Description:
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Position Summary
Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) serves as the official voice of San Diego State University and shares the President’s vision, values and priorities while articulating a unified message about the university’s unique story. Core service areas include crisis and issues management, marketing, news and media relations, social media, web and interactive communications, executive communications and visual communications, and government and community relations. We work together and with our partners across the institution and auxiliaries to promote the transformational diversity and impact of SDSU programs and achievements.
The Media Relations Officer and Science/Research Communications Strategist is responsible for elevating SDSU’s research profile in the regional, national, and international stages by proactively cultivating and developing relationships with reporters and editors, and managing the development and coordination of significant media stories with newswires like the Associated Press, niche outlets and specialty publications.
Under the direction of the Director of Media Relations, the incumbent promotes SDSU and, specifically, the university’s research mission through StratComm's existing channels and by employing creative new strategies. This includes originating, researching, and writing stories for SDSU’s online and print publications, for video, and for other digital media. This also includes pitching newsworthy stories to the above-mentioned reporters and outlets and working to coordinate needed elements.
The incumbent works closely with campus leaders at the Office of the President, the Division of Research and Innovation, University Relations and Development, SDSU Imperial Valley, and the academic colleges providing messaging support, developing stories, and coordinating media outreach that speak to SDSU’s strategic plans. Specifically, the incumbent serves as the primary StratComm contact with several academic colleges and works closely with the deans, communications leads and other members of leadership to strategize communications to elevate SDSU’s university-wide research program. The incumbent works collaboratively with a robust network of science and research communicators charged with elevating SDSU’s research profile, including communication officers and directors with the SDSU Research Foundation, and Division of Research and Innovation and the academic colleges. The incumbent will need to work in consultation with the communication leads especially, with open and frequent communication.
Specifically, in supporting SDSU Imperial Valley, the incumbent will initiate and amplify voices and news from the university campus. The incumbent will work closely with the dean and leadership of SDSU Imperial Valley to elevate its visibility and profile throughout the San Diego, state, and national regions.
The incumbent also has responsibilities to the SDSU Magazine, social media, and multimedia projects. The incumbent contributes writing, editing, proofing and may provide creative strategy to the SDSU Magazine, working directly with the magazine editor. The incumbent will also coordinate cross-promotional activities on various campus-owned social media and college websites for newsworthy stories with campus partners, and create social media promotions across different platforms including Twitter and LinkedIn. Additional responsibilities include the production of short, informational videos and the mentorship of student assistance.
The incumbent also proactively monitors for potential media/communication issues and, with an eye on media trends on the local, national and international level, analyzes the media space for potential pitching opportunities.
For more information regarding Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, click here .
This is a full-time (1.0 time-base) benefits-eligible, permanent (probationary) position. This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
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Education and Experience
Entry to the first level within this classification requires knowledge of the fundamentals of public affairs and/or media relations, and/or some exposure to marketing and marketing research. This background normally is obtained through a college degree, which includes relevant coursework in the field, and up to two years of related professional or technical experience. In addition, strong written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication vehicles are essential to initial entry to this classification.
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Preferred Qualifications and Specialized Skills
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in journalism, communications, English, related fields, or sciences.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience working in and/or writing about science, research, and technology; prior experience in the field of journalism, public relations, or communications is preferred.
- Experience working at a research university to promote research/science.
- Experience producing creative content for use in a variety of media including print, TV, radio, online and other new media, particularly national media and media outlets focused on issues in diverse populations.
- Demonstrated experience using digital communications, including the web and social media, as part of a strategic communications and media relations campaign.
- Understanding and experience working with new media to achieve communications objectives for a large, complex organization.
- Ability to understand and analyze scientific data and information and present it in a clear, coherent manner that can speak to a general audience.
- Proven ability to work with campus leadership at the vice president and dean levels and to provide leadership with consultations on communications.
- Ability to manage collaborative projects across campus and with outside agencies, including initiating and coordinating of complex requirements.
- Ability to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously, and prioritize to effectively meet deadlines.
- Knowledge of SDSU campus, its faculty, staff, students, and key programs in the scientific and research domains.
- Spanish language proficiency
- Involvement in professional organizations and associations
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Compensation and Benefits
Starting salary upon appointment not expected to exceed $4,584 per month. CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,515 - $6,358 per month. Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.
San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here .
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Supplemental Information
Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on August 10, 2021. To receive full consideration, apply by August 9, 2021. The position will remain open until filled.
The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act .
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here .
SDSU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.
Applicants with disabilities and applicants who require assistance completing an application may contact Casie Martinez at [email protected].
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