Communications Manager

The WASC Senior College and University Commission was formed in 1962 to promote the development and accreditation of higher education in the western region of the United States. WSCUC accreditation aids institutions in developing and sustaining effective educational programs and assures the educational community and the general public that an accredited institution has met high standards of quality and effectiveness.

Do you relish clear writing and making complex things understandable? Would you like the chance to run a communications function that includes media relations, external communications, and digital platforms?

WSCUC seeks a creative, strategic, and tactical communications professional to be responsible for cultivating the voice of WSCUC in all external-facing platforms and products and to work across teams to develop and edit content for a variety of communication channels. You must be a thick skinned, experienced, self-motivated, results driven, sharp verbal and written communicator, who will support our President and skillfully represent our external brand and reputation. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role and will be at the Director or Manager level, depending on the qualifications of the person hired.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Reporting to the WSCUC President, the Communications Manager will:

• Manage WSCUC digital platforms, including the website, social media accounts, email programs and other dissemination tools, and develop and produce content to engage and educate audiences across various channels, including newsletters, blogs, graphics, video, website, and social media.
• Oversee media relations, including inquiry responses, article/op-ed drafting and placement, and dissemination of stories of interest.
• Prepare and edit speeches, talking points, presentations and news releases.
• Coordinate and support communications projects, outreach, and products across organizational priorities, including national and international scope, equity and inclusion, and evidence and data.
• Proofread and coordinate production of communications materials.
• Execute other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of relevant hands-on experience developing and executing communication strategy.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant space such as Communications, PR, etc…
• Ability to distill complex information into digestible bites for varying audiences.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout and design, professional printing/publishing skills are essential; Superior PowerPoint skills.
• Ability to present concepts effectively to varied audiences and formats
• Knowledge of social media platforms and best practice.
• Business acumen and fluency in the fundamentals of communications.
• Proven track record of building relationships with internal stakeholders and external partner organizations.
• Comfortable dealing with reporters and editors and knowledge of media relations practices and protocols.
• Superb judgment and emotional intelligence with ability to forge consensus among divergent views.
• Professional, well organized and strong attention to detail.
• Diplomatic problem-solving and project management skills.
• Ability to work individually and in a team environment.
• Familiarity with the higher education ecosystem and the role of accreditation within it, and/or public policy process, are preferred but not required.
• Ability to travel to our Alameda, CA office on an as-needed basis is required. Candidates residing within comfortable driving distance to Alameda, CA will be prioritized.

YOU MUST SUBMIT BOTH A RESUME AND A COVER LETTER TO BE CONSIDERED.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Quality:

The WASC Senior College and University Commission is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive higher education community and engages multiple approaches and points of view throughout all aspects of our work. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values across the organization. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, medical condition, military/veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. WSCUC both welcomes and encourages applications from individuals from all backgrounds.

NOTE: The essential responsibilities of this position are described under the headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. In addition, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.

WASC Senior College and University Commission