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 Director, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs. 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 14 paid holidays a year.

Salary

The salary range for this classification is $6,250 to $20,063 per month. The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $10,000 per month, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Classification

Administrator III

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Director, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs to strategize, implement and manage media relations and communications initiatives of the CSU Chancellor's Office, and is the day-to-day media relations contact for the system office and media relations liaison with the system's 23 campuses. The director is responsible for integrating communications strategies to proactively reach and influence external audiences with targeted messages and communication about the CSU. The director is also responsible for project management, public relations writing, and assists the Senior Director with strategic communications planning.

Responsibilities

-Strategize, implement and manage media relations and communications initiatives for the CSU system office under the direction of the Senior Director.

-Lead and initiate proactive media relations strategy, actively working to craft constructive stories that underscore the priorities of the CSU established by the Chancellor and Board of Trustees.

-Orchestrate and oversee day-to-day media relations, and serve as the system's primary spokesperson for online, print, radio and TV interviews. Collaborate with CSU subject matter experts to coordinate interviews or facilitate responses to media inquiries.

-Serve as the point of contact on Public Records Act (PRA) requests that involve the system office. Serve as the Public Affairs liaison with the Office of General Counsel on such matters. Advise campus communications on PRA requests that involve multiple campuses.

-Coordinate media placements with colleagues within University Relations & Advancement, system leaders and campus communications teams.

-Research, write and develop media relations tools, such as press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, talking points, stories, briefing documents and other external communications tools that underscore the system office's core messages.

-Proofread and edit written materials.

-Serve as a member of the Public Information team in the system's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), working under the direction of the senior director. Serve as the EOC's PIO in the absence of the senior director.

-Contribute and participate in planning and execution of systemwide public affairs monthly calls, regional and annual meetings.

-Lead and coordinate Public Affairs support of system initiatives with colleagues from University Relations & Advancement, system-level departments, and campus communicators.

-Monitor news outlets to apprise leadership of pending stories; share placements with leadership, subject matter experts or campus colleagues as appropriate.

-Supervise and evaluate direct reports.

Qualifications

-Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related communications field from an accredited university or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

-At least 10 years of public relations or media relations experience.

-Two years of management experience, supervising staff with PR duties.

Preferred Qualifications

-Ability to rapidly require knowledge about the system, policies and campuses with the ability to translate this information into messages that advance the good reputation of the university.

-Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.

-Keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy of messages.

-Ability to manage and mentor staff.

Application Period

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 8, 2023.

How To Apply

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons 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 veteran status, or any other protected status. 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.

COVID19 Vaccination Requirement

The CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement as a condition of employment. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/

Mandated Reporter Per CANRA

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.

Conflict of Interest

The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest when they first occupy the position, and on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.

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.