Job Summary The Director of News Media Services leads the unit and supervises assigned staff within the Strategic Communications department. Develops strategies and tactics to best meet established goals related to earned media coverage. Proactively pitches stories, op-eds, and interviewees to news media. Responds to media inquiries, including researching topics, planning a response strategy, and matching reporters and journalists with subject-matter experts. When appropriate, serves as a university spokesperson.
The incumbent offers counsel and coaching to the campus community on opinion columns and interviews with the news media. Writes statements, media advisories, tip sheets, FAQs, and news releases. Collaborates with department colleagues on issue management and emergency communications. Monitors news media and develops summaries of coverage for the university's news website. Tracks and reports on various metrics related to earned media coverage.
Key Responsibilities - Media relations: Lead earned media strategy, proactive outreach, media response, and university spokesperson activities as assigned.
- Support to university and department colleagues: Provide media counsel, coaching, and communications support to campus leaders and partners.
- Crisis communications: Coordinate timely communications and media response for emerging issues, crises, and sensitive matters.
- Staff management: Supervise, develop, and support assigned staff.
Department Strategic Communications
Duration of Appointment This is a regular, at-will position.
Classification Administrator I
Compensation 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.
Hiring Range: The hiring range for this position is $8,333 - $9,584 per month commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
Benefits At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being.
To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that can include:
- Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
- Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
- Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
- Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.
Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Demonstrated interest and depth of knowledge in current affairs and public policy to inform both responses to possible inquiries as well as the pitching of campus experts. Demonstrated ability to speak accurately, convincingly, and authentically on the record to news media. Demonstrated ability to speak with fluidity, clarity, and superior on-camera presence during broadcast-media interviews. mastery of news and issues-based writing. Superior spelling, grammatical, editing, and proofreading skills. Ability to establish appropriate context, tone, and texture in writing assignments to best connect intended audiences and fulfill communication objectives. Ability to uphold and communicate established university editorial standards
Ability to manage several concurrent work projects, determine priorities, and meet deadlines. Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."
Education and Experience -Bachelor's degree in related field
-Minimum of five years of media relations experience, including experience supporting organization-wide media relations required. Higher education experience preferred.
In case of emergency communications, incumbent is expected to report to work on moment's notice (weekends and after hours).
Application Procedures Click "Apply Now" to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.
Please fill out the application completely. It is important that all sections of the online application are completed fully and accurately. Be sure to include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Testing As part of the candidate assessment, a writing test will be administered to evaluate writing quality, clarity, and alignment with CSULB's messaging
Physical Summary Light work - Job involves some lifting of medium weight objects (10-20 pounds) and/or 10% - 20% of the job involves standing or walking.
Additional Information CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.
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 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.
Conflict of Interest: The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.
Advertised: Sep 17 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 01 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
