Executive Director of Strategic Communications
State of California, Fresno, CA, United States
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
State Center Community College District Occupation: Public Relations Specialists
Job #: 19842088
Posted: 03/03/2026
Updated: 03/04/2026
Expires: 03/30/2026
Web Site: CalJOBS
Onsite / Remote: Work onsite all of the time
Job Type: Regular, Full Time (30 Hours or More), Permanent Employment
Job Overview the ideal candidate for this role is a dynamic, experienced, mission‑driven communicator who brings heart, strategy, and vision to their work. With a distinguished track record in public relations, marketing, and strategic messaging within complex organizations, this leader will authentically connect the District's mission, values, and ethos with the communities we serve. They possess exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, strong political acumen, and a calm, confident presence under pressure. Whether leading through a crisis, engaging the media, or inspiring internal and external stakeholders, they bring both clarity and compassion to the message. This communications leader is a champion for all students, advocating for inclusion, integrity, innovation, and the diverse voices of our valley.
As a vital member of the Chancellor's Cabinet, the Executive Director will guide cohesive communication strategies to enhance public perception, cultivate deep and trusting internal relationships, support student enrollment, and align with institutional goals. They will inspire and lead with kindness, credibility, and a strategic vision, building trust, cultivating community connections, and lifting up the transformative impact of education.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Advise and work closely with the Chancellor and senior leadership to develop and implement short‑ and long‑range communication plans and strategies to accelerate District goals.
Lead, develop, and implement a comprehensive communications strategy focused on the District’s key initiatives and integrated plan, including tactical messaging to engage donors, prospects, community leaders, and local nonprofits.
Oversee the creation and distribution of a wide variety of promotional materials, including publications, marketing plans, and digital assets, ensuring consistent District image.
Manage and direct the departmental budget, performance metrics, and work plans to achieve service goals and maintain a high‑performance, service‑oriented work environment.
Serve as the District’s primary spokesperson to the press and public, composing speeches, news releases, and other communications for the Chancellor and Board of Trustees.
Coordinate emergency communications for district‑wide emergencies and collaborate with communication officers on crisis management.
Build and maintain relationships with local media outlets, ensuring visibility, identifying stories, and securing coverage across print, broadcast, web, and social media.
Plan and manage publicity‑related special events, providing technical direction to staff and ensuring effective promotion of District programs.
Develop and maintain a master calendar of district‑wide events, working with affinity groups and stakeholders to highlight engagement opportunities.
Assist in creating and delivering outreach for the State Center Community College Foundation, managing newsletters and media relations.
Design web page layouts, oversee the SCCCD and SCCC Foundation website, and ensure digital presence aligns with communications strategy.
Provide leadership in diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives, demonstrating cultural competency across all communications.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Mission, goals, and policies of the District and its colleges.
The role of community colleges in education and the community.
Principles of communications and public relations and their role in advancing an organizational agenda.
Principles, practices, and techniques of marketing, branding, and advertising.
Effective use of communications and media sources, including print, broadcast, web and social media.
ADA accessibility requirements for website and web page design.
Techniques for preparing and disseminating news releases and securing media placements.
Design content and production of marketing and public relations materials; layout and design of publications.
Conflict resolution, crisis management, and emergency communications.
Understanding of organizational structure, interrelationships of District’s operating units, and its colleges.
Supervision, training, evaluation, and development fundamentals.
Strategic planning and resource allocation practices.
District budget development and expenditure tracking, policies and procedures.
Recordkeeping and report preparation for the Chancellor, community, and Board of Trustees.
Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the job.
Personnel Commission rules, board policies, administrative regulations, HR procedures, collective bargaining agreements.
Skills and Abilities
Effective verbal and written communication; convey information clearly to diverse audiences.
Leadership and project management; develop and maintain strategic communications programs.
Apply research and analytical techniques for media distribution and presentations.
Coordinate production and distribution of promotional materials.
Create strategic social media messaging and evaluate public relations value.
Engage and support historically minoritized groups with equity and culturally responsive practices.
Present and propose to varied audiences with differing knowledge levels about District services.
Use data to identify audience characteristics and select effective communication techniques.
Maintain composure, exercise authority with diplomacy, honesty, integrity, charisma, kindness, and tact.
Exercise initiative, discretion, and critical judgment.
Compose speeches, news releases, and other communications for senior leadership.
Advocate for educational philanthropy, representing the District in public settings.
Build strong relationships with community leaders, local media, and stakeholders.
Operate computers and use standard business software proficiently.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships across the organization.
Demonstrate strong cultural competency and advance equity and inclusion.
Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, communications, or a related field. At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, social media branding, or related areas in a complex organization, with at least one year in a managerial role. A master’s degree is preferred.
Additional Requirements California driver’s license may be required for certain assignments. Ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance program. Reasonable accommodations may be made for applicants with disabilities.
Benefits Dental, Holidays, Life Insurance, Medical, Retirement/Pension, Sick Leave, Vacation, Vision.
Location & Work Schedule Fully on‑site. Requires in‑person attendance at the designated work location during scheduled work hours. Travel to off‑site locations and extended hours may be required.
Apply Complete the online application through the CalJOBS website. Include transcripts or application‑certifying documentation. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot replace a completed application.
