Job Title

Writer and Communications Specialist

Classification

Public Affairs/Communications Specialist III

AutoReqId

544021

Department

Strategic Communications

Division

Vice President, University Advancement

Salary Range

Classification Range $4,842 - $8,759 per month

(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $4,842 - $4,961 per month)

Appointment Type

Ongoing

Time Base

Full Time

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend hours.

About CSUF

Standing on 241 acres in the heart of Southern California, the University was founded in 1957 and has grown into a population of over 40,000 students. As Titans, we believe that diverse perspectives deepen our understanding. We are committed to giving students the support they need to graduate, while responding to California’s revolving work force needs. At Cal State Fullerton we strive for continual improvement of students, staff, faculty, and administrators through orientations, training programs, and professional development opportunities. As part of the Titan Community, you have access to many campus facilities and services including but not limited to the Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana, the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton, cultural events and performances in the Clayes Performing Arts Center, Cal State Fullerton Athletics sports events, Titan Recreation Center, and the Employee Wellness Program.

Job Summary

It is an exciting time to join Cal State Fullerton as we are an in demand comprehensive University that is driven to shape the future of education and foster a vibrant community of diverse students, faculty, staff, and administrators who uphold values of inclusive excellence, free speech, and an environment free from discrimination. We are continuously seeking individuals from various career disciplines that share the University’s mission and core values. We warmly welcome you to consider joining the Titan Community where minds expand and opportunities flourish.  

About the Position: 

University Advancement builds and strengthens relationships with the communities we serve to encourage advocacy, investment and support of the University, its mission, goals, and programs to achieve student and alumni success. Strategic Communications and Brand Management plays an integral role in helping to shape and strengthen the institutions brand and advance in a wide range of institutional effectiveness. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Writer and Communications Specialist (Public Affairs/Communications Specialist III). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to diversity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Reporting to the Editorial Director in the university’s Strategic Communications and Brand Management department, the Writer and Communications Specialist researches, writes, edits, and proofs content for the unit’s brand journalism and paid media programs, fundraising and stakeholder-engagement projects, and client-initiated projects. Provides support for media relations including identifying potential sources for story ideas/media requests. Consult with media relations staff on story development and potential sources of information. Harvests and repurposes previously developed content for other institutional communication vehicles. Complies with enforcement of established editorial style standards. Develops relationships and strategies to proactively learn the stories of assigned areas of the institution that are illustrative of and in support of the University's brand platform. Serves on various departmental and university committees as appropriate or directed. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree of the equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field. Two years of related professional or technical experience. Knowledge of the fundamentals of public affairs and/or media relations, as well as some exposure to marketing and marketing research. Possession of strong written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication vehicles. Ability to develop themes and concepts and oversee the creation of content and communication materials. Comprehensive knowledge of marketing and research techniques and methods. Ability to use market research to enhance the impact of communication strategies and campaigns. Working knowledge of appropriate use of statistical techniques. Possession of expert-level networking and interpersonal skills including strong consultative and persuasive skills to work with internal and external constituents and the media. Possession of expert writing and editorial skills, as well as demonstrated organizational skills.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU 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 complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.  

Preferred Qualifications

Mastery of news, feature, promotional/persuasive, fund-development, and issues-based writing. 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. Proficiency in using personal computers, printers, and office equipment. Proficiency in using a variety of administrative, project-management, online/collaborative, other relevant software applications. Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications. Experience working with Content Management System (CMS) platforms.

License/Certifications

A valid California driver's license.

Special Working Conditions

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

Must be able to work annual commencement ceremonies.

Additional Information

California State University, Fullerton celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the University’s strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.

Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.  

Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration. 

California State University, Fullerton is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (i.e., H1-B Visas).

Hiring Preference

On-Campus CSUEU Employees