Senior Communications Specialist (Marketing Communications Professional III)

Responsibilities

• The Senior Communications Specialist plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission, vision, and priorities of CSUF through clear, authentic, and high-impact communications. Overseeing daily newsroom, editorial, and content, the Senior Communications Specialist is a creative problem-solver who drives strategic, multichannel storytelling, and implements editorial strategy across editorial channels: CSUF news, newsletters, and magazine. Working alongside the Assistant Editorial Director, Branding, Strategic Communications and Media Relations teams, the Senior Communications Specialist will contribute ideas, develop content, and edit content relevant to the university’s audiences, mission, and leadership priorities.
• Reporting to the Director of Presidential Communications and Strategic Communications and working in close alignment with department leadership, the Senior Communications Specialist serves as a core writer, digital gatekeeper, and content strategist experienced with digital insights to inform editorial content development and posting/publication. The role ensures that the university's aspirational positioning, breaking news, and vital accountability-driven stories are effectively produced, optimized, and seen across all digital front-pages and channels. Other duties assigned.

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.
• Works independently under general supervision, performs advanced work by exercising significant authority for most marketing and communications projects and responsibilities. Projects involve the execution of public affairs, media relations, publications, and marketing programs. The work is more complex, broader in scope and has significant impact on the success of the project or program. Applies professional knowledge or expertise in one or more specialty area, including developing and implementing strategic marketing and/or communication plans and initiatives. Work is focused on ensuring alignment with overall objectives. Demonstrates advanced discernment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Often accountable for smaller programs/projects or a major portion of a larger program/project. Oversees complex projects and initiatives to promote the university’s brand image and reputation. In collaboration with management, assesses, formulates, and evaluates marketing programs, processes, and procedures. Decision-making is based on marketing and communication best practices, standards, and guidelines; university policy; and overall marketing strategies and goals. The work involves daily contact with university management, members of the media, and other key constituencies. Conducts media outreach to build relationships and university credibility with the media. Handles multiple work priorities and may provide lead work direction with accountability for results.

Preferred

• A master’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience, is a plus.
• A proven track record of designing creative storytelling formats and solving complex distribution, display, and multiplatform packaging challenges.
• Experience advising and collaborating with writers, student interns, freelancers, digital journalists, or other content contributors in a digital news environment is also preferred.
• The candidate should demonstrate the ability to leverage data visualization tools and interpret website, social media, and newsletter analytics to inform daily coverage decisions aligned with the institutional mission, leadership priorities, and key audience objectives.
• Experience coordinating with social media and web teams to provide routine insights and content performance reports that inform digital storytelling decisions is desirable.
• Strong understanding of media law, copyright guidelines, AP Style, and ethical standards related to emerging and changing technologies, including the responsible and ethical application of generative AI.

Benefits

• An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
• Dental and Vision coverage
• Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
• Retirement plan through CalPERS
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
• FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
• Employee Assistance Programs
• 15 paid holidays
• See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.