Communications Manager (Administrator I)

Application Process

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit application, along with cover letter addressing the below prompt and resume, by 8am January 25th, 2024.

In your cover letter, please address how your experience relates to the duties in the position description.

Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications.

Job Summary

Position Purpose: Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, and in collaboration with the Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications, the Communications Manager must be a proactive and strategic communications professional. The incumbent provides management and guidance in developing communications strategies that strengthen the Green Music Center’s fundraising and branding efforts. The position specifically creates marketing strategies and implements campaigns that increase ticket sales and donations, as well as tactics to communicate with ticket holders, audience members, and corporate partners. This includes, writing, editing, and proofreading copy for print (to include season brochures, postcards, program books, signage etc.) and electronic communications (email marketing templates, ticket-holder emails, for example); collaborating with managers, designers, photographers, and others on the content of print, electronic, and web-based publications; supporting the management of the Green Music Center website and social media accounts; creating and implementing plans for community outreach; and helping with research tied to marketing, communications, and development projects; strategic prospect planning and management  and special projects. The incumbent is also responsible for managing a portfolio of prospects, working in close partnership with Green Music Center administrative team members and University Advancement to approach, secure, and activate corporate partnerships and sponsorships. In addition, this position supervises staff and student personnel as assigned

Qualifications

This position requires a minimum of two (2) years of experience in communications, marketing, development, or project management, including progressively responsible and applicable management and/or supervisory experience. Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, business, arts management, the arts, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Higher education and performing arts experience are highly preferred. Experience with working with corporate partners to activate benefits through marketing and communications is highly preferred. Spanish language skills are preferred.

Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development skills. High ethical standards and confidentiality in dealing with all constituencies. Intermediate proficiency with computers, Adobe suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google apps required. Knowledge of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge preferred.

The incumbent must be collaborative and open to input and new ideas and be comfortable working in a team environment. Must possess an aptitude to understand and articulate a university art presenting organization’s vision and mission with proven ability to translate that information into dynamic communications. Must demonstrate integrity and sound judgment in performing duties; possess the ability to supervise the work of staff and recommend appropriate personnel actions; be able to apply strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills and train and evaluate performance, taking corrective action as needed; deal with stressful situations while maintaining composure; and contribute to a collaborative environment utilizing exemplary communication and problem-solving skills as necessary. Must have an ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills to work effectively with faculty, university leaders, staff, alumni, community groups, donors, and elected officials. An ability to quickly learn university infrastructure, policies, and procedures. Demonstrated organizational and time management skills and ability to effectively plan, coordinate, prioritize, and execute multiple projects and meet established deadlines. Must have the ability to communicate with all levels within the university and establish and maintain productive and inclusive working relationships amongst diverse populations including staff, faculty, administration, students, and other internal and external constituents. Must be able to accept constructive feedback and work cooperatively in group situations.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $5,300 to $6,200 a month. This position is a member of the Management Personnel Plan and serves at the pleasure of the President.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 14 paid holidays are offered each year; 13 scheduled on specific days and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

Supplemental Information

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community. 

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all faculty, staff, administrators, and students who are accessing campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to continue to help us protect and maintain a healthy Seawolf Community. More information related to campus level requirements can be found here: https://risk.sonoma.edu/covid-compliance-and-monitoring-office.

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu. The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at https://housing.sonoma.edu/resources/fire-safety. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at housing@sonoma.edu.