Director of University Communications (Hybrid-schedule Available)

Position Category: Staff (Exempt)
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1
Location: Thousand Oaks

University Background:
The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person’s dignity.

Basic Function:
Under the direction of the Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communication, the Director of University Communications is responsible for developing effective messaging and communication strategies for external and internal audiences. The incumbent will manage media relations and support internal institutional communications. Primary duties include working with with all Cal Lutheran departments, offices and numerous external constituencies to shape and disseminate news and strategic messaging internally and externally.

Representative Duties:

• Support senior level University leadership in the creation of external and internal strategic messaging.
• Oversee a comprehensive media relations program including developing story ideas for and assigning, writing and distributing University press releases, media alerts, pitches and feature stories for internal and external use and providing information to a variety of media outlets to assist in strengthening the University’s image. E
• Produce effective talking points for University administrators and faculty. Draft and edit quotes and statements for the president and other representatives.
• Assist senior leadership in serving as University spokesperson and in selecting appropriate spokespersons. E
• Plan and manage crisis management strategies relating to media releases and requests; provide media training and advice for executive leaders, faculty and administrators. E
• Serve as liaison between media and administration, faculty, staff and students in fulfilling the mission of the University; coordinate interviews; expand and maintain media relationships; and coordinate media coverage of events, programs and people on campus. E
• Monitor, document, disseminate and post media coverage of university. Request corrections for false information. E
• Maintain an extensive electronic database of media outlets and contacts. E
• Solicit, edit and submit op-eds written by faculty and staff. E
• Respond to media requests for information, interviews, photos, videos and stories. E
• Provide and share content for the university’s social media, publications, newsletter, website and marketing needs. Provide information on alumni and others from external media to University Advancement, University Marketing, Alumni and Family Relations, and CLU Magazine. E
• Assist in the writing and editing for a variety of University publications in coordination with staff. E
• Oversee Web pages related to Media Relations, News and Information, and In the News. Select and post news on the homepage. E
• Serve as administrative liaison on specific committees with internal and external constituents. E
• Maintain up-to-date data and databases on major University programs and events for informational and historical purposes. E
• Oversee maintenance of up-to-date databases on all local, state and national media contacts, “hometown” newspapers, and other special media and constituent mailing lists. E
• Supervise the drafting and distribution of event listings for external publications and online calendars. E
• Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records and files related to assigned functions and activities. E
• Assign, edit and file photos of administrators, faculty and staff and University events for promotional purposes. E
• Review external press releases and op-eds involving the university. E
• Provide technical expertise, information and assistance regarding assigned functions; assist as needed in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs. EComplete assignments as requested.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

*E = Essential Duties

Knowledge Of:

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Media industry (print, electronic and broadcast)
• Crisis management communication and strategies
• Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training
• Organizational and planning skills
• Interpersonal skill using tact, patience and courtesy

Ability To:

• Develop creative, image-enhancing communications strategies
• Proficiency on computer: Microsoft Word, FileMaker, Internet and Web software
• Train, supervise and evaluate staff effectively
• Work with a diverse populations on and off campus
• Work independently with little direction

Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination equivalent to: A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field, and five year’s experience in writing and editing news stories, publications.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience playing a leadership role in organizational communications and experience as a journalist/editor in the news industry.

Licenses and Other Requirements:
None

Physical Abilities:


Working Environment:
Busy office environment; frequent interruptions; deadlines on multiple projects; evening or variable hours

Posting Number: Staff001372022
Number of Vacancies:
Desired Start Date: 09/12/2022
Position End Date:
Open Date: 08/11/2022
Close Date: 9/11/2022
Open Until Filled: No

Application Procedure/Special Instructions:


To apply, visit https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/9717

California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University’s policies, procedures, and processes.

Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation.





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