Deputy Chief of Staff

Job Summary

The Deputy Chief of Staff advances institutional mission and priorities through transparent, timely, impactful and authentic communications and event execution 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 executive events on behalf of the President and senior leaders. The role is responsible for contributing to executive event management and 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 management, 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.
• Guide recommendations for which medium/channel is most effective (ie. video/website/written/email/social, use of digital twin etc.).
• Plan and execute executive-level events, with both lead and supporting responsibilities, including but not limited to Fall and Spring Welcome, issue-specific town halls, and commencement.
• Develop program overviews and guidelines and manage project administration and implementation timelines.
• Draft, track and maintain communication 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 uses that understanding in tailoring messaging.
• Conduct research and/or assessments to develop project/initiative processes, timelines, budgets, resources, and schedules.
• Partner with and develop strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• 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.
• Serve as an ambassador of the Office of the President.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned to include activities, operations, and special events of the Office of the President.

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 or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, policie