Director of Communications and Marketing

About San Francisco Bay University:

San Francisco Bay University (SFBU), a nonprofit, WASC-accredited university in the heart of Silicon Valley in Fremont, California, seeks an innovative, collaborative, and experienced Director of Communications and Marketing]. SFBU’s mission is to offer inclusive, innovative, and inspirational education for lifelong careers. Our vision is to set the standard as a national model of higher education in service of the common good.

At SFBU, students come first. We prioritize students’ needs by fostering personal engagement among students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to providing affordable quality education with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. 

We encourage you to learn more about SFBU by reviewing our strategic plan at https://www.sfbu.edu/strategic-plan.

Position Overview:

The Director of Communications and Marketing provides strategic leadership for all aspects of SFBU’s institutional communications and general marketing—excluding recruitment marketing, which is overseen by another Enrollment Management. Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the Director is responsible for elevating SFBU’s brand identity, public profile, and regional and national visibility through integrated communication and marketing strategies.

The Director is responsible for media relations, crisis communications, and internal communications. Additionally, the Director is responsible for brand governance and consistency and strategic marketing initiatives (excluding recruitment marketing) that align with institutional goals. The Director is expected to hire freelance professionals who will produce high quality content, creative and graphic design, and photography needed for the marketing and communications functions.

This is an exempt, full-time position located in Fremont, CA, with eligibility for a hybrid schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Resource Management

• Establish priorities, allocate resources, and ensure alignment of communications efforts with institutional goals.
• Hire freelance professionals to support the marketing and communications functions.

Communications

• Stimulate and coordinate media interest in the university and its thought leaders through press releases, media responses, and targeted outreach.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response; serve as the primary media relations contact during emergencies and crises, and be on call 24/7 to coordinate messaging and ensure timely and accurate information is shared with the SFBU community.
• Manage the internal communications strategy, including oversight and execution of the Bayhawk Bulletin.
• Develop and execute a content calendar for internal communications, prioritizing university news.
• Facilitate collecting and consistently disseminating stories featuring students, alumni, faculty, and staff for both internal and external audiences.
• Oversee and ensure high editorial standards for all written communication representing the university.
• Provide strategic counsel to university leadership on internal and external public relations matters.

Marketing

• Create and execute a strategic marketing plan to build a bold brand identity and increase SFBU’s public profile and visibility regionally and nationally through the SFBU website, media relations, leadership communications, and other initiatives.
• Provide editorial direction and oversee the design, production, and distribution of all SFBU marketing publications and printed materials.
• Govern university brand standards to ensure consistency across all marketing and communication channels and adherence by internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with recruitment marketing professionals to support their digital and social media efforts.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent experience). MA/MBA degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Advanced experience in public relations, communications, or marketing, preferably in higher education. 
• Proven experience in leading teams or projects, demonstrating strong leadership and management skills.
• Demonstrated experience with crisis and executive communications.
• Strong written, verbal, digital, and interpersonal with evidence of being a persuasive storyteller
• Experience and comfort with data analysis and the ability to interpret trends, create reports, and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Work evenings and weekends as required to accommodate campus-wide events, with prioritization of leadership and high-profile events.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive marketing plan that aligns with the University’s Strategic Plan.
• Experience identifying, directing the work product, and monitoring the ROI of marketing and PR firms, photographers, graphic designers, freelancers, and other third-party vendors.
• Expert writer and storyteller with the ability to contribute to marketing content to generate excitement and pride in SFBU.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement current marketing and communication trends germane to building the SFBU brand and raising general awareness.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fluid environment, prioritize goals, and independently manage multiple, diverse, competing priorities while meeting deadlines. 
• Experience leading and managing staff, with the ability to mentor, motivate, and support staff.
• Understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and experience in fostering inclusive communication and marketing practices.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and collaborate with campus safety as needed during emergency situations.
• Ability to draft, edit, and review executive communications. 
• Experience monitoring campus communications for internal/external response and/or legal concerns.
• Ensure efficient and clear project management and workflow processes, creating broadly shared expectations for customer service to internal campus constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with various internal and external stakeholders.

Salary Range: $130,000- $180,000 annually, depending on experience. 

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Physical demands include lifting limits (20 lbs.), bending, sitting, and driving.
• Job duties are typically performed in an office environment.

Application Process:

For full consideration, please submit your completed application by April 23, 2025, including a current CV/resume and a cover letter describing your key accomplishments related to the stated responsibilities, your distinct approach to marketing and communications, your leadership philosophy, and your commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.  The anticipated start date is June 9, 2025. 

This position description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

SFBU is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer:  SFBU is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment.  SFBU does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

In accordance with federal and state disability laws, San Francisco Bay University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance during the application or interview process, please contact SFBU Human Resources at hrmgr@sfbu.edu. 

Salary : $130,000 - $180,000