Chancellor's Office Statement

Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are currently seeking experienced candidates for the position of Communications Specialist. The CSU Chancellor's Office, located on the waterfront adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific in downtown Long Beach, is the headquarters for the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education. The CSU Chancellor's Office offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, and dental plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year.

Salary

The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $5,834 per month, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The salary range for this classification is $4,842 to $8,759 per month.

Classification

Public Affairs/Communication Specialist III

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Communications Specialist to be responsible for developing and executing the organization’s programs and mission through communications among different mediums. This position will serve as the lead marketing and design staff member, digital and print communication’s content developer, and web site management. This position will also serve as the lead on marketing ideas, strategies, and projects.

This position will work both independently and collaboratively on a variety of communications projects that support the mission and operations of the organization. The position will serve in areas of design, website management, web development, print layout, production, social media, marketing/advocacy programs, and promotional areas of need. The position will lead marketing and branding strategies focused on advocacy efforts and student programming. The position will lead media and public relations efforts and lead the day-to-day communications needs of the CSSA, including copywriting and editing, management of the organization’s brand, website and social media content updates, newsletter development and publications, and developing correspondences.

Candidates for this position are required to submit a design portfolio and two writing samples. Please upload all required documents under "supporting documents required for this position" In the spaces marked "Other supporting document"

This position is approved for telecommuting (two days telecommuting, three days in office (in-person)) with onsite work at the main headquarters located in Long Beach, California.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, CSSA, the Communications Specialist will perform duties as outlined below:

Communications

-Lead all online content, including websites and social media in coordination with the CSSA Government Relations Office and Board Relations Specialist.

-Develop strategies for media interest in the organization and ensure regular contact with targeted media.

-Respond to internal and external media inquiries.

-Oversee communication platforms for staff and student leaders.

-Develop an annual communication’s plan for the organization.

-Copywriting and editing organizational correspondence and official documents.

-Responsible for photography and videography to highlight CSSA programs and initiatives, in-person attendance to on-site and off-site events required.

Marketing & Design

-Maintain organization brand, both internally and externally.

-Develop and collaborate on campaign strategies with legislative and systemwide staff.

-Develop and lead efforts in consistent organizational branding through graphic, web, and other visual design projects.

-Responsible for editorial direction, design, and distribution of organizational publications.

-Design digital and print materials for conferences and events.

-Oversee content and maintenance for self-hosted website.

Planning & Technical Support

-Recommend short and long-term organizational goals and objectives to the Executive Director.

-Develop and implement systems and procedures necessary for operation of marketing and communications.

-Provide technological support for organizational meetings and events.

-Maintain all communications files and responsible for subscriptions and accounts.

Other Duties as Assigned

-Act as a lead and assign the work, provide direction, and assess work of communication student assistants.

-Other duties as assigned, including supporting department administrative staff and management, assist with special projects, as needed.

Qualifications

This position requires:

-Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and a minimum of 3 years of work experience required in Communications, Marketing or related field.

-Two years of experience in communications, public relations, or related field.

-Experience working in a higher education and/or student advocacy setting is preferred.

-Ability to multitask and manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.

-Demonstrated ability to manage communications projects of all sizes from inception to completion, including planning, prioritization, and execution.

-Proficient in design software (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and other desktop publishing software) and web technologies (WordPress, HTML, CSS, Java). Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is desirable.

-Thorough knowledge of graphic design principles, typography, printing, and production methods.

-Demonstrated knowledge working with a brand and applying branding and graphic standards.

-Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with staff, students, and external vendors.

-Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

-Ability to organize and accomplish work independently.

-Strong proficiency in all areas of communication: oral, written, and interpersonal.

-Knowledge of various student issues and priorities in higher education, and the ability to respond to customer service inquiries of the public, students at-large, and stakeholders. 

-Knowledge of higher education issues and California State University policy issues. 

-Demonstrate collaborative leadership and ability to coordinate multiple stakeholder group messaging. 

-High level of integrity, trustworthiness, respect, attention to detail, ability to research options, make sound decisions, and handle sensitive issues with highly visible projects. 

-Ability to work independently, make decisions, and recommendations to management and board of directors. 

-Demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, and initiative.

-Ability to quickly learn, interpret, and apply organizational policies and procedures.

-Ability to establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships with internal staff, campus staff, students, internal stakeholders, and external organizations/agencies. 

-Position requires occasionally working with students outside of normal business hours.

-Position requires occasional weekend work and travel for plenary meetings. 

Application Period

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by May 8, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

How To Apply

Please click "Apply Now" to complete the California State University, Chancellor's Office online employment application.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager at (562) 951-4070.

Title IX

Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix

E-Verify

This position requires new hire employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHSUSCIS)' in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

If hired, you will be required to furnish proof that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. The CSU Chancellor’s Office is not a sponsoring agency for staff and Management positions (i.e., H1-B VISAS).

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all Chancellor’s Office employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

CSU Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Office of the Chancellor, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Background

The Chancellor's Office policy requires that the selected candidate successfully complete a full background check (including a criminal records check) prior to assuming this position.