Director of Media and Public Relations

CSU Careers•Sacramento, CA

14h

About The Position

Under the general direction of the AVP of University Communications and working in close partnership with the President and the Chief of Staff, the Director of Media and Public Relations serves as a senior member of the university's communication executive leadership team and is the institution's primary spokesperson/Public Information Officer. Working closely with the Associate Vice President of University Communications and the University Communications team, the Director strategically positions positive news and facilitates proactive public relations that promotes Sacramento State as a vibrant, welcoming campus, an engaged community partner, and an economic engine in the region and beyond. This executive-level position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies that advance institutional priorities, protect and enhance the university's reputation, build Sacramento State's national brand as a recognized leader in academic excellence and student success, and ensure effective communication of university initiatives, achievements, and emergency notifications. The Director initiates and scales positive relationships with media representatives to secure fair and accurate coverage, provides strategic communications counsel to the President and Cabinet, leads crisis communications and reputation management, and produces high-quality professional communications materials. This role requires exceptional judgment, strategic vision, discretion in handling confidential matters, and the ability to operate at the highest levels of university leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in media relations, strategic communications, or equivalent role.
Experience in executive-level spokesperson roles such as Public Information Officer, crisis communications leadership, and strategic communications counsel to senior leadership.
Expert knowledge of strategic communications principles, media relations strategies, and institutional positioning
Comprehensive knowledge of news media operations, editorial decision-making processes, and evolving media landscape
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft sophisticated messages for diverse audiences under pressure
Expert editorial judgment with mastery of grammar, spelling, and composition; ability to produce polished, professional communications materials
Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills; ability to assess complex situations, anticipate implications, and develop effective solutions
Ability to represent the university with credibility and authority in high-stakes situations
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to influence, negotiate, and build trust with diverse stakeholders
Sound judgment and discretion in handling highly confidential, sensitive, and legally complex matters
Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice; ability to communicate effectively across diverse communities
Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, manage competing priorities, and maintain composure during crises
Ability to lead and manage a team
Availability and commitment to respond to urgent matters outside normal business hours as required
Ability to travel to off-campus locations as needed
Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community
Ability to pass background check.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
Experience working at the executive level in higher education, public sector, or complex organizations.
Experience managing a team in a unionized environment.

Responsibilities

Serves as a senior member of the university's communication executive leadership team
Institution's primary spokesperson/Public Information Officer
Strategically positions positive news and facilitates proactive public relations
Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies
Advance institutional priorities
Protect and enhance the university's reputation
Build Sacramento State's national brand
Ensure effective communication of university initiatives, achievements, and emergency notifications
Initiates and scales positive relationships with media representatives
Provides strategic communications counsel to the President and Cabinet
Leads crisis communications and reputation management
Produces high-quality professional communications materials