Responsibilities

• Lead digital storyteller for Cal Poly Maritime Academy — identifying, shaping and telling the stories that define Cal Poly Maritime Academy during a pivotal period of transition and growth.
• A skilled writer, editor and storyteller with sharp editorial instincts, this role brings the Cal Poly Maritime Academy experience to life across websites, social media, e-newsletters and university wide channels — capturing what happens in classrooms, laboratories and aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear, and connecting those stories to audiences that matter: prospective students, alumni, industry partners and the broader Cal Poly community.
• Reporting to the Director of Communications and Marketing for Cal Poly Maritime Academy and part of the University Communications and Marketing (UCM) team, the Digital Communications Specialist serves as the primary editorial lead for Cal Poly Maritime Academy's digital channels.
• The role works closely with faculty, staff, cadets, alumni and industry partners to surface story opportunities, and collaborates across Cal Poly colleges and divisions to align Cal Poly Maritime Academy storytelling with the broader university narrative.
• Audience insights and content performance data inform editorial decisions and continuously sharpen the approach.

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. A graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, develop and execute compelling stories that support organizational priorities and engage diverse audiences.
• Strong editorial judgment and content planning skills, including the ability to shape narratives, prioritize content opportunities, maintain a consistent voice, and align communications with strategic objectives.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, including thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, AP style, and digital content best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct interviews, gather information from diverse sources, synthesize complex information, and translate it into clear, compelling, audience-centered communications.
• Experience developing, managing and executing editorial content across multiple digital channels, including websites, social media platforms, e-newsletters and other online communications.

Benefits

• Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.