Senior Writer and Deputy Public Information Officer

Job no: 517222
Work type: Staff
Location: Monterey Bay
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Marketing/Communications

Classification: Public Affairs/Communications Specialist III
Anticipated Hiring Salary: High $5,000's/month
CSU Salary Schedule
Hours: Full-time / 40 hours per week
FLSA: Exempt

Priority Screening Date: August 31, 2022
Recruitment Status: Extended

ABOUT CSUMB

Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement, California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is a mid-sized comprehensive baccalaureate and masters granting university whose staff and faculty help transform student lives through a focus on student success and engagement through project-based learning, service learning in its regional community, and the promotion of multicultural and global perspectives on and beyond campus. CSUMB is both a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and has a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,400 students. The university's Strategic Plan prioritizes inclusive excellence through recruiting and investing in the development of a diverse body of faculty, staff, and administrators. CSUMB's sustainability initiative is to be carbon neutral by 2030. The university's faculty and staff, many of whom live in the East Campus housing development, appreciate living and working so close to the shores of the beautiful Monterey Bay. As one of the 23 campuses in the California State University (CSU) system, CSUMB offers excellent benefits, including access to below-market-rate campus housing and competitive salaries for faculty and staff.

PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the News and Information Manager, the Deputy Public Information Officer develops compelling content for a variety of marketing and communications projects, and pursues accurate, positive media coverage at the local, state, and national level. Serves as a primary contact for media inquiries. Writes press releases, news stories, feature stories, letters to the editor, speeches, executive communications, and other content. Provides communications support for special campaigns and initiatives. In all communications projects, demonstrates respect and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of audiences. Serves as a member of the campus crisis and emergency communications team. Supports executive communications including speech writing, letters, and other materials as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Takes a lead role to conceptualize, research, write and publish a wide variety of written content. Prepares and publishes content engaging internal and external audiences. Writes effectively under tight deadlines. Works collaboratively with individual departments, subject matter experts and content producers across campus. Ensures the overall consistency of message, tone, and style. Develops compelling content for a variety of marketing and communications projects, including campus-wide and unit-specific. Ensure that content is accurate, creative and engaging, and that the content takes into account the diverse backgrounds and audiences. Complete writing projects including news stories, feature stories, student recruitment materials, ad copy, promotional copy, speeches, executive communications, website and digital content, and other written work. Collaborate on projects with various creative staff in the unit, those in other campus units, and other partners as appropriate. Provide communications support to special campaigns and initiatives, including those targeting on-campus and off-campus audiences. Provides messaging and editorial guidance, as well as coordination to develop collateral materials. Provides support for executive communications including speech writing, letters, and other materials as needed. May be assigned to take photos, post social media content, and other means of communicating wholistic stories and content. Posts news stories, events and other material and content to the university website.
2. Responds to media inquiries, including gathering information and developing key messages. Write and disseminate media advisories, and pitch stories to local, state-wide, and national media. Advise campus employees on media interviews. Maintains media contacts and cultivates good relationships.
3. Participate in editorial and other planning sessions within department, division and across campus. Services on campus crisis and emergency communications team. Works to manage both short-term and long-term projects that have a broad impact on the university's image and engagement of important audiences and other key influencers. Assigns work to other content creators and student interns and monitors their progress towards completion. Provides daily oversight and leads other members of the News and Information team in writing, editing, and content creation. Assigns incoming projects and levels work load for efficient project completion. Consults with appropriate administrator for guidance on operations.

Other Functions:

Performs other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of communication, public affairs, media and/or marketing theories and concepts in order to develop and execute communication strategies and plans to promote and position the university. Expert knowledge of university communication objectives and ability to translate them into effective communication and media campaigns.

