Senior Communications Specialist (Marketing Communications Professional III)

CSU Careers•Fullerton, CA

About The Position

California State University, Fullerton’s Strategic Communications and Brand Management department seeks a Senior Communications Specialist to advance the university’s mission, vision, and priorities through clear, authentic, high-impact communications. The role oversees daily newsroom, editorial, and content operations; drives strategic multichannel storytelling; and implements editorial strategy across CSUF News, newsletters, and the university magazine. Working with the Assistant Editorial Director and colleagues in Branding, Strategic Communications, and Media Relations, the specialist develops and edits content for university audiences and leadership priorities. Reporting to the Director of Presidential Communications and Strategic Communications, the specialist serves as a core writer, digital gatekeeper, and content strategist. The role uses digital insights to guide content development and publication, ensuring that institutional positioning, breaking news, and accountability-focused stories are produced, optimized, and visible across digital front pages and channels. The position works independently under general supervision, handles complex communications projects, and may provide lead direction to others. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience. Additional relevant experience demonstrating the required knowledge and abilities may substitute for education year for year; an advanced degree in a related field may substitute for required experience year for year.
Thorough, advanced knowledge of marketing, branding, communications, public relations, and related roles.
Knowledge of media outlets and ability to plan media coverage and publicity campaigns for the university and its events.
Ability to stay informed about campus events and current issues and identify media opportunities that promote the university and positive coverage.
Demonstrated ability to independently apply advanced judgment in creating and implementing strategies and initiatives.
Experience developing and implementing strategies and campaigns, with measurable results.
Advanced analytical and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and complete initiatives within time and budget constraints.
Ability to analyze and select relevant facts and incorporate them into communications.
Strong story development and journalistic writing skills, and advanced editorial skills.
Knowledge of interview techniques and ability to define and deliver media messages.
Working knowledge of marketing research techniques and methods; ability to use market research to identify communication needs and target audiences.
Ability to apply appropriate statistical techniques and methods to research.
Advanced public and internal relations skills to represent the university, engage and collaborate with internal stakeholders, and manage or negotiate vendor partnerships.
Advanced communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships and drive change initiatives.
Advanced skill in mentoring or overseeing others’ work.
Advanced skill in using technology and relevant event-planning and management tools.
Valid California driver’s license.
Must satisfactorily complete a background check, including a criminal records check.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Proven track record designing creative storytelling formats and solving complex distribution, display, and multiplatform packaging challenges.
Experience advising and collaborating with writers, student interns, freelancers, digital journalists, or other contributors in a digital news environment.
Ability to use data visualization tools and interpret website, social media, and newsletter analytics to inform daily coverage decisions aligned with institutional mission, leadership priorities, and audience objectives.
Experience coordinating with social media and web teams to provide routine insights and content performance reports that inform digital storytelling decisions.
Strong understanding of media law, copyright guidelines, AP Style, and ethical standards for emerging and changing technologies, including responsible and ethical use of generative AI.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily newsroom, editorial, and content operations.
Drive strategic, multichannel storytelling and implement editorial strategy across CSUF News, newsletters, and the university magazine.
Develop and edit content relevant to university audiences, the university’s mission, and leadership priorities.
Use digital insights to inform editorial content development, posting, and publication.
Ensure institutional positioning, breaking news, and accountability-focused stories are produced, optimized, and seen across digital front pages and channels.
Develop and implement strategic marketing and communications plans and initiatives aligned with institutional objectives.
Oversee complex projects and initiatives that promote the university’s brand image and reputation.
Collaborate with management to assess, formulate, and evaluate marketing programs, processes, and procedures.
Conduct media outreach to build relationships and university credibility with the media.
Identify campus events and media opportunities that can promote the university and increase positive media coverage.
Develop and implement communications strategies and campaigns, and assess results.
Organize, prioritize, and manage projects and initiatives within time and budget constraints.
Analyze and select pertinent facts for communication vehicles; develop stories and perform editorial work.
Use market research to identify communication needs and target audiences, and apply appropriate research methods.
Represent the university, collaborate with internal stakeholders, and manage or negotiate vendor partnerships.
Mentor or oversee the work of others as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.