Job Details

Director of Executive Communications for Administration and Finance

Join to apply for the Director of Executive Communications for Administration and Finance role at California Polytechnic State University‑San Luis Obispo.

Job Summary

The Director of Executive Communications for Administration and Finance is a strategic and collaborative communicator responsible for developing and executing compelling and actionable communication strategies that support critical strategic initiatives for the division of Administration and Finance (A&F). As part of a collaborative team, the incumbent leads the development of the Senior Vice Presidents of Administration and Finance communication strategy to elevate the division and communicate operational achievements, strategic priorities, and service initiatives to key stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, supporters, and the broader community. The role shapes and conveys the narrative surrounding administrative priorities, operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, and service to the campus community, aligning divisional communications with institutional goals and the university's Mission for both internal and external constituents. This position reinforces community respect through transparent communications that reflect the campus's commitments within a safe, sustainable, and well‑managed environment. Balancing short‑term communication needs with strategic planning is critical to the success of A&F's communications efforts. The director also reports in dotted line to Cal Poly's central University Communications and Marketing (UCM) division and partners with the UCM team to ensure strategic communications are aligned with university goals.

The Director of Executive Communications provides strategic leadership to realize organizational goals through engaging and creative messaging, internal communications, executive messaging, and engagement activities. The director serves as the primary writer for the Senior Vice President and Division, handling a range of executive writing and communication assignments that often involve highly sensitive and confidential information. The position supports media relations, crisis communications, and works closely with partners across the division, including communication leaders in other divisions and staff within the University Communications and Marketing division.

The Director reports directly to the Assistant Vice President of Divisional Operations and collaborates with the Senior Vice President and A&F Senior Leadership team to ensure timely, accurate, and appropriate communication for all units within A&F—including Audit and Consulting Services, Cal Poly Partners, Facilities Management & Development, Financial Services, Information Technology Services, Housing, Operational Business Services, Performing Arts, Public Safety, and Strategic Business Services.

Department Summary

The Office of the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance supports the university's mission by fostering a culture of service, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in every aspect of campus operations. The SVP is the chief administrative and financial officer, overseeing resource stewardship, fiscal accountability, operational effectiveness, and the infrastructure needed to support academic and student success. The SVP reports directly to the University President and serves as a member of the President's Cabinet, collaborating with other university divisions to advance strategic initiatives, ensure financial sustainability, and maintain a safe, inclusive, and well‑functioning campus environment. The Administration and Finance Division plays a vital role in supporting the university's operational backbone across finance, budgeting, facilities, public safety, environmental health and safety, human resources, and divisional operations.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing strategic communications and messaging, including comprehensive plans that make complex information comprehensible and compelling for diverse audiences.
• Highest‑level writing skills with the ability to write persuasively on a wide variety of topics and adapt style for a range of audiences; thorough knowledge of AP Style, English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Demonstrated research, data gathering, and interview skills to compose effective written materials; experience crafting speeches and message points for leadership progress, ceremonial functions, formal events, and announcements; experience supporting leadership‑positioning communication strategies.
• Ability to provide advice and assistance to executive leadership regarding sensitive and/or controversial subjects.
• Ability to effectively perform work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature, requiring access to information directly related to leadership strategies.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism or closely related field and five years of progressively responsible experience in communications. A graduate degree may substitute for one year of required experience. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

Salary And Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $100,000 - $125,000, based on the background and relevant years of experience of the selected individual. Compensation is determined by experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Cal Poly offers a best‑in‑class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally‑ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, known for its Learn‑by‑Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top‑tier students come to San Luis Obispo to apply knowledge, preparing for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities, and the built environment. Cal Poly's hands‑on approach, small class sizes and close student‑faculty mentorship create graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California, and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open to all applicants regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment. Our commitment ensures that every student and employee has access to the resources and support needed to thrive and succeed in the university environment and beyond. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209, and all applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws. We prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs and practices.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly may rescind a conditional offer if the background check reveals disqualifying information or if the candidate knowingly withholds or falsifies information. Current employees offered positions on campus must undergo a background check when required by law or designated as sensitive. Failure to complete the background check may affect continued employment. The position holder is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083 duties. Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions; applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We do not sponsor or provide visa assistance. The role may be “Designated” under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code, requiring annual submission of a Statement of Economic Interest and training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter.

Additional Information

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
• Industries: Higher Education