Deputy Chief of Staff

Job Summary

The Deputy Chief of Staff advances institutional mission and priorities through transparent, timely, impactful, and authentic messaging and communications while elevating San José State University’s reputation, priorities, and leadership voices.

The role, reporting to the Chief of Staff and Senior Associate Vice President within the Office of the President, is responsible for producing, organizing, managing, and executing multi-channel communication strategies, content production and activities on behalf of the President and senior leaders.

The role is responsible for contributing to communications strategy development while cultivating and maintaining effective relationships across the university including senior leadership, departments (such as Academic Affairs, Advancement, Athletics, Finance and Administration, Information Technology, University Personnel, and University Marketing and Communications) and community partners.

The role ensures cogent articulation of the President’s goals, objectives and priorities in the delivery of the university’s mission, values and strategic direction through comprehensive and integrated, multi-channel communications strategies including and not limited to speechwriting, presentations, event support, scripts (event and video), social media content, high-profile correspondence, special reports, university-owned communication platforms website, and stakeholder and campus messaging.

The Deputy Chief of Staff contributes to the operational efficiency, quality customer service, and effectiveness within the Office of the President and / or University President.

The role requires a proactive, strategic thinker with an eye toward excellence and a high standard of ethics, discretion, and confidentiality in dealing with internal and external constituencies and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for producing communications strategies and content that translate complexities to diverse audiences (internal and external).
• Create and contribute to the creation of messages across multiple platforms including social media, website, and planning calendars on behalf of the President.
• Develop program overviews and guidelines and manage project administration and implementation timelines.
• Draft, track, and maintain communications effectiveness through data, metrics, and outcomes toward impact to ensure achievement of goals using project management platforms.
• Lead proactive communications strategy on behalf of executive and presidential communications to inform and engage campus constituents and project stakeholders.
• Develop a deep understanding of the multiple internal and external audiences of Presidential communication and use that understanding in tailoring messaging.
• Conduct research and / or assessments to develop project / initiative processes, timelines, budgets, resources, and schedules.
• Serve as an advisor to the Chief of Staff and Senior Associate Vice President along with other campus leaders, keeping them informed of changing context and emerging issues that could affect the university’s mission, and reputation, or impact the success of the implementation of institutional initiatives and projects.
• Prepare executive-level presentations, summaries, reports, briefings, talking points, and other communications for the President and other senior leaders.
• Partner with and develop strong relationships with key community groups and leaders on issues relevant to Presidential initiatives including the operations management and creation of communications and appreciation deliverables such as collateral and gift acknowledgements.
• Conduct research and prepare reports and white papers as delegated by the Chief of Staff, Executive Leadership and President.
• Develop quarterly and annual reporting on assigned projects and initiatives, including relevant national, local, and campus-wide trends and needs for identified university populations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of methods for researching and identifying communication needs and target audiences through knowledge of web and social media communication platforms, tools and best practices
• Knowledge of interview techniques to effectively define and deliver messages; ability to interview, research and write for web, print and social media
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to discrimination, harassment or related in a public sector organization
• Knowledge of relevant Federal and State laws, CSU Executive Orders, and SJSU policies
• Knowledge of the complexity of historical, national, and local contexts regarding race and equity
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, including communicating with empathy, accuracy, and cultural competency at all work levels
• Experience with data visualization tools and graphic design is desirable
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and maintain professional relationships with students, staff, faculty, campus and system-wide administrators, and visitors to the campus community.

Skill in communicating with tact and diplomacy

• Skill in utilizing various software applications such as Word, Excel, Google Chrome and Google Suite with a high degree of accuracy and speed
• Knowledge of AI or ChatGPT and impact on communications and content strategies
• Ability to function independently and organize workload with close attention to detail; manage multiple tasks and timelines;

make appropriate decisions following campus policies and procedures

Demonstrated technology savviness, including knowledge and experience in various communication channels, project management, and data capture platforms to design and capture multichannel content distribution

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, English, or related field
• Five to seven years of professional experience writing executive or legislative communications for public or private sector senior executives
• Demonstrated excellent written communication skills, specifically as an executive speechwriter
• Experience managing voice and message strategies
• Demonstrated ability to develop, analyze, use, and present data and metrics as part of the project management process
• Experience working effectively with a wide range of collaborators including academic environments, executive leadership, stakeholders, influencers, staff, alumni, community groups, donors and elected officials

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, English, or related field
• Experience working within an academic setting
• Experience with social media, digital, in-person and traditional environments to communicate with various audiences
• Minimum of eight years of experience working on executive-level projects
• Experience working with confidential and sensitive information
• Experience with data visualization tools, web editing and graphic design
• Experience using digital and multichannel platforms including web, social media and traditional formats to effectively communicate to a portfolio of diverse audiences
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in an institutional / educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude

Compensation

Classification : Administrator II

Anticipated Hiring Range : $10,834 / month - $11,667 / month

CSU Salary Range : $4,812 / month - $15,449 / month

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the .

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents :

• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• All applicants must apply within the specified application period : May 28, 2024 through June 23, 2024 . This position is open until filled;

however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel

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