Strategic Communications Manager
BIOLA UNIVERSITY - LA MIRADA, CALIFORNIA
Address of Job Location: 13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639
Website page of the Job Posting
Job Summary:
Advances Biola’s strategic communications efforts by working to tell the university’s story and communicate the brand essence through owned and shared media. Orchestrates Biola’s strategic communications, supports the vision for Biola-owned content platforms, ideating and acting on new endeavors related to strategic communications, and creating strategic content plans for the eight schools. Manages relationships with key stakeholders and strategic communication partners at the university. Identifies and develops stories to share Biola’s brand and writes news features/articles, including alumni and student stories for Biola and its eight schools.
Department
University Communications and Marketing
Supervisor
This position reports to Brenda Velasco, Senior Director of University Communications.
Hiring Range: $22.00 - 31.00 per hour
Job Responsibilities:
Develop and implement a strategic content vision that aligns with Biola University’s brand and institutional priorities, with a particular focus on enhancing brand awareness and institutional reputation.
Manage an editorial calendar that supports university-wide initiatives and academic priorities.
Create, edit, and manage content across Biola News, News & Events webpages, academic school news sites, and select university blogs (e.g., Good Book Blog).
Curate, write, and edit compelling stories and announcements highlighting faculty, student and alumni achievements.
Lead content strategy and story development for Biola’s eight school-specific news sites, including identifying key themes and shaping narratives.
Provide counsel on content for external-facing newsletters for Biola’s schools.
Write weekly content for the university’s internal e-newsletter (Biola Beacon), ensuring relevance, clarity and engagement and curate the newsletter for distribution.
Work in close partnership with the media relations specialist to support university-wide campaigns such as Empowered, identifying content opportunities and developing stories that elevate Biola’s academic excellence and Christian mission.
Write copy and collaborate with the Social Media Manager to amplify Biola-owned content across digital platforms.
Field, vet, and prioritize story ideas submitted by deans, faculty, and senior leadership based on strategic fit, audience and timing.
Maintain and update university content platforms, including posting and editing articles for Biola News, school blogs, and the Good Book Blog.
All other duties as assigned that the supervisor determines are appropriate.
Job Requirements:
Must have a B.A. in communication, journalism, public relations, English or related discipline and at least five (5) years of relevant experience in a similar communications role within a complex organization.
Work Requirements
Non-exempt (02), full-time – 40 hours/week, 12 months per year, in-person
5-10 years of experience in communications and/or writing, in higher education is a plus.
Required Skills/Qualifications
Content calendar development
Must have strong writing skills, with a full understanding of AP style.
Must have demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including media representatives.
Demonstrate exemplary public relations and presentation skills.
Must be highly organized and interested in detail-oriented tasks.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong editing skills.
A clear understanding and demonstrated commitment to Biola’s mission, vision and values. Demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty.
Expiration Date of Job Posting: May 31, 2026