Senior Communications Specialist (Marketing Communications Professional III)

California State University, Fullerton•Fullerton, CA

20h•$5,877 - $8,561•Onsite

About The Position

California State University, Fullerton’s Strategic Communications and Brand Management team 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 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 position uses digital insights to guide content development and publication, ensuring that university positioning, breaking news, and accountability-focused stories are effectively produced, optimized, and distributed across digital front pages and channels. The work is performed independently under general supervision and includes advanced, complex communications and marketing projects with significant impact. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience; additional experience demonstrating the required knowledge and abilities may substitute for education year for year, and an advanced degree in a related field may substitute for experience year for year.
Thorough, advanced knowledge of marketing, branding, communications, public relations, and related functions.
Ability to use media outlets effectively, including planning media coverage and publicity campaigns.
Ability to stay informed about campus events and relevant current affairs to identify media opportunities and increase positive coverage.
Demonstrated ability to independently apply advanced judgment and develop and implement strategies and initiatives.
Proven experience developing and implementing strategies and campaigns, with measurable results.
Advanced analytical and organizational skills to prioritize and complete initiatives and projects within time and budget constraints.
Ability to analyze and select pertinent facts and integrate 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 and research methods and 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, including representing the university, collaborating with stakeholders, and managing or negotiating vendor partnerships.
Advanced communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships and drive change initiatives.
Advanced skill in mentoring or overseeing the work of others.
Advanced ability to use technology and relevant event-planning and management tools.
Valid California driver’s license.
Satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal records check.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Track record of 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 content 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.
Experience coordinating with social media and web teams to provide routine insights and content performance reports.
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, contribute ideas to, and edit content relevant to university audiences, the university’s mission, and leadership priorities.
Use digital insights to inform editorial content development and posting or publication.
Ensure university positioning, breaking news, and accountability-driven stories are produced, optimized, and seen across digital front pages and channels.
Develop and implement strategic marketing and communications plans, initiatives, strategies, and campaigns.
Oversee complex projects and initiatives that promote the university’s brand image and reputation.
Conduct media outreach to build relationships and university credibility with the media.
Plan media coverage and publicity campaigns for the university and its events.
Assess, formulate, and evaluate marketing programs, processes, and procedures in collaboration with management.
Represent the university and collaborate with internal stakeholders and vendor partners.
Mentor or oversee the work of others and may provide lead work direction.