External Communications Lead for Alumni & Development

Opt For Healthy Living; San Luis Obispo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo seeks an Associate Director of External Communications to lead the External Communications team within the University Development and Alumni Engagement unit. You will oversee strategic communications that advance fundraising, alumni engagement, and the university brand across channels.

The role requires day-to-day management, editorial planning, and cross-department collaboration, while fostering a service-oriented culture and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising, marketing, or related communications in higher education.
• Draft funding proposals, reports, and external communications.
• Contribute to evaluation of fundraising programs.
• Analyze data to inform strategic communications.
• Interpret and apply university policies for development operations.
• Proven ability to manage complex communications calendars.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the External Communications team.
• Oversee development and execution of strategic communications.
• Coordinate editorial planning and project intake.
• Advise on staff development and process improvements.

Skills

Strategic communications

Fundraising communications

Editorial planning

Team leadership

Budgeting & analytics

University communications

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo seeks an Associate Director of External Communications to lead the External Communications team within the University Development and Alumni Engagement unit. You will oversee strategic communications that advance fundraising, alumni engagement, and the university brand across channels.

The role requires day-to-day management, editorial planning, and cross-department collaboration, while fostering a service-oriented culture and continuous improvement.