Executive Director, Communications and Engagement (Classified Management) (English-Spanish Biliterate Preferred)

Santa Cruz County Office Of Education · Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz County

Salary: $144,527 – $184,455 per year

Closes: 2026-11-10T00:00:00.000Z

Job description and requirements

Requirements / Qualifications Please read the complete job description. Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, journalism, public relations, public affairs, public administration, education, marketing, political science, or a related field. Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public affairs, public information, community engagement, public administration, education, media relations, or a related field, including experience developing and directing broad organizational strategies, advising executive leadership, supervising professional staff, administering budgets, and directing multiple programs or functional areas. At least three (3) years of management or supervisory experience is required. Experience in a school district, county office of education, public agency, nonprofit organization, or other public-service setting is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance. To be initially considered, an applicant must submit the following: 1. Completed online application 2. A résumé providing educational preparation, including specific degrees; professional experience; and professional references 3. Three recent letters of recommendations Selection Process: All applicants are required to submit an on-line employment application with attached resume and three recommendation letters. In order to identify the most qualified applicants, a paper screening committee will screen all applications. Qualified applicants will be invited to oral board interviews. Finalist candidates will be certified for a final selection interview. An eligibility list will be established and the top three ranks of candidates will be interviewed for final consideration and appointment. The eligibility list established will remain in effect for a period of six (6) months unless it no longer exists due to an insufficient number of available candidates. If an applicant needs reasonable accommodation, we must be informed prior to the administration of the test. As part of the selection process, three professional references including previous employers will be contacted. Applicants will be invited to a biliterate proficiency exam and must pass the Oral, Writing and Reading sections to receive the 5% Biliterate Stipend. If selected, fingerprinting is required with a copy of your social security card and a valid form of ID. As part of your onboarding, you will be registered on our online platform to complete the required paperwork which include a negative (tuberculosis) PPD skin test clearance (valid within the last four years). You can have the test done through the Santa Cruz Health Department, Doctors on Duty Clinic or by calling a physician or a clinic of your choice. You will also need to complete the mandatory trainings and new hire orientation prior to your start date. Due to SB848, all Local Educational Agency (LEA) you list under the Mandatory Employment Disclosure Employment History will be contacted. Comments and Other Information Compensation and Benefits: Eligible candidates may receive 3.0% Master’s Degree stipend; 2.0% Doctorate stipend. Allowances for car and telephone may be provided. This is a 221-day work year position. Benefits include full family medical, dental and vision coverage, 12 days of annual paid sick leave, life insurance, long-term disability and allowance for Professional Dues. Retirement benefits are accrued through the Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees are required to pay their portion of the retirement plan.
Show full description and requirements

Requirements / Qualifications

Please read the complete job description. Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, journalism, public relations, public affairs, public administration, education, marketing, political science, or a related field. Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public affairs, public information, community engagement, public administration, education, media relations, or a related field, including experience developing and directing broad organizational strategies, advising executive leadership, supervising professional staff, administering budgets, and directing multiple programs or functional areas. At least three (3) years of management or supervisory experience is required. Experience in a school district, county office of education, public agency, nonprofit organization, or other public-service setting is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance. To be initially considered, an applicant must submit the following: 1. Completed online application 2. A résumé providing educational preparation, including specific degrees; professional experience; and professional references 3. Three recent letters of recommendations

Selection Process: All applicants are required to submit an on-line employment application with attached resume and three recommendation letters. In order to identify the most qualified applicants, a paper screening committee will screen all applications. Qualified applicants will be invited to oral board interviews. Finalist candidates will be certified for a final selection interview. An eligibility list will be established and the top three ranks of candidates will be interviewed for final consideration and appointment. The eligibility list established will remain in effect for a period of six (6) months unless it no longer exists due to an insufficient number of available candidates. If an applicant needs reasonable accommodation, we must be informed prior to the administration of the test. As part of the selection process, three professional references including previous employers will be contacted. Applicants will be invited to a biliterate proficiency exam and must pass the Oral, Writing and Reading sections to receive the 5% Biliterate Stipend. If selected, fingerprinting is required with a copy of your social security card and a valid form of ID. As part of your onboarding, you will be registered on our online platform to complete the required paperwork which include a negative (tuberculosis) PPD skin test clearance (valid within the last four years). You can have the test done through the Santa Cruz Health Department, Doctors on Duty Clinic or by calling a physician or a clinic of your choice. You will also need to complete the mandatory trainings and new hire orientation prior to your start date. Due to SB848, all Local Educational Agency (LEA) you list under the Mandatory Employment Disclosure Employment History will be contacted.

Comments and Other Information

Compensation and Benefits: Eligible candidates may receive 3.0% Master’s Degree stipend; 2.0% Doctorate stipend. Allowances for car and telephone may be provided. This is a 221-day work year position. Benefits include full family medical, dental and vision coverage, 12 days of annual paid sick leave, life insurance, long-term disability and allowance for Professional Dues. Retirement benefits are accrued through the Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees are required to pay their portion of the retirement plan.

About this opportunity

More jobs at this employer

Santa Cruz County Office Of Education currently has 6 other open positions in this database.

Regional hiring context

There are 163 current school district openings in Santa Cruz County, including this position.

Application timeline

Applications close in 6 days, on November 10, 2026.

Posting history

This posting appears on EdJoin. CA Public Jobs first observed it on October 28, 2026. It was last verified open on November 4, 2026.

View the official posting