Job Description

**SFSU Internal Applicants Only**
Working Title
Senior PR & Communications Specialist
SF State University
San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.
Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu.
San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus. Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.
The person holding this position may be 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.
This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Department
Strategic Marketing & Communications
Appointment Type
This is a one-year probationary position.
Time Base
Full-Time (1.0)
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday; from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Anticipated Hiring Range
$6,361 - $7,023 Per Month ($76,332 - $84,276 Annually)
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Position Summary
The Office of Strategic Marketing & Communications is responsible for advancing the awareness, understanding and support of the University through media relations, publications, social media, marketing, advertising, promotions, special events and other communications.
The Media Relations Specialist partners with the Director of Communications and Executive Editor to develop and maintain strategies that will raise the university's stature through media relations and content development. The incumbent envisions and implements programs to cultivate relationships with key stakeholders with the goal of obtaining media placements. Stakeholders include the President, President's Cabinet, deans, faculty, donors and newsroom executives and reporters on the local, national and international levels. The incumbent develops and implements strategies to cultivate relationships with key stakeholders with the goal of creating and cross-promoting news content on all University platforms. He/She also assists with development of an emergency and crisis communications protocol based on best practices and in accordance with federal guidelines. This position works directly with the Emergency Operations Committee to implement protocol.
Position Information
Lead Announcements for Major University Milestones

• Lead development and implementation of communications plans for major University milestone announcements such as but not limited to: donations to the University, opening of new buildings, major partnerships with external organizations and more
• Collaborate across varying levels of the University including senior leaders to advise on messaging, talking points and announcement strategies. Key partners include President's Office, Cabinet-level administrators, deans and faculty
• Serve as main Public Relations point-of-contact for major announcements involving external partners. Duties include strategizing, brainstorming, managing expectations, attending/leading meetings, identifying goals and objectives, developing messaging and more
• Coordinate and delegate tasks to Strategic Marketing & Communications department and other campus colleagues when developing and executing communications plans for announcements
• Write press releases related to major University milestones
• Measure and report success of announcements

Lead Response for Non-Critical Media Inquires

• With limited to no supervision, lead response for inbound media inquiries for non-critical issues that do not impose a major, immediate and widespread reputational risk to the University
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including Cabinet and senior leaders to gather information that would inform media strategies and responses

Support Emergency Communications & Critical Media Inquiries

• Support the Director of Communications, Office of the President for major critical media inquiries. Example topics include Title IX, protests, strikes, cybersecurity attacks, active threats and more
• Serve as the secondary Public Information Officer (PIO) in the Emergency Operations Center
• In the absence of the Director of Communications, Office of the President, serve as the primary PIO

Proactive Media Relations & News Stories

• Write, edit stories highlighting the work of SF State students, faculty, staff and alumni
• Promote and publicize institutional activities and programs to the media
• Capitalize on media opportunities by identifying potentially newsworthy topics
• Determine strategic placement of information in the media; prepare and disseminate information and news stories to the media
• Coordinate media relations for events
• Assist in the coordination of media briefings
• Establish and cultivate positive, ongoing media relationships with targeted media
• Advise faculty and staff on media interviews
• Exercise considerable judgment and discretion in identifying key topic areas and appropriate SF State experts for media pitches and consultation

Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications

• Comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of communication, public affairs, media and/or marketing theories and concepts in order to develop and execute communication strategies and plans to promote and position the university.
• Expert knowledge of university communication objectives and ability to translate them into effective communication and media campaigns.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Storytelling skills across all platforms including text, photography, videography, websites, blogs and social media.
• Ability to understand issues from a broad, strategic perspective.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable copyright and other laws pertaining to publications and the news media.
• Ability to effectively manage media relations and apply effective media strategies and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to market story concepts to university officials and media outlets.
• Expert networking and interpersonal skills, including strong consultative and persuasive skills to work with internal and external constituents and the media.
• Expert writing and editorial skills as well as demonstrated organizational skills.
• Thorough knowledge of the way newsrooms run.
• Demonstrate behaviors that are in line with the User Friendly Principles (P530C) and Principles of Conduct for a Multi-Cultural University (P30D)
• Demonstrate safe work practices for oneself, others and the office environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree with 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a media relations position
• Experience in higher education communications
• Work in print, broadcast or online journalism
• Comprehensive background in creating digital content
• Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese a plus
• Familiarity with multimedia trends, technologies and capacities
• SF State writing and editing test
• PC/Mac and productivity-software literacy
• Juggle multiple assignments under shifting and tight deadlines

Pre-Employment Requirements
This position requires the successful completion of a background check.
Eligibility to Work
Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.
Benefits
Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions. SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.
CSUEU Position (For CSUEU Positions Only)
Eligible and qualified on-campus applicants, currently in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 are given hiring preference.
Additional Information
**SFSU Internal Applicants Only**
SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).
Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU). CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception. While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.
CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19. The systemwide policy can be found at
The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.
Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.
Advertised: December 04, 2025 (9:00 AM) Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

Skills Required