Senior Media Relations Officer (Public Affairs/Communications Specialist III)
Position Summary
Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) is seeking an exceptional individual to join our team as the Senior Media Relations Officer.
We are seeking a skilled professional with expertise in media relations and both internal and external communications, and one who comes with a positive attitude and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, flexibility, integrity, and a compassion-driven leadership style.
Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Media Relations and in teamwork with other members of the Strategic Communication and Public Affairs department, the Senior Media Relations Officer provides assistance in carrying out the initiatives and activities of the department.
- Scope of work includes but is not limited to identifying and facilitating media pitching opportunities, media monitoring and reporting;
- researching, writing and editing material for SDSU’s internal channels and for external earned media (i.e. media advisories);
facilitating multi-media projects through the utilization of photography and videography.
The position supports communication needs for StratComm and partners on campus. This position, in reporting to the Senior Director of Media Relations, will perform a variety of tasks which include :
Serve as the first point of contact for reporters searching for faculty / staff experts and other basic information on the campus;
manage daily media inquiries.
Cultivate, enhance and maintain relationships with key reporter contacts locally and nationally; build knowledge of targeted media outlets and media markets;
identify opportunities for external, proactive media pitching, presentations and other public affairs activities that promote awareness and elevate the university’s subject-matter experts.
Under the direction of the Associate Vice President and Chief Communications Officer and the Senior Director of Media Relations, serve a key role in crisis communications and emergency management.
As StratComm is the semi-centralized communications hub for university marketing, communications and community affairs, develop short- and long-term communications plans on a diverse range of university projects and initiatives through collaborative work with different departments and / or divisions;
also, provide consultation through coaching and media preparation.
Prepare daily summaries and assessments of local, national and international media coverage, and prepare coverage reports.
Research, interview, write and edit articles and produce multimedia content for SDSU NewsCenter, the SDSU Magazine, newsletters, fact sheets and develop messaging and scripts.
Maintain the university’s Expert Directory website and regularly review for updates and necessary changes.
As a representative of StratComm, attend meetings and events, and also serve as a member of university committees, as assigned.
As needed, periodically perform work and attend events outside standard business hours.
This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits-eligible, permanent / probationary position. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not 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.
The position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.
Department Summary
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.
StratComm develops and oversees content for SDSU’s main web pages and also for SDSU NewsCenter, flagship social media channels, video productions, photography and the SDSU Magazine.
The department also manages presidential communication; projects related to issues management and crisis communications;
internal communication to faculty, students and staff; and external communications to the greater campus community, media representatives and the general public.
Another important arm of StratComm is government and community relations, an area responsible for building and maintaining relationships with constituent groups.
The area also has responsibility for advising SDSU faculty and administrators on projects, initiatives and strategies designed to support collaborative engagement and dialogue with agencies and community members.
StratComm is also responsible for protecting and managing the SDSU brand through web and brand style guidelines along with graphic design services.
StratComm leads the planning, coordination, and implementation of integrated marketing and communication strategies that support the mission of SDSU.
Education and Experience
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.
Key Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of related experience
Experience in a higher education environment working in marketing, communications or public affairs is preferred
Established media contacts - including national media
Familiarity with the news media and the shifting media environment in the San Diego region, statewide and nationally
Familiarity with SDSU and its locations
Experience producing camera photography and video for use on the Internet
Experience writing for the web, social media and magazine features
Experience with a web-based content management systems and Photoshop
Basic Web posting and editing skills
Demonstrated understanding of AP style
Team-oriented, highly professional, and appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences
Compensation and Benefits
Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $5,834 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.
CSU Classification Salary Range : $4,391 - $7,945 per month.
Diversity and Community at SDSU
At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.
Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.
Principles of Community
For more information, click here.
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