Executive Director of Strategic Communications

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- Executive Director of Strategic Communications Executive Director of Strategic Communications

Apply now Job no: 559593
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Humboldt
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Executive Director of Strategic Communications

University Advancement

Job # 559593

Close Date:
August 31, 2026

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands‑on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands‑on learning, inspired teaching, ground‑breaking research, and thought‑provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down‑to‑earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field. As part of the California State University (CSU) system, Cal Poly Humboldt is part of one of the nation’s largest and most impactful public university systems, where education, innovation, and service create meaningful change for California and beyond.

See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch ourvideo and imagine your future at Cal Poly Humboldt.

(Job #559593) Administrator III, Executive Director of Strategic Communications, CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,891– $22,119 per month, Anticipated Hiring Range: $6,891 - $12,084 per month. Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations. This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, 12-month pay plan, at-will position in the Division of University Advancement. This position is an Administrator III in the California State University Management Personnel Plan (MPP).

Under this plan, incumbents are subject to normal management reviews and serve at the pleasure of the University President. Additional information can be found at: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). . This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre‑tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 15 paid holidays per year.

Additional benefits information can be found at https:// .

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Vice President of University Advancement, the Executive Director of Strategic Communications serves as the official voice of Cal Poly Humboldt and shares the President’s vision, values and priorities while articulating a unified message about the university’s unique story. Supervises the News & Information team and is responsible for planning, implementing, and leading integrated, compelling communications strategies that reflect the overall university brand.

Expected to actively engage with the community, publicly representing the university and modeling professional written and verbal communication. Also responsible for maintaining communications industry standards, evaluating evolving audience expectations, and learning the communications preferences of the Cal Poly Humboldt community.

Key Responsibilities:

40% - Serves as the university spokesperson. Manages the creation of and directs strategic communications for the university while providing proactive guidance to departments and units in the creation of their communications strategies and tactics. Leads emergency and crisis communications and leads crisis…