Communications Lead, College of Sciences (Public Affairs/Communications Specialist III)

Communications Lead, College of Sciences (Public Affairs/Communications Specialist III)

Job No: 525479
Work Type:
Locations: San Diego
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Marketing/Communications, On-site (work in-person at business location)




Position Summary

The Communications Lead will continue to build the College of Sciences communications shop, providing direction for college communication strategy; finding and telling stories that highlight the incredible work of the college; and amplifying these stories across platforms. The Communications Lead will work in close collaboration with campus partners on both internal- and external-facing communications strategies and marketing approaches that elevate the mission and success of the college.

In working closely and collaboratively with key stakeholders, the Communications Lead will coordinate with faculty, students, staff, alumni, donors and community partners to ideate and develop compelling ways of promoting the college. The communications lead will be an innovative communicator, a subject matter expert, an excellent storyteller and a team player with a positive attitude. The lead will serve on the college's executive team, under the direction of the dean and in consultation with both Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) and the Division of Research and Innovation.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The College of Sciences includes eight academic departments, an additional four degree-issuing programs , eight joint doctoral programs, seventeen research centers and institutes, seventeen Student Support Programs, numerous research groups, clinics and labs, as well as a number of off-campus instructional and research centers, including the Mount Laguna Observatory, Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve, Sky Oaks Field Stations, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Coastal & Marine Institute. There are over 300 full- and part-time faculty and 100 clerical and technical employees. There are a wide variety of interests in both teaching and research.

The Dean directs the College with the support of two Associate Deans, one Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, an Administrator I, and administrative support staff. The Dean's Office is responsible for all activities emanating from the creation, implementation, and provision for the continued support and future planning of the instructional and research process in the College.

For more information regarding College of Sciences, click here.

Education and Experience

Knowledge of the fundamentals of public affairs and/or media relations, and/or some exposure to marketing and marketing research. This background normally is obtained through a college degree, which includes relevant coursework in the field, and up to two years of related professional or technical experience. In addition, strong written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication vehicles are essential to initial entry to this classification.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, student affairs/higher education or related field is preferred.
• Experience writing about science, engineering, health and/or research is preferred.
• A positive attitude, political savvy, and the ability to work well with teams across an organization.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
• Experience in journalism, marketing or communications.
• Experience writing about/communicating for the health, science and/or engineering sectors.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $5,787 per month.

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department's fiscal resources.

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,391 - $7,945 per month.

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. For more information, click here.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU's Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Supplemental Information

Three to five samples of your published work writing about science, healthcare or research news will be required in the application. You may also include other types of media (e.g. social media, graphics, video). Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters, resumes and writing samples will begin on March 22, 2023. To receive full consideration, apply by March 21, 2023. The position will remain open until filled.

CSU Vaccine Policy: The California State University has established a policy requiring faculty, staff, and students accessing campus facilities to be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. To access the SDSU campus, you must be fully up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including a booster if you are eligible for one, or request a medical, religious, or off campus exemption, as applicable.

The person holding this position is 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.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate 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 military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Tina Deesen at tdeesen@sdsu.edu


Advertised: Mar 07, 2023 (9:00 AM)
Applications Close: Open until filled

To apply, visit https://careers.sdsu.edu/en-us/job/525479/communications-lead-college-of-sciences-public-affairscommunications-specialist-iii



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