Media Relations Officer (Marketing Communications Professional III)

Media Relations Officer (Marketing Communications Professional III)

Job no: 562411
Work type: Staff
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Marketing/Communications, Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)

Position Summary

SDSU is seeking a Media Relations Officer with experience in media relations and journalistic science writing - identifying newsworthy research and translating complex findings into clear, accurate, and engaging stories for general audiences. To help tell the stories emerging from the university's research enterprise, with a particular focus on the College of Engineering, the media relations officer will help tell the stories emerging from the university's research enterprise. Under the direction of the senior director of media relations and deputy chief communications officer, work directly with researchers, faculty, university leaders, reporters, and fellow communicators to translate complex ideas into compelling stories and help those stories reach audiences locally, nationally, and internationally.

This is a hands-on communications role with plenty of variety. One day, you may be interviewing a researcher, writing about a new discovery and pitching the story to national media; another, you may be developing a communications plan as part of a college-wide initiative, preparing a faculty member for an interview, responding to a media inquiry, or creating multimedia and social media content. You will also monitor news and online conversations, assess emerging issues and reputational risks, and recommend messaging and communications strategies.

What You'll Do:

Research Storytelling & Content

• Find compelling stories across SDSU's research enterprise, particularly in engineering, science, and technology.
• Translate complex research into clear, engaging stories for SDSU NewsCenter, SDSU Magazine, websites, social media, external media pitching, and other channels.
• Develop multimedia and short-form content that expands the reach of research stories.

Media Relations

• Develop targeted pitches, news releases, media advisories, and communications plans.
• Build relationships with regional, national, and international reporters and identify opportunities to connect SDSU experts with the news.
• Coordinate interviews and prepare faculty and staff for media engagement.
• Respond to media inquiries and develop recommended messaging and statements.

College of Engineering Communications

• Serve as a key communications partner to College of Engineering faculty and leadership.
• Identify stories, develop communications strategies, and coordinate media relations, editorial, and social media efforts.
• Develop the College of Engineering newsletter
• Collaborate across StratComm and with campus communications partners to keep messaging aligned.

Issues & Emerging Communications

• Monitor news and social media for emerging issues, misinformation, and reputational concerns.
• Draft holding statements, FAQs, reactive messaging, and communications recommendations.
• Balance proactive storytelling with the real-time communications needs of a large public research university.

What We're Looking For:

We're looking for an experienced communicator who can move comfortably between journalistic science writing, media relations and strategic communications. You should be able to interview researchers and translate complex scientific and technical information into clear, accurate and compelling stories for general audiences. This is not a grant writing or technical writing role. You should be able to make complicated subjects accessible, recognize a strong story, build relationships with reporters, manage competing priorities, and exercise good judgment when issues move quickly.

Above all, this role is for someone who is curious enough to dig into a complicated subject, confident enough to ask the follow-up question, and adaptable enough to switch gears when the story changes.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated as 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 at the San Diego Campus on Monday and Wednesday. Please note that the incumbent will be called to campus on telecommuting days to support campus activities as needed.

Department Summary

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a leading public research university within the California State University system, serving more than 46,000 students. SDSU is recognized for its academic excellence, research, innovation, global engagement, and commitment to student success.

The President serves as the university's Chief Executive Officer, providing leadership for SDSU's academic mission, operations, and strategic priorities. The Office of the President supports the President in carrying out these executive responsibilities and advancing the university's goals.

Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) serves as the official voice of SDSU, sharing the President's vision, values, and priorities and telling the university's story to campus and external audiences. StratComm leads communications across marketing, media relations, social media, web and digital communications, executive and internal communications, crisis and issues management, visual communications, and government and community relations. The department also manages and protects the SDSU brand and works with partners across the university to highlight SDSU's programs, achievements, and impact.

For more information regarding the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) department, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, media relations, and science or research communications, preferably within a large organization.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific, engineering, and technical information into clear, compelling content for broad audiences.
• Proven success developing media strategies, building relationships with reporters, and securing earned media coverage at the regional, national, or international level.
• Experience advising executives, faculty, researchers, or subject-matter experts on media engagement, strategic messaging, issues management, and reputational considerations.
• Ability to develop and execute integrated communications across earned media, digital, social, editorial, and multimedia channels.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex, cross-functional communications projects, balance competing priorities, and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience using media analytics, audience insights, and performance data to evaluate communications efforts and inform strategy.
• Strong knowledge of communications and editorial best practices, including AP Style.
• Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting science, research, engineering, or technology communications within higher education, a research institution, public agency, or similarly complex organization.
• Knowledge of higher education communications and the research environment, particularly within a public research university.
• Professional proficiency in Spanish is desirable.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department's budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($6,668/month).
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,668-$9,714 per month (Step 1-Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU's Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.