Director of Brand, Communications & Growth

Salón Večná kráska; Fremont (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

San Francisco Bay University in Fremont, CA, seeks a Director of Communications & Marketing to architect SFBU's brand, messaging, and outreach across internal and external channels. You will lead a hybrid in-house and agency model, shaping strategic communications, media relations, and digital campaigns to raise visibility and support student engagement.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in communications or related field with 7–10 years of experience, including leadership, crisis management, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications or marketing, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven success managing a hybrid in-house and agency model with accountability for outcomes.
• Strong track record in strategic communications, media relations, internal communications, and brand governance.
• Advanced writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing crisis or executive communications.
• Data fluency - experience using analytics and dashboards to inform strategy and measure results.
• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in communications practice.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an integrated communications and marketing strategy aligned with SFBU's mission and Strategic Plan.
• Serve as the chief brand steward, defining the institutional voice and ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.
• Provide strategic counsel to university leadership on communications, positioning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead crisis communications readiness, rapid response, and issue management protocols. Champion innovation in storytelling and digital engagement to raise SFBU's profile.
• Lead the creation of cohesive messaging for media, internal communications, and external relations.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists, thought leaders, and community partners to secure positive visibility for SFBU.
• Oversee press releases, media kits, and editorial strategy to highlight institutional milestones, research, and leadership.
• Manage internal channels such as the Bayhawk Bulletin, intranet, and leadership communications to promote transparency and engagement.
• Oversee all institutional marketing (excluding recruitment marketing) - including content, creative direction, and campaigns.
• Ensure brand standards and identity guidelines are upheld across all internal and external communications.
• Manage the university website, digital storytelling, and social media ecosystem, optimizing for reach, relevance, and user experience.
• Coordinate with Enrollment Management to align brand and messaging with student recruitment and retention efforts.
• Direct the in-house communications core (internal comms, brand governance, editorial, and analytics).
• Manage external agencies and creative partners for design, digital, media, and production.
• Establish and track KPIs and performance dashboards for visibility, engagement, and ROI.
• Ensure cross-functional collaboration across Advancement, Enrollment, Academics, and Student Affairs.
• Implement systems for measuring communications performance and audience sentiment.
• Integrate data into decision-making for marketing investments and campaign optimization.
• Conduct periodic communications audits to assess effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.
• Build and mentor a high-performing communications team committed to creativity, agility, and accountability.
• Manage budget, vendor relationships, and contracts with transparency and fiscal discipline.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative culture where innovation and equity drive outcomes.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication

Data analytics

Crisis management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/marketing

Tools

CRM

Analytics platforms

SEO

Automation tools

Job description

San Francisco Bay University in Fremont, CA, seeks a Director of Communications & Marketing to architect SFBU's brand, messaging, and outreach across internal and external channels. You will lead a hybrid in-house and agency model, shaping strategic communications, media relations, and digital campaigns to raise visibility and support student engagement.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in communications or related field with 7–10 years of experience, including leadership, crisis management, and