Additional Information The State Center Community College District is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering innovation and inclusivity.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job #: 19842088
Posted: 03/03/2026
Updated: 03/04/2026
Expires: 03/30/2026
Web Site: CalJOBS
Onsite / Remote: Work onsite all of the time
Job Type: Regular, Full Time (30 Hours or More), Permanent Employment
Job Overview the ideal candidate for this role is a dynamic, experienced, mission‑driven communicator who brings heart, strategy, and vision to their work. With a distinguished track record in public relations, marketing, and strategic messaging within complex organizations, this leader will authentically connect the District's mission, values, and ethos with the communities we serve. They possess exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, strong political acumen, and a calm, confident presence under pressure. Whether leading through a crisis, engaging the media, or inspiring internal and external stakeholders, they bring both clarity and compassion to the message. This communications leader is a champion for all students, advocating for inclusion, integrity, innovation, and the diverse voices of our valley.
As a vital member of the Chancellor's Cabinet, the Executive Director will guide cohesive communication strategies to enhance public perception, cultivate deep and trusting internal relationships, support student enrollment, and align with institutional goals. They will inspire and lead with kindness, credibility, and a strategic vision, building trust, cultivating community connections, and lifting up the transformative impact of education.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Advise and work closely with the Chancellor and senior leadership to develop and implement short‑ and long‑range communication plans and strategies to accelerate District goals.
Lead, develop, and implement a comprehensive communications strategy focused on the District’s key initiatives and integrated plan, including tactical messaging to engage donors, prospects, community leaders, and local nonprofits.
Oversee the creation and distribution of a wide variety of promotional materials, including publications, marketing plans, and digital assets, ensuring consistent District image.
Manage and direct the departmental budget, performance metrics, and work plans to achieve service goals and maintain a high‑performance, service‑oriented work environment.
Serve as the District’s primary spokesperson to the press and public, composing speeches, news releases, and other communications for the Chancellor and Board of Trustees.
Coordinate emergency communications for district‑wide emergencies and collaborate with communication officers on crisis management.
Build and maintain relationships with local media outlets, ensuring visibility, identifying stories, and securing coverage across print, broadcast, web, and social media.
Plan and manage publicity‑related special events, providing technical direction to staff and ensuring effective promotion of District programs.
Develop and maintain a master calendar of district‑wide events, working with affinity groups and stakeholders to highlight engagement opportunities.
Assist in creating and delivering outreach for the State Center Community College Foundation, managing newsletters and media relations.
Design web page layouts, oversee the SCCCD and SCCC Foundation website, and ensure digital presence aligns with communications strategy.
Provide leadership in diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives, demonstrating cultural competency across all communications.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Mission, goals, and policies of the District and its colleges.
The role of community colleges in education and the community.
Principles of communications and public relations and their role in advancing an organizational agenda.
Principles, practices, and techniques of marketing, branding, and advertising.
Effective use of communications and media sources, including print, broadcast, web and social media.
ADA accessibility requirements for website and web page design.
Techniques for preparing and disseminating news releases and securing media placements.
Design content and production of marketing and public relations materials; layout and design of publications.
Conflict resolution, crisis management, and emergency communications.
Understanding of organizational structure, interrelationships of District’s operating units, and its colleges.
Supervision, training, evaluation, and development fundamentals.
Strategic planning and resource allocation practices.
District budget development and expenditure tracking, policies and procedures.
Recordkeeping and report preparation for the Chancellor, community, and Board of Trustees.
Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the job.
Personnel Commission rules, board policies, administrative regulations, HR procedures, collective bargaining agreements.
Skills and Abilities
Effective verbal and written communication; convey information clearly to diverse audiences.
Leadership and project management; develop and maintain strategic communications programs.
Apply research and analytical techniques for media distribution and presentations.
Coordinate production and distribution of promotional materials.
Create strategic social media messaging and evaluate public relations value.
Engage and support historically minoritized groups with equity and culturally responsive practices.
Present and propose to varied audiences with differing knowledge levels about District services.
Use data to identify audience characteristics and select effective communication techniques.
Maintain composure, exercise authority with diplomacy, honesty, integrity, charisma, kindness, and tact.
Exercise initiative, discretion, and critical judgment.
Compose speeches, news releases, and other communications for senior leadership.
Advocate for educational philanthropy, representing the District in public settings.
Build strong relationships with community leaders, local media, and stakeholders.
Operate computers and use standard business software proficiently.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships across the organization.
Demonstrate strong cultural competency and advance equity and inclusion.
Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, communications, or a related field. At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, social media branding, or related areas in a complex organization, with at least one year in a managerial role. A master’s degree is preferred.
Additional Requirements California driver’s license may be required for certain assignments. Ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance program. Reasonable accommodations may be made for applicants with disabilities.
Benefits Dental, Holidays, Life Insurance, Medical, Retirement/Pension, Sick Leave, Vacation, Vision.
Location & Work Schedule Fully on‑site. Requires in‑person attendance at the designated work location during scheduled work hours. Travel to off‑site locations and extended hours may be required.
Apply Complete the online application through the CalJOBS website. Include transcripts or application‑certifying documentation. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot replace a completed application.
Additional Information The State Center Community College District is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering innovation and inclusivity.
#J-18808-Ljbffr