Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking an experienced and versatile Science and Research Writer / Media Relations Officer to join the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) team. In this role, you will help elevate SDSU’s $229.8 million research enterprise by developing compelling science and research stories and promoting faculty-led initiatives to local, national, and international media.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Media Relations, you will collaborate with researchers, deans, and communications professionals, primarily supporting research communications in the Colleges of Health and Human Services and Engineering, with additional coverage of university-wide initiatives.

This position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the visibility and public understanding of research at a newly designated R1 institution with deep community ties and global reach.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, write, and pitch science and research stories for SDSU NewsCenter, the SDSU Magazine, social media, and external media outlets
• Serve as a media relations lead on science and research-related inquiries, including interview coordination and media prep
• Draft press releases, media advisories, statements, and messaging aligned with university priorities and style guidelines
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with reporters and editors at regional, national, and international outlets
• Collaborate with StratComm and internal partners—including the Office of the President, Division of Research and Innovation, and academic deans—to support integrated communication strategies
• Contribute to multimedia storytelling, including short-form video, photo content, and social media integration
• Support crisis and issues communication involving research and academic topics
• Participate in professional development and serve on communications initiatives and committees as needed

Why Join Us?

San Diego State University is advancing transformative research that addresses real-world challenges. In this role, you will play a key part in sharing that impact, translating complex science into compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

As a member of the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs team, you will collaborate with faculty, university leaders, and communicators across disciplines to highlight groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Promote research with both regional relevance and international significance
• Collaborate with engaged faculty and communicators across SDSU’s Colleges and Research Centers
• Contribute to a university consistently recognized for its diversity, entrepreneurship, and global perspective
• Be part of a collaborative, fast-paced communications team that values creativity, accuracy, and public engagement

Join us in telling the stories that define SDSU’s role as a research university with purpose.

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits-eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated 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.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary
Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) is the official voice of San Diego State University. As a central unit within the Office of the President, StratComm advances the university’s mission and reputation through compelling storytelling, issues and crisis communication, media relations, executive messaging, and integrated marketing.

Our team leads communications across SDSU’s digital platforms, including the SDSU NewsCenter, social media, web, and video, and oversees the SDSU Magazine and other flagship publications. We collaborate with partners across campus and at SDSU Imperial Valley to highlight the university’s academic excellence, research innovation, and community impact.

StratComm also manages the university’s government and community relations, helping to build strong, trusted partnerships across the region and state. The department is known for its collaborative spirit, commitment to equity-driven communications, and ability to respond quickly to opportunities and challenges alike.

For more information regarding SDSU Media Relations, click here.

Education and Experience

Entry to the first level within 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.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in journalism, communications, English, related fields, or sciences.           
• Minimum of five years of experience working in and/or writing about science, research and technology; prior experience in the field of journalism, public relations or communications is preferred
• Ability to understand and analyze scientific data and information and present it in a clear, coherent manner that can speak to a general audience
• Proven ability to craft compelling narratives that humanize research and connect with various audiences, including donors, policymakers, and community members
• Experience working at a research university to promote research/science

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:
 Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,842 - $8,759/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,994/month.

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. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU 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. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by August 7, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

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. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU 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 SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Casie Martinez at cmartinez12@sdsu.edu.