Director of Communications & Marketing

About San Francisco Bay University:

San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) is a nonprofit WASC-accredited university located in the heart of Silicon Valley. SFBUs mission is to offer inclusive innovative and inspirational education for lifelong careers preparing graduates to lead and serve in a global technology driven society.

Guided by our Strategic Plan SFBU is reimagining higher education through:

• Academic Innovation integrating applied learning entrepreneurship and technology.
• Community Impact cultivating partnerships that strengthen our regional and global ecosystem.
• Student Success fostering personalized engagement and career readiness.
• Institutional Excellence promoting transparency effectiveness and continuous improvement.

Position Summary

The Director of Communications & Marketing serves as the strategic architect of SFBUs institutional communications brand strategy and marketing initiatives within a hybrid in-house and agency model.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff & Vice President for Presidential Initiatives and Community Impact the Director leads an integrated communications ecosystem that advances SFBUs visibility strengthens its internal culture and amplifies its impact regionally and nationally.

This role is both strategic and operational responsible for developing a unified communications framework that aligns messaging enhances stakeholder engagement and measures impact through data-driven insights.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Brand Management

• Develop and execute an integrated communications and marketing strategy aligned with SFBUs mission and Strategic Plan.
• Serve as the chief brand steward defining the institutional voice and ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.
• Provide strategic counsel to university leadership on communications positioning and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead crisis communications readiness rapid response and issue management protocols. Champion innovation in storytelling and digital engagement to raise SFBUs profile.

Communications & Media Relations

• Lead the creation of cohesive messaging for media internal communications and external relations.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists thought leaders and community partners to secure positive visibility for SFBU.
• Oversee press releases media kits and editorial strategy to highlight institutional milestones research and leadership.
• Manage internal channels such as the Bayhawk Bulletin intranet and leadership communications to promote transparency and engagement.

Marketing Creative & Digital Strategy

• Oversee all institutional marketing (excluding recruitment marketing) including content creative direction and campaigns.
• Ensure brand standards and identity guidelines are upheld across all internal and external communications.
• Manage the university website digital storytelling and social media ecosystem optimizing for reach relevance and user experience.
• Coordinate with Enrollment Management to align brand and messaging with student recruitment and retention efforts.

Hybrid Model Oversight

• Direct the in-house communications core (internal comms brand governance editorial and analytics).
• Manage external agencies and creative partners for design digital media and production.
• Establish and track KPIs and performance dashboards for visibility engagement and ROI.
• Ensure cross-functional collaboration across Advancement Enrollment Academics and Student Affairs.

Research Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Implement systems for measuring communications performance and audience sentiment.
• Integrate data into decision-making for marketing investments and campaign optimization.
• Conduct periodic communications audits to assess effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.

Leadership Team Development & Resource Management

• Build and mentor a high-performing communications team committed to creativity agility and accountability.
• Manage budget vendor relationships and contracts with transparency and fiscal discipline.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative culture where innovation and equity drive outcomes.

Core Competencies

Strategic Thinking- Translates institutional goals into actionable communications and marketing strategies; anticipates trends and opportunities.

Leadership & Influence- Inspires collaboration builds trust and aligns diverse teams and partners toward a common vision.

Communications Mastery- Exceptional written verbal and visual storytelling skills across traditional digital and executive platforms.

Brand Stewardship- Protects and enhances SFBUs identity through clarity consistency and design excellence.

Data & Analytics- Uses insights metrics and market research to drive decisions and measure impact.

Crisis & Reputation Management- Demonstrates judgment composure and strategic clarity under pressure.

Equity & Inclusion- Ensures that all communications reflect and advance SFBUs commitment to diversity belonging and inclusive excellence.

Execution & Project Management- Balances strategic vision with disciplined delivery; manages complex workflows and multiple priorities effectively.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Bachelors degree in communications marketing public relations or a related field (Masters preferred).
• Minimum 710 years of progressively responsible experience in communications or marketing including 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven success managing a hybrid in-house and agency model with accountability for outcomes.
• Strong track record in strategic communications media relations internal communications and brand governance.
• Advanced writing editing and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing crisis or executive communications.
• Data fluency experience using analytics and dashboards to inform strategy and measure results.
• Deep commitment to diversity equity inclusion and social justice in communications practice.

Preferred:

• Experience in higher education public sector or mission-driven organizations.
• Proficiency with marketing technology platforms (CRM analytics SEO automation).
• Experience managing multimillion-dollar communications portfolios and contracts.
• Familiarity with Silicon Valleys business innovation and social impact landscape.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily office-based with hybrid flexibility.
• Some evening and weekend work for events or emergency response.
• Physical requirements include lifting up to 20 lbs and extended periods of sitting or computer use.

Application Process

Please submit by October 30th 2025:

1. A current résumé or CV.

2. A cover letter describing your vision for an integrated communications and marketing function and examples of your leadership in brand and organizational storytelling.

Anticipated Start Date: November 20 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 deeply committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace that reflects the diversity of our students and community.

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