Director, Communications

Functional Title:
Director, Communications

Position Type:
Administrative/Professional

Appointment Type:
Regular

FTE %:
100%

Work Schedule (if atypical):
This is an Onsite Position.

University Overview:
Embark on an exciting journey with the University of La Verne, where your career aspirations come to life in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Established in 1891, our diverse and inclusive community is more than just a universityits a home for passionate individuals like you.

At the University of La Verne, we embody four core values that set us apartEthical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning, and Civic and Community Engagement. If youre fueled by these principles and are eager to make a meaningful impact, your journey begins here.

With a rich history spanning 132 years, the University of La Verne boasts a global Leo Family of 89,000+ accomplished alumni. As the #1 private university in California for social mobility according to U.S. News and World Report 2024, and recently recognized as the 33rd Best U.S. College by the Wall Street Journal 2024, we take pride in our commitment to excellence in education.

Join us in shaping the future, where your passion meets purpose. Come be part of something extraordinary and apply today!

Diversity Statement:
The University supports a diverse and inclusive environment where students recognize and benefit from the life experiences and viewpoints of other students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is an active and intentional practice that supports difference and multiplicity to expand knowledge, educate capable citizens, develop the whole person, and serve our local and global communities. Promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality and the creation of positive, respectful learning communities.

Job Description Summary:
The Director of Communications is responsible for elevating the universitys reputation and enhancing regional and national visibility. This role is pivotal in developing relationships with local, regional, and national news media to secure strategic media placements. Working collaboratively with the Associate Vice President of the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications ( OSMC ), the director oversees editorial content across various platforms, including print and digital, and overnight of a comprehensive social media plan. The director collaborates closely with team leaders in Marketing, Creative Services, and Operations to bolster marketing initiatives and ensure a cohesive and impactful messaging strategy for both internal and external audiences. Proactively working to enhance communication efforts for all university stakeholders at multiple campuses, the director offers expert counsel on media relations to the President, her cabinet, and faculty. This guidance aims to support the universitys objectives related to recruitment, retention, and overall reputation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college/university in business, marketing, communications, or a related field preferred.
• 7 years of organizational leadership experience in media/public relations with increasing
  responsibility.
• 7 years of experience, and a record of success, managing through influence in a complex, diverse, deadline-driven, and team-oriented environment.
• 5 years of experience making prudent and strategic decisions and taking appropriate action
  in situations where there may not be clearly established criteria or standards.
• 3 years of experience in management and professional support of staff members.
• 5 years of experience creating and executing multi-channel communications plans that result in measurable and desired outcomes.
• 3 years of experience producing print publications, such as magazines.
• Strong media relations, executive and internal communications, issues management, and
  crisis communications skills.
• Superior writing and copy editing skills for various types of communications including news
  stories, media pitches, admissions marketing messages, internal newsletters, internal communications, and crisis communications.
• Excellent strategic planning and resource management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills, including public speaking and articulating ideas clearly and succinctly.
• Ability to create and execute communications plans.
• Familiarity with local and national media.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education.
• Expertise in content marketing.
• Accreditation in Public Relations ( APR ) certification.
• Graduate degree in journalism, communications, or related field.

Benefits Summary:
Applicants, please note that actual compensation is determined by several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, certifications, relevant education or training, and specific work location, among others. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employees total compensation

Benefits include a comprehensive health and wellness plan, tuition remission program for employee, spouse, and dependent children, a generous contribution to the Universitys 403B retirement plan, and a generous time off plan.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.

Location:
La Verne Main Campus

Number of Vacancies:
1

Physical Demands Summary:
The physical demands include the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 pounds occasionally. Clear verbal and written communication is essential, as the position involves frequent interaction with colleagues, clients, or external partners.
The noise level is generally low to moderate. The position may occasionally involve meeting deadlines or managing multiple priorities, which can require sustained focus and mental stamina.

Do the essential functions of this job require lifting?:
Yes

If yes, list maximum weight and duration:
20Lbs

Describe work environment:
This position is based in a standard office environment and primarily involves sedentary work. Employees are expected to spend extended periods of time working at a desk, using a computer, and engaging in routine office tasks such as emailing, attending m

Duties Specific Duties:
In partnership with the Associate Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Communications, enhance and elevate the universitys visibility and reputation by developing and executing comprehensive media and public relations strategies in alignment with broader college and university initiatives. Collaborate with key stakeholders, including Admissions, Enrollment Management, college deans, and program chairs to develop communications plans and content for recruitment materials to support lead nurturing and drive enrollment. Collaborate with key partners across the university to generate news coverage and visibility for strategic focus areas. Cultivate relationships with reporters, editors, and producers at regional and national media outlets and professional associations. Partner closely with other teams within OSMC in the creation and updating of marketing collateral to ensure consistency of messaging.

Percentage Of Time:
25%

Specific Duties:
Serve as chief storyteller and curator for the university: identifying, writing, editing, and curating campus stories for print and electronic publications, including the website, social media, advertorial, media statements, press releases, etc. Provide quality control and copy editing on internal and external communications. Ensure communications adhere to university brand, identity, and style standards. Serve as executive editor of the university magazine, Voice.

Percentage Of Time:
20%

Specific Duties:
Lead and manage the universitys social media efforts, including developing content, managing the social media calendar in Wrike, providing the direction and leadership to campus entities and their social media efforts, and monitoring and responding to external and internal submissions and postings.

Percentage Of Time:
10%

Specific Duties:
Develop and manage strategic communications plans for internal audiences (faculty, staff, and current students) that builds awareness, understanding, and cupport for university needs and leadership directions. Develop and manage strategic communications plans for external audiences (traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult learner prospective students), that nurtures and engages leads, and compels students to enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs. Basic knowledge of CRM (Slate) is required to understand campaign strategy and system functionality.

Percentage Of Time:
10%

Specific Duties:
Act as a liaison for the Office of the President. Write and/or manage communications for the President and other executive stakeholders, including occasional speeches/remarks, a monthly electronic newsletter, and social media posts. Maintain confidentiality as it relates to sensitive information with key university stakeholders.

Percentage Of Time:
10%

Specific Duties:
Assist in the implementation of university crisis communications plans. Provide support and backup to the AVP in times of crisis serving as the designated Public Information Officer within incident command structure. Other duties as assigned.

Percentage Of Time:
10%

Specific Duties:
Oversee the creation and maintenance of a university database of subject matter experts and their topics of expertise, for use by the Communications team.

Percentage Of Time:
5%

Specific Duties:
Serve as a member of the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications leadership team and contribute to macro-level strategic decision making.

Percentage Of Time:
5%

Specific Duties:
Be a culturally competent employee who attends/completes mandatory diversity and inclusivity trainings as provided by the university.

Percentage Of Time:
5%

Salary Range Minimum:
$87,177.30

Maximum:
$95,163

Posting Detail Information Posting Number:
2024-251106SA

Special Instructions to Applicants:
The University of La Verne is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Open Date:
06/01/2026

Close Date:

Open Until Filled:
Yes