"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, policies and procedures and turn it into clear, persuasive communications
• 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
• Demonstrated experience in effective use of web technology to achieve communication goals
• Demonstrated technology savviness, including knowledge and experience in various communication channels, project management, and data capture platforms to design and capture multichannel content distribution
• Demonstrated ability to handle high-level sensitive and confidential information is necessary
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, including communicating with empathy, accuracy, and cultural competency at all work levels
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, use, and present data as part of the project management process is necessary
• Ability to develop a deep understanding of San Jose State University’s mission, vision, institutional initiatives, and strategic plan

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 organizing and executing high visibility in person events
• 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
• 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: $10,833/month - $11,667/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: October 8, 2025 through October 20, 2025. 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 jobs@sjsu.edu 408-924-2252