Strategic Communications Lead for University Reputation

San Jose State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

San Jose State University seeks an Assistant Director of Strategic Communications to lead integrated communications, storytelling, and social media initiatives, advancing the university’s reputation. The role blends strategy with hands-on content creation across writing, photography, video, and digital campaigns.

The candidate will develop and implement strategies, advise campus leaders, and coordinate cross-functional projects while ensuring accessible, timely messaging aligned with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or digital communications. An equivalent combo may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated strategic communications plans supporting university priorities, presidential initiatives, enrollment, advancement, and institutional reputation.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Social Media and Strategic Communications Manager; align work with institutional goals and professional development.
• Guide development and execution of integrated content, social media, and communications strategies to strengthen reputation and audience engagement.
• Advise university leadership on messaging, storytelling, and audience engagement.
• Lead strategic content planning across print, digital, web, social, and multimedia channels.
• Write, edit, and oversee high-profile communications including leadership messaging, feature stories, newsletters, and major digital campaigns.

Skills

Executive writing

Strategic communications

Social media strategy

Content strategy

Crisis communications

Project management

Collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Five years of professional experience in strategic communications

Tools

Content management systems

Analytics platforms (Google Analytics)

Digital publishing platforms

Job description

San Jose State University seeks an Assistant Director of Strategic Communications to lead integrated communications, storytelling, and social media initiatives, advancing the university’s reputation. The role blends strategy with hands-on content creation across writing, photography, video, and digital campaigns.

The candidate will develop and implement strategies, advise campus leaders, and coordinate cross-functional projects while ensuring accessible, timely messaging aligned with