Classification: Public Affairs/Communications Specialist II
Hours: Full-time / 40 hours per week
FLSA: Exempt
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $4,897 - $5,650* mo.
CSU Salary Schedule
*CSUMB provides pay scales representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, and CSU systemwide pay for comparable jobs.
Priority Screening Date: March 4, 2025
Recruitment Status: Open Until Filled
ABOUT CSUMB
California State University, Monterey Bay is a mid-sized university in California’s Central Coast that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement, CSUMB is part of the nation’s largest four-year public university system, California State University, which educates nearly 460,000 students every year.
With a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,000 students, CSU Monterey Bay is both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our staff and faculty transform students’ lives with a focus on student success and engagement through experiential learning, service learning, and a strong emphasis on multicultural and global perspectives. CSUMB’s sustainability goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030.
The university’s Strategic Plan prioritizes inclusive excellence through recruiting and investing in developing a diverse body of faculty, staff and administrators. Many appreciate living and working close to the shores of beautiful Monterey Bay, with easy access to recreational areas from Big Sur to Santa Cruz. Nearby opportunities for collaborative research include working in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Silicon Valley, and with colleagues at local research universities, including UC Santa Cruz and Stanford University.
As one of the 23 campuses in the CSU system, CSUMB offers excellent benefits, including access to below-market-rate rental housing on East Campus, and competitive salaries for faculty and staff. With proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and San Jose, opportunities for faculty, staff and students are as endless as the shores of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
PURPOSE:
Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications, the incumbent serves as the first point-of-contact for University Communication’s team for Social Media content. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining the university’s social media accounts, engaging its followers, and creating content for other digital marketing and communications channels and platforms. The incumbent also performs a variety of administrative and technical duties such as assisting with daily work flow project coordination, database and archive maintenance, and copy writing of digital content, editing/proofreading content submitted by others and publishes content submitted by contributors. Plans, recommends, track, and reports progress on paid digital content campaigns.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Social Media and Digital Content Creation: Writes, edits, and proofreads content for social media and digital marketing and communications efforts to target designated audiences; collaborates with managers, faculty, program staff and others on the design, theme and content of electronic and web-based publications to maximize impact; participates daily in the ongoing management of the campus social media accounts; develops, researches and positions content, including conducting interviews and creating story content and presentation layout.
Creates, curates, produces, and posts information (including written content, photos and videos) that keep the community abreast of current CSUMB news, happenings and events, responds to posts and comments, and properly markets the message of the University in order to reach goals and objectives. Plans, recommends, track, and reports progress on paid digital content campaigns. Tacks trends and recommends strategies and best practices tools to administrators. Edits photos and short videos prior to posting with appropriate software and tools. Takes photographs and videos to support social media content creation as needed. Ensure proper releases are obtained and safety practices are followed during shoots. Leads assigned student workers to create, curate, and publish social media content for university accounts. Uses social media management tools, schedules content, and creates reports to evaluate effectiveness. Ensures mobile-first strategy and industry best practices are followed in creating social media content and content is on-trend and appealing to the target audience. Supports an active, engaging, positive social/digital media presence for CSUMB accounts on platforms.
2. Social Media Program Planning and Evaluation: Monitors, evaluates, reports, and recommends changes to improve reach and engagement across social media channels and platforms. Drafts recommendations and develops tactics to promote the image of the university and/or programs by using market research data to determine the most effective techniques and approaches for reaching target audiences. Identifies the needs and interests of various constituent groups. Translates the results of research into strategic communication efforts including selecting the best strategies and tactics to achieve goals. Creates marketing programs to better position the university to achieve its goals. Oversees and advises others on social media publication functions. Collaborates with colleagues, departments and divisions to plan, develop, schedule, and publish university original or curated content.
3. Otter Athletics Social Media Program Leadership: Supports the promotion and publicizing of the intercollegiate athletics program through leading assigned student workers to create, curate, and publish social media content. Advises intercollegiate athletes and coaches on social media trending content and strategies to reach and engage target audiences for Otter Athletics.
4. Project Tracking, Reporting, and Evaluation: Tracks and coordinates complex projects using work-flow processing tools and project management strategies. Ensures all stakeholders meet established and agreed upon deadlines. Oversees digital project schedules, monitors budgets and anticipates deadlines and approvals. Revises schedules as needed. Conducts regular status meetings. Works with job owners to gather and approve content. Archives finished projects in accordance with records retention schedules and customary practices. Creates and maintains reports.
5. Communications Content Creation: Writes newsletters, directs response messages and event content, proofreads emails for clarity, grammar and spelling
Other Functions:
- Manages email marketing campaigns, updates lists and list segments, create email databases for lead generation.
