Job Summary

The Director of Executive Communications for Administration and Finance is a strategic and collaborative communicator that is responsible for developing and executing compelling and actionable communication strategies that support critical strategic initiatives for the division of Administration and Finance (A&F). As part of a collaborative team, the incumbent is responsible for leading the development of the Senior Vice Presidents of Administration and Finance (SVP A&F) communication strategy to elevate the division and communicate and operational achievements, strategic priorities, and service initiatives to key stakeholders, including a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, student supporters, alumni, and the broader community. The incumbent plays a vital role in shaping and conveying the narrative surrounding administrative priorities, operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, and service to the campus community, aligning divisional communications institutional goals, and the overall mission of the university for both internal and external constituents. This position strengthens community and respect through effective and transparent communications that reflect and support the campus's commitments within the context of a safe, sustainable, and well-managed campus environment. Balancing short-term communication needs with developing strategic communication plans to advance organizational and operational initiatives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment is critical to the success of the Administration and Finance Division’s  communications efforts. This position also has a dotted line reporting into Cal Poly’s central University Communications and Marketing (UCM) division, working in partnership with the UCM team to ensure strategic communications and marketing plans are aligned with the university’s goals.

The Director of Executive Communications provides strategic leadership to realize organizational goals through engaging and creative messaging, internal communications, executive messaging, and engagement activities. The director serves as the primary writer for the Senior Vice President and Division, providing a range of executive writing and communication assignments often involving highly sensitive and confidential information. This position works closely with University Communications and Marketing to support media relations and management and crisis communications specific to the Senior Vice President and division. The incumbent collaborates closely with colleagues at all levels across the division of academic affairs and campus, including communication leaders in other divisions and communications and marketing staff within the division of University Communications and Marketing.

The Director of Executive Communications reports directly to the Assistant Vice President of Divisional Operations and works collaboratively with the Senior Vice President and Administration and Finance Senior Leadership team. This is an important point of collaboration and contact to ensure fulfillment of timely, accurate and appropriate communication for all units within A&F including Audit and Consulting Services, Cal Poly Partners, Facilities Management & Development, Financial Services, Information Technology Services, Housing, Operational Business Services, Performing Arts, Public Safety and Strategic Business Services.

Department Summary

The Office of the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance supports the university’s mission by fostering a culture of service, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in every aspect of campus operations. The  Senior Vice President (SVP) is the chief administrative and financial officer of the university, overseeing the stewardship of campus resources, fiscal accountability, operational effectiveness, and the infrastructure necessary to support Cal Poly’s academic and student success mission. The SVP of Administration and Finance reports directly to the University President and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet, working collaboratively with other university divisions to advance strategic initiatives, ensure financial sustainability, and maintain a safe, inclusive, and well-functioning campus environment. The Administration and Finance Division plays a vital role in supporting the university’s operational backbone, encompassing areas such as finance, budgeting, facilities, public safety, environmental health and safety, human resources, and divisional operations.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in the development of strategic communications and messaging.  Demonstrated experience building and executing comprehensive communications strategies, building compelling internal communications plans, and making complex information comprehensible and compelling for different audiences.
• Highest-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.
• Demonstrated research, data gathering and interview skills to compose effective written materials. Experience in crafting speeches & message points covering leadership progress, ceremonial functions, formal events, and announcements. Experience supporting leadership-positioning communication strategies. 
• Demonstrated ability to provide advice and assistance to executive leadership regarding sensitive and/or controversial subjects.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively perform work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature, which requires access to information which directly relates to leadership strategies.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism or closely related field and five years of progressively responsible experience in communications. A graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. 

Salary and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $100,000 - $125,000. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. 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. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered 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.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

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.