College of Health and Human Services Media Relations Officer (Marketing Communications Professional III)

San Diego, CA (Hybrid)

$6K/mo – $9K/moMid LevelFull time

Posted 1 day ago

Job Summary

Own and execute SDSU research storytelling and media relations, coordinating college communications and cross-unit strategies, while monitoring emerging issues and shaping proactive and reactive messaging.

  • Develop and place research stories across channels
  • Build media relationships and coordinate interviews

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Research Storytelling & Content - Identify compelling stories across SDSU's research enterprise, particularly in health, science, and human services.
  • Translate complex research into clear, engaging stories for SDSU NewsCenter, SDSU Magazine, websites, social media, external media pitching, and other channels.
  • Develop multimedia and short-form content that expands the reach of research stories.
  • Media Relations - Develop targeted pitches, news releases, media advisories, and communications plans.
  • Build relationships with regional, national, and international reporters and identify opportunities to connect SDSU researchers and experts with the news.
  • Coordinate interviews and prepare faculty and staff for media engagement.
  • Respond to media inquiries and develop recommended messaging and statements.
  • College of Health and Human Services Communications - Serve as a key communications partner to CHHS faculty and leadership.
  • Identify stories, develop communications strategies, and coordinate media relations, editorial, and social media efforts.
  • Develop content for college communications, including newsletters, websites, and other digital channels.

Requirements

  • Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred

  • Experience supporting science, research, engineering, or technology communications within higher education, a research institution, public agency, or similarly complex organization.
  • Knowledge of higher education communications and the research environment, particularly within a public research university.
  • Professional proficiency in Spanish is desirable.

Benefits

  • Full Benefits Package Includes
  • Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
  • Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
  • Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
  • Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
  • Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.
San Diego State University logo

San Diego State University

Founded in 1897, San Diego State University is a major public research institution that provides transformative experiences for its more than 36,000 students. SDSU ranks as the number 1 California State University in federal research support, is a long-standing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and resides on Kumeyaay land. The university is known for offering transformational research, international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, internships and mentoring, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities. SDSU is committed to excellence and known for its efforts advancing diversity and inclusion. SDSU is nationally recognized for its study abroad initiatives, veterans’ programs and support of LGBTQA+ students, as well as its powerhouse Division I Athletics Program. Recognized as a national leader in higher education, students have access to more than 400 student clubs andorganizations and an inclusive environment with a diverse range of programs and offerings. About 54% of SDSU’s undergraduates and graduates are students of color. The university’s rich campus life and ideal location offers opportunities for students to lead and engage with the creative and performing arts, career and internship opportunities with SDSU’s more than 500,000 living alumni, and the vibrant cultural life of the greater San Diego and U.S.- Mexico region.

Founded in 1955
San Diego, California, USA
9.7K employees (562 in marketing)

Salaries

Posted range

$6K/mo – $9K/mo

Taken straight from the job posting.

Media Relations median pay in the United States

$99K/yr

Most pay falls between $88K and $123K. Based on 255 salaries.

See all San Diego State University salaries

Funding

Total Funding
$16M
Last Raise
$1M
Grant, 10 months ago

Funding History

  • May 2025
    Grant • $1M
  • Jul 2024
    Grant
  • Jun 2023
    Grant • $5M

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
1.9M
Monthly Google Ads Budget
$157.8K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
49%
Direct
42.9%
Referral
6.1%
Social
0.9%
Paid
0.8%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~9.7K