Santa Cruz County Office of Education is hiring an Executive Director, Communications and Engagement who will lead communications and engagement for the county office, which supports 10 public school districts and more than 37,000 students across Santa Cruz County. The position pays $144,527 - $184,455 per year and applications close November 9, 2026. Position is located in Santa Cruz, CA.

About the Employer The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is committed to ensuring all students have the educational opportunities they need to thrive. We offer a wide range of services and programs geared at supporting our 10 public school districts and expanding educational opportunities and outcomes for over 37,000 students who call Santa Cruz County home. We envision an impactful educational community where everyone feels they belong and have the resources, relationships, and skills to thrive. Our mission is to create an equitable educational system that fosters growth, opportunities, and well-being for all. We work alongside partners in Santa Cruz County’s educational community to build BRIDGES, Belonging, Relationships, Innovation, Data-informed decision-making, Growth mindsets, Excellence, and Sustainability, to equity in education. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is an equal opportunity employer. Job Summary Job Summary This position will be assigned to the Communications and Engagement Department under the Superintendent's Office Division: Under the direction of the County Superintendent of Schools, the Executive Director, Communications and Engagement plans, directs, integrates, and evaluates the Santa Cruz County Office of Education’s organization-wide communications, public affairs, public information, community engagement, student leadership, and family engagement programs and services. The Executive Director serves as a senior advisor to the County Superintendent, County Board of Education, and executive leadership on communications strategy, public affairs, community relations, emerging issues, crisis response, public transparency, and other matters of public interest. The position establishes strategic direction and standards for internal and external communications; directs media relations and public information activities; oversees responses to public records requests; builds relationships with community partners, public agencies, elected officials, education leaders, students and families; and ensures that communications and engagement efforts advance the values, mission, priorities, and public service responsibilities of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. This job reports to the County Superintendent of Schools. Direct, supervise, and evaluate the performance of assigned management, professional, technical, and support personnel. View Job Description 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. 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. 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.