- Works with print and broadcast media, and pay-by-click companies to book advertising and follow media schedules.
- Performs other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge: Working knowledge of and ability to apply standard theories, practices, principles and techniques related to communications in the public affairs, media, marketing, and/or sports information areas. Thorough knowledge of and ability to use effectively media outlets including planning media coverage and media publicity campaigns for the university and events in the digital space and across digital platforms. Thorough knowledge of web communication techniques, vehicles and formats. Working knowledge of copyright and other applicable laws pertaining to publications and the media. Knowledge of interview techniques and the ability to define and deliver media messages. Working knowledge of marketing and research techniques and methods include working knowledge of paid social media and digital advertising campaigns. Working knowledge of applicable software packages.
Skills: Strong story development and journalistic writing skills, as well as advanced editorial skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong public speaking, listening and interpretive skills. Strong writing and editing skills to quickly produce clear and concise standard documents for internal and external publication.
Ability to: to build and manage more sophisticated media contacts; effectively use web technology to achieve communication goals; analyze and select pertinent facts and integrate them into communication vehicles; apply market research to identify communication needs and target audiences; provide lead work direction; appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information. Demonstrated ability to keep abreast of campus events and subject matter expertise in relation to current events to identify and capitalize on media opportunities that will promote the university and increase positive media coverage.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Entry to this classification requires 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.
SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
Experience as a social media contributor in a fast-paced environment. Ability to create and manage marketing campaigns around using standard social media tools, tactics, and principles. Experience analyzing analytics and making both quantitative and qualitative assessments. Able to manage a team of student assistants for content acquisition and creation.
Working knowledge of social media management systems (e.g. Sprout Social). Working knowledge of image processing (e.g. Lightroom), graphic design (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator), proficient in Canva or similar tools and video post-production (e.g. CapCut) Working knowledge of HTML, able to correct display issues and load/edit content in a CMS web editor (e.g. Drupal) using templates and WYSIWUG editors. Working knowledge of email marketing systems (e.g. Salesforce Marketing Cloud) preferred.
Strong proofreading skills with a thorough knowledge of leading style guide manuals. Outstanding time management skills; ability to coordinate logistics and execute all project details with an awareness of deadlines and attention to detail. Skills and flexibility to work cooperatively as a team member in a busy office.
Proven ability to learn new systems in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work under the pressure of tight deadlines. Advanced proficiency with of cloud computing, productivity and collaboration tools (e.g. Google Apps).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:
Working knowledge of agency project management software (e.g. Wrike). Use of content management systems and email marketing systems (e.g. Salesforce Marketing Cloud).
Technical fluency with Microsoft Office Professional Suite; Google G-Suite; Oracle-PeopleSoft/ Common Management System or equivalent information systems; drives; and internet browsers. Highly desirable: Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to CSUMB’s Founding Vision Statement.
Highly desirable: Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to CSUMB’s Founding Vision Statement.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & POSITION DESIGNATIONS:
- All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
- The person holding this position will have a duty to report to the Campus Title IX Officer information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order EO 1095, EO 1096, and EO 1097 as a condition of employment.
- 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 as a condition of employment.
- Must possess and maintain a valid license to drive in the State of California, pass the Defensive Training Class, and be insurable under the University's liability coverage.
- Requires occasional evenings and/or weekend work.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment with standard equipment and tasks. The position requires working at a computer and desk for extended periods of time. May require travel between campus offices and off-campus locations.
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. While on campus, students, faculty, staff, and the community will be expected to follow all campus safety mandates.
BENEFITS/PERKS:
CSUMB offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, dental and vision plans; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS); and 15 paid holidays a year. For more information, visit Employee Benefits Summary. As a perk, the University Corporation at CSU Monterey Bay provides access to affordable campus housing based on availability; visit Schoonover Employee Housing for more information.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
For full consideration, applicants must complete the required online application prior to the priority screen date found at Careers at CSUMB. Application submissions received after the application screening date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. Materials submitted become the property of CSUMB and will not be returned.
CSUMB is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Human Resources at (831) 582-3389 or emailing humanresources@csumb.edu. All employees must be eligible for employment in the U.S.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
CSUMB hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States and is an E-Verify employer. In compliance with federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics, you can view the notice of availability and access the Cal State University, Monterey Bay annual security and fire safety reports at https://csumb.edu/clery/asr-and-fsr-notices-availability/.
CSUMB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
CSUMB is an Equal Opportunity employer seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. We consider qualified applicants for employment for their anticipated contributions and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
