Executive Writer

California State University•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$4,135 - $12,288•Onsite

About The Position

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is seeking an Executive Writer to serve as the President's principal writer and a key partner in presidential and executive communications. This role develops high-level communications that reflect the President's voice, leadership, priorities, and vision while advancing the University's strategic objectives. The Executive Writer will work closely with the President and Chief of Staff to create speeches, remarks, talking points, presentations, correspondence, opinion pieces, executive messages, presidential social media content, and other communications for various audiences. The position involves researching and developing briefing materials, translating complex institutional issues into clear and compelling communications, and supporting presidential communications for Board of Trustees activities, legislative relations, donor engagements, major initiatives, media opportunities, and high-profile events. Additionally, the Executive Writer will support the President's digital presence by developing social media and thought leadership content. Collaboration with the Chief of Staff, Strategic Communications, External Affairs & University Relations, and other University partners is essential to ensure presidential communications are accurate, coordinated, timely, and aligned with institutional messaging while maintaining the President's distinct voice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Political Science, Marketing, or a related field.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in executive writing, communications, journalism, public affairs, executive communications, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience writing for senior executives or other high-level leaders while maintaining an authentic and consistent executive voice across multiple formats.
Experience developing content across multiple communications channels, including speeches, executive correspondence, presentations, and digital communications.
Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills, with the ability to communicate complex subjects clearly and persuasively.
Strong research, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and competing deadlines in a fast-paced executive environment.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and confidentiality when working with sensitive or high-profile information.
Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders, communications professionals, subject-matter experts, and diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Must demonstrate an interest or ability in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily.
Must reside in the State of California.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Higher Education, Political Science, or a related field.
Experience writing for a university president, chancellor, elected official, public-sector executive, or other senior executive.
Experience in higher education, government, public affairs, or public-sector communications.
Experience developing executive communications for complex, sensitive, or high-profile institutional matters, including executive social media, thought-leadership, and other digital content.
Experience preparing executive communications for governing boards, elected officials, donors, community leaders, and other high-level stakeholders.
Knowledge of California State University governance, contemporary higher education issues, and the role of public universities.

Responsibilities

Develops high-level communications that authentically reflect the President's voice, leadership, priorities, and vision.
Advances the University's strategic objectives through written communications.
Develops speeches, remarks, talking points, presentations, correspondence, opinion pieces, executive messages, presidential social media content, and other communications for internal, external, and system-wide audiences.
Conducts research and develops briefing and background materials.
Translates complex institutional issues into clear, compelling, and audience-appropriate communications.
Supports presidential communications associated with Board of Trustees activities, legislative and government relations priorities, donor and community engagements, major University initiatives and announcements, media opportunities, and other high-profile activities.
Supports the President's digital voice and presence by developing authentic social media and thought leadership content connected to presidential priorities, campus activities, institutional milestones, and community and system-wide engagement.
Works collaboratively with the Chief of Staff, Strategic Communications, External Affairs & University Relations, and other University partners to ensure presidential communications are accurate, coordinated, timely, and aligned with institutional messaging while maintaining the President's distinct voice.