Director of Communications & Engagement

Palo Alto University (PAU), a private, non-profit university founded in 1975 and located in the heart of Northern California’s Silicon Valley, is a community grounded in values of social justice, dedicated to addressing pressing and emerging issues in the fields of psychology and counseling that meet the needs of today’s diverse society.
The students at PAU reflect the diversity of the region, are engaged in their education, and are committed to improving the lives of others.
The University sees diversity in its staff and faculty as very important to serving its diverse student body (or synonymous with inclusive excellence).
PAU offers undergraduate and graduate programs with online, hybrid, and residential options.
PAU has an engaged faculty who make significant contributions to their fields and prepare future leaders who make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
When you put all of this together, PAU creates a legacy of confident, competent, and compassionate professionals at the forefront of psychology and counseling and who move ahead in life by moving lives ahead.
Position: Director of Communications & Engagement Location: Palo Alto University Division: Business Innovation & Strategic Advancement Reports to: Vice President, Business Innovation & Strategic Advancement (BISA) Compensation: 110,000-130,000/yearly Overview: The Director of Communications and Engagement is responsible for leading, coordinating, developing, and implementing comprehensive communications and engagement strategies aimed at advancing Palo Alto University’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan.
The Director will oversee and manage all institutional communications and engagement activities, including print and digital communications, internal and crisis communications, special events, engagement events, media relations, and brand and reputation management to ensure that positive public relations are maintained.
The Director will primarily be responsible for University external communications, including crisis communications, and for developing and facilitating strategic communications and community relations approaches to ongoing and emerging issues.
The Director ensures the University’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is incorporated in communications and public outreach initiatives and actively contributes to an inclusive Division of Business Innovation and Strategic Advancement.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Strategic Planning and Oversight Responsible for overseeing University strategic communications and engagement initiatives while developing long and short-term initiatives to grow and enhance the institution’s reputation.
Develops, leads, and executes a strategic annual, goal-based, data-driven, multi-channel communications and engagement plan that aligns with University goals and strategic directions.
Collaborates with colleagues to implement strategies and initiatives for areas of needed improvement identified in climate and other University surveys.
Develops and manages an annual budget for Communications and Engagement activities Develops, leads, and executes a strategic social media plan through competitive research, benchmarking, messaging, and audience identification.
Communication and Engagement Management Develops, leads, and executes public relations and engagement campaigns, community engagement events, educational programs, and other communications to inform and engage internal and external audiences.
Serves as a communications expert, strategic decision maker, and trusted advisor, managing University communication and engagement platforms; website, social media, mass email, newsletters and other publications, texting, chatbots, and phone calling tools, to ensure positive user experiences and engagement.
Leads the development of internal and external content that builds meaningful connections and encourages students, faculty, staff, alumni, Trustees, donors, community members, and community partners to be involved and engaged.
Effectively communicates sensitive, controversial, or crisis information.
Collaborates with the creative services support team and other relevant stakeholders in communications and engagement activities Brand Management and Media Relations Effectively monitors and manages the University brand, brand voice, brand integrity, and reputation across external platforms such as Glassdoor, Yelp!, Google Reviews, and others.
Leads the development of content that builds meaningful connections and encourages students, faculty, staff, alumni, Trustees, donors, community members, and community partners to be involved and engaged.
Builds strong community and media relations so the University is responsive to public inquiries.
Communicates with the media, writes and edits news releases, positively promotes, and proactively responds to inquiries.
Works effectively with deadlines and time-sensitive situations.
Required Qualifications: Educational Qualification: Master’s degree or equivalent required.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role with expertise in communications, branding, social media, mobile marketing, marketing analytics, market research, web design, SEO strategy, and search ads.
Commitment to DEIB: Proven commitment to supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus environment.
Autonomous Functioning: Ability to navigate the university environment, work autonomously, and manage multiple projects with a high degree of proficiency.
Strategic Leadership: Proficiency in developing and executing strategic direction.
Digital Proficiency: Strong knowledge and experience with social media and other digital communications tools and platforms.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
Project and Time Management: Demonstrated ability to oversee the management of multiple complex projects and deliver them on time and on budget.
Discretion: Must exercise excellent discretion in handling sensitive information, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Travel & Work Hours: This is an on-site position at Palo Alto University that requires availability to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
About Us Palo Alto University (PAU) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and accredited institution dedicated to improving lives through education and research anchored in psychology, counseling, clinical training, and practice in a diversity of cultures and service to communities around the world.
The Division of Business Innovation and Strategic Advancement (BISA) builds and strengthens relationships with internal and external stakeholders to encourage innovation, investment, and support of PAU, its mission, and goals to ensure the long-term sustainability of the University.
Application Procedures PAU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse, equitable and inclusive population.
In your cover letter, please include information on how your background and experience has prepared you to be in an environment that holds equity and inclusion core to its mission and values.
EEOC Policy: The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies.
In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law.
When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.