Director of Communications & Community

California Baptist University; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

California Baptist University invites applications for the role of Director of Communications & Community within the College of Architecture, Visual Arts & Design (CAVAD). This position leads strategic communications, community engagement, and brand storytelling to support recruitment, student success, and post-graduate placement.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years in communications or related fields, with a portfolio of campaigns and brand initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in communications/marketing or related field required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead comprehensive communications and community engagement strategies.
• Plan and execute signature CAVAD events aligning with college priorities.
• Oversee CAVAD brand consistency across materials and platforms.
• Drive storytelling across web, social, print, and campaigns highlighting achievements.

Skills

Excellent writing and editing

Storytelling and brand narratives

Leadership and team management

Strategic communications planning

Digital communications strategy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

Mailchimp

Job description

Director of Communications & Community

Compensation for this position is expected to be $72,500 per year, in alignment with what California Baptist University (CBU) reasonably anticipates paying for this role. The final rate may vary depending on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and prevailing market conditions. In addition to competitive wages, CBU provides a comprehensive and generous benefits package to eligible employees.

Position Summary

The Director of Communications & Community for the College of Architecture, Visual Arts & Design (CAVAD) provides strategic leadership in advancing the college’s identity, culture, and public presence. Reporting to CAVAD leadership, this role leads the development and execution of integrated communication and community engagement strategies that support recruitment, retention, student success, and post-graduate placement. CAVAD is one of the largest Christian art and design colleges in the United States, offering programs in Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Film, Illustration, Photography, Fine Art, Art Therapy, and Art Education. This position serves as the primary steward of the CAVAD brand, ensuring all communications align with university standards while authentically reflecting the college’s creative excellence and distinct culture. The Director leads storytelling initiatives across digital, print, and experiential platforms, amplifying student, faculty, and alumni achievements while strengthening engagement at local, regional, national, and international levels. All efforts support and reflect the Christ-centered mission of CBU and CAVAD’s faith-integrated vision of creativity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications and community engagement strategy aligned with college and university priorities.
• Lead the planning and execution of signature CAVAD events (e.g., Welcome Night, CAVAD Night, Alumni Mixer/Homecoming, Lectures, CAVAD Week), ensuring alignment with strategic communication and community goals.
• Serve as the primary steward of the CAVAD brand, ensuring consistency and quality across all communications, marketing materials, and visual assets.
• Lead integrated storytelling and content strategies across web, social media, publications, and campaigns, highlighting student, faculty, and alumni achievements.
• Oversee and maintain CAVAD’s digital presence, including website, social media, and campaign platforms, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and engagement.
• Develop and execute integrated communication campaigns and messaging strategies that support recruitment, student engagement, and post-graduate outcomes.
• Collaborate with university partners (Admissions, Marketing & Communications, IT, Career Services) to support enrollment growth and student success initiatives.
• Represent CAVAD at recruitment events, outreach initiatives, and industry engagements; regular travel is required.
• Partner with leadership to define and maintain the college’s voice, tone, and messaging across all audiences.
• Build and maintain relationships with industry partners, alumni, donors, and community organizations to expand visibility and opportunities.
• Manage communications projects, including timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring effective execution.
• Evaluate communication strategies and campaigns using data and analytics to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure all communications and initiatives reflect a cohesive narrative and support the Christ-centered mission of the University.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight of staff and student workers supporting communications, marketing, content development, and events. Manage workflows, content production, and project execution to ensure quality and consistency. Recruit, train, and mentor team members while fostering a collaborative and professional environment. Partner with leadership to align staffing and resources with strategic priorities.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated commitment to living out and upholding the University’s Christ‑centered mission and values.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to produce high-quality content under tight deadlines.
• Expertise in brand management and integrated marketing across digital, print, and experiential platforms.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including students, faculty, alumni, donors, and industry partners.
• Experience with social media strategy, content planning, and audience engagement.
• Familiarity with content creation tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Mailchimp) and basic photography/video production.
• Strong organizational, project management, and analytical skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and build strategic partnerships.
• Experience in higher education, communications, marketing, or creative industries preferred.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced, creative environment.

Physical Demands:

Duties include standing, walking, sitting, and using standard office equipment. The role requires visual acuity and the ability to communicate effectively in person and by phone. The employee must be able to lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

Work Environment:

Work is typically performed in a standard office environment with a moderate noise level and minimal exposure to hazards.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A portfolio demonstrating successful campaigns, storytelling, events, or brand initiatives is required.

Application Documents

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter, Other Document. Optional Documents: Letter of Reference 1.

Employment Notice

State and Federal law permit California Baptist University to discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its purpose. The University does not discriminate contrary to either State or Federal law.

© 2018 California Baptist University. All rights reserved. 8432 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92504. [phone]. [e-mail]