Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Director of News Media Services, this position offers counsel and coaching to the campus community on opinion columns, interviews, and other interactions with the news media. The incumbent collaborates with department colleagues on issue management and emergency communications. Develops media advisories, tip sheets, FAQs, and news releases, often using source content created by department colleagues. Proactively pitches stories, op-eds, and interviewees to news media. Responds to media inquiries, including matching requests with subject-matter experts. Monitors news media and develops summaries of print, online, and broadcast coverage for the university’s news website. When appropriate, serves as a university spokesperson. Leads the News Media Services unit in the absence of the director.
Key Responsibilities
- Media Relations: Under the general supervision of the director, responds to media inquiries, including matching requests with subject matter experts.
- Support to university and department colleagues: Under the general supervision of the director, offers counsel and coaching to campus community interviews and other interactions with the news media as well as on the development of opinion columns.
- Emergency communications: During emergency events, fulfills appropriate field assistant PIO (public information officer) operations in concert with other staff positions in the department.
- Administrative tasks and other duties: Leads the News Media Services unit in the absence of the director.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of communication, public affairs, media and/or marketing theories and concepts to develop and execute communication strategies and plans to promote and position the university. Expert knowledge of university communication objectives and ability to translate them into effective communication and media campaigns. Ability to understand issues from a broad, strategic perspective. Thorough knowledge of applicable copyright and other laws pertaining to publications and the news media. Ability to effectively manage media relations and apply effective media strategies and techniques. Demonstrated ability to market story concepts to university officials and media outlets.
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. Expert networking and interpersonal skills including strong consultative and persuasive skills to work with internal and external constituents and the media. Expert writing and editorial skills. Demonstrated organizational skills. 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
- Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of related professional or technical experience required.
- This position requires availability outside of normal business hours and on weekends to respond to urgent media inquiries, conduct outreach, and support emergency communication efforts.
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.
Department
Strategic Communications
Classification
Public Affairs / Communications Specialist III
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.
CSU Classification Salary Range: The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $4,842- $8,759 per month.
Benefits
Excellent benefits through CalPERS (health, vision, dental), tuition fee waiver, generous vacation and sick leave, and 14 paid holidays each year.
Time Base
1.0 time-base, 40 hours per week.
Duration of Appointment
This is a temporary position for one year with no permanent status granted. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.
Application Procedures
Click Apply Now to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.
Testing: A written test may be required as part of the selection process.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY
It is important that all sections of the on-line application are filled out completely and accurately. Please include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Additional Information
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.
CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).
California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.
Equal Employment Statement
Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Accommodations
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu.
Out of State Employment Policy
California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.
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.