Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President of Alumni and Community Engagement, and in collaboration with University Marketing and Communication, the Director of Marketing and Communication for Alumni and Community Engagement (ACE) is responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing and communications initiatives for Alumni Engagement, Annual Giving, and Special Events at San José State University.

The incumbent leads the development of integrated, multi-channel communication strategies designed to increase alumni participation, strengthen affinity, and support philanthropic goals. This includes creating targeted, audience-centered messaging aligned with segmentation strategies and engagement objectives across Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. The position plays the lead role in planning and executing marketing campaigns for alumni programs, signature events, and fundraising initiatives, including Day of Giving and annual appeals. The Director ensures consistent, high-quality communications across digital and print platforms, while leveraging data and performance metrics to inform strategy and improve engagement outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Completes the development, writing, editing, and distribution of the SJSU Alumni e-newsletter
• Create and manage a wide range of communications, including email campaigns, print materials, social media content, digital graphics, and event collateral
• In partnership with the Senior Director of Alumni Relations supports the development and execution of Alumni Association membership campaigns designed to increase engagement, retention, and participation among alumni audiences
• Develop audience-centered messaging tailored to key segments, including alumni, donors, and event participants
• Identify and produce compelling alumni stories that highlight impact, achievement, and connection to the university
• Working with the Senior Director of Alumni Relations, ensure consistency in tone, voice, branding, and accessibility standards across all communications
• Provides overall strategic direction and production for creative execution of content and messaging across multiple platforms, while working closely with all three units of the ACE department
• Plan and execute integrated marketing campaigns for alumni programs, events, and fundraising initiatives, including Day of Giving and annual appeals
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Annual Giving and staff to support segmented and targeted campaigns that align with donor engagement and participation goals
• Develop and execute strategies that support audience growth, engagement, and philanthropic outcomes
• Ensure coordination and alignment of messaging across multiple channels and stakeholders
• Conceptualize and execute original visual assets, using digital graphics, infographics, and prints
• Develop, produce and implement marketing strategies for alumni events, including football-related events, commencement-related programming, alumni socials, and signature programs
• Support high-profile events such as Spartans of Significance, Alumni Social, and tailgates through coordinated communications and promotional efforts
• Manage and optimize email marketing platforms, including audience segmentation, testing, and deployment
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics, including email engagement, social media analytics, and event participation

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of, or the ability to develop proficiency in, the appropriate and ethical use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), in higher education and administrative contexts
• Ability to apply emerging technologies to support operational effectiveness, data-informed decision-making, and service delivery to students, faculty, and staff
• Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement and organizational learning through the responsible application of technology within assigned areas of responsibility
• Ability to evaluate potential applications, promote responsible, ethical, and equitable use, and ensure alignment with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and strategic priorities
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences
• Knowledge of marketing and communications principles, preferably in a higher education or nonprofit environment
• Ability to develop and execute integrated, multi-channel marketing campaigns
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to analyze performance metrics and translate insights into actionable improvements
• Experience managing email marketing platforms and digital communications
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with campus partners
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with marketing and content management systems
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Strong graphic design experience on different platforms
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications or public affairs

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations or related field
• Experience in higher education, alumni relations, or advancement communications
• Experience writing and editing for multiple audiences and platforms
• Experience managing email marketing campaigns and social media channels
• Proficiency in graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
• Experience with CRM systems and audience segmentation strategies

Compensation

Classification: Administrator II
Anticipated Hiring Range: $8,084/month - $10,000/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,053/month - $16,221/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

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 Employee Benefits Summary.

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: July 1, 2026 through July 19, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

People and Culture
jobs@sjsu.edu

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University 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 and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third-party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar 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 Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.