, decision-making, and time-management skills.
- Proven ability to lead and motivate creative teams and model leadership characteristics.
- Ability to serve as an example in building collaborative, professional relationships with staff, faculty, and students.
- Ability to address diverse groups publically, present, and facilitate group discussions.
- Knowledge of computer systems, word processing, email marketing, content management, and presentation software.
- Ability to demonstrate calm in emergency and crisis situations and during ambiguity.
- Knowledge of media relations standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree
- Marketing experience or expertise
- Ability to serve as a university spokesperson
- Higher education or education industry experience
- Bilingual
To view the full position description, click “Position Description” above.
General Information:
- Possession of a valid Driver's License is required. Employees in this position will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program.
- Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
- 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 is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
- In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California
- The CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption if eligible. Any candidate advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement. Questions about the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy may be sent to hrm@csudh.edu.
- The CSU system offers a competitive total compensation benefits package for employees and qualifying dependents, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and tuition assistance. It is our goal to compensate employees equitably and fairly. You can access a full description of our benefits here.
Closing Statement
California State University, Dominguez Hills, is strongly committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may call the Human Resources Office at (310) 243-3771.
California State University Dominguez Hills 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.