Strategic External Communications Lead

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Public Employees' Retirement System

Educational benefits

Job summary

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is seeking an Associate Director of External Communications to lead the day-to-day operations of the External Communications team within the University Development and Alumni Engagement (UDAE) unit.

The role focuses on developing strategic communications that advance fundraising, alumni engagement, stewardship, and the university brand across channels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and three years of progressively responsible professional experience in development, fundraising, donor relations, marketing, or related field, with one year direct fundraising experience.
• Ability to independently research, develop, and draft comprehensive funding proposals and external communications.
• Ability to analyze data and evaluate fundraising programs to achieve goals.
• Familiarity with accounting, fund management and budgeting to support development operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and operational management for the External Communications team.
• Oversee the development and execution of strategic communications that advance fundraising, alumni engagement, stewardship, and university brand objectives.
• Manage department workflow, editorial planning, and the external communications calendar to ensure timely, coordinated communications across channels.
• Advise the Senior Director on staff development and operational improvements, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented team culture.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor relations

Marketing communications

Budgeting and financial analysis

Editorial planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree with 3+ years in development

Job description

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is seeking an Associate Director of External Communications to lead the day-to-day operations of the External Communications team within the University Development and Alumni Engagement (UDAE) unit.

The role focuses on developing strategic communications that advance fundraising, alumni engagement, stewardship, and the university brand across channels.