Knowledge of: Extensive knowledge and advanced ability to leverage written communications, research, and interviewing skills to create high quality, on brand content. Advanced understanding of grammar and Associated Press style, able to write and edit content to writing style and brand standards. Demonstrates customer focused skills and ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Good organization and project management skills, and the ability to collaborate closely with a creative team. Skilled in media relations and marketing principals and best practices within Higher Education sector. Advanced knowledge of practices, principles and techniques related to public affairs, media relations, and marketing; protocols and institutional etiquette related to public and media relations; media outlets including print, television, and radio; interview techniques and the ability to define and deliver media messages; market research, summary statistics as they relate to research, and related techniques; applicable software packages; basic web communication techniques, vehicles and formats. Thorough knowledge of applicable copyright and other laws pertaining to publications and the news media.

Skills: Strong story development and journalistic writing skills, as well as advanced editorial skills. Expert networking and interpersonal skills including strong consultative and persuasive skills to work with internal and external constituents and the media. Demonstrated organizational skills.

Ability to: Keep abreast of public policy and public affairs issues; appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information; provide lead work direction; create and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across campus and advise them on university identity and style standards. Ability to understand issues from a broad, strategic perspective; effectively manage media relations and apply effective media strategies and techniques. Demonstrated ability to market story concepts to university officials and media outlets. Ability to use market research to enhance the impact of communication strategies and campaigns. Working knowledge of appropriate use of statistical techniques.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Entry to the third level within this classification requires 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.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS:

• Experience as a writer in a fast-paced environment. Ability to create and manage writing campaigns around using standard journalistic tools, tactics, and principles. Able to manage a team of student assistants for content acquisition and creation.
• Proven ability to learn new systems in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work under the pressure of tight deadlines. Advanced proficiency with cloud computing, productivity and collaboration tools (e.g. Google apps, Wrike, Zoom, Slack).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, or another relevant field and 5 years experience in communications, media relations, or other relevant field.

Highly desirable: Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to CSUMB's Vision.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & POSITION DESIGNATIONS:

• All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
• 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.
• This position will have a duty to report to the Campus Title IX Officer information pertaining to victims of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating/domestic violence, and stalking as required by CSU Executive Order 1095.
• This position has been designated as a sensitive position with access to responsibility for detailed personally identifiable Level 1 confidential information about students, faculty, staff or alumni that is protected, personal or sensitive as defined in the CSU Information Security Data Classification Standards.
• This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). The position is required to participate in training at the direction of the Clery Director and must also promptly report allegations of reportable crimes according to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, its accompanying regulations; the California State Education Code, Chapter 15.5, of the Donahoe Higher Education Act, Section 67380; and the California State University system-wide policy, Code EO 1107.
• This position is required to comply with confidentiality requirements outlined in the Department of Education's Family Educational Rights and Privacy and California's Educational Code Chapter 13 regarding sensitive student issues.
• Must possess and maintain a valid to driver's license in the State of California, pass the Defensive Training Class, and be insurable under the University's liability coverage.
• May require occasional evenings and/or weekend work.
• As part of the crisis and emergency communication team, may be required to work non-standard hours (nights, weekends, holidays) for extended periods of time in a stressful and demanding environment.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment with standard equipment and tasks. Position requires working at a computer and desk for extended periods of time. May require travel between campus offices and off-campus locations.

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. While on campus, students, faculty, staff, and the community will be expected to follow all campus safety mandates.

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Policy, all students and employees are required to submit their vaccination status to the Otter Vaccination Registry and are encouraged to be vaccinated.

BENEFITS/PERKS:

CSUMB offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, dental and vision plans; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS); and 14-paid holidays a year. For more information, visit CSU System Benefits. Additionally, as a perk, the University Corporation at CSU Monterey Bay provides access to affordable campus housing based on availability; visit Schoonover Employee Housing for more information.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

For full consideration, applicants must complete the required online application prior to the priority screen date found at Careers at CSUMB. Application submissions received after the application screening date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. Materials submitted become the property of CSUMB and will not be returned.

CSUMB is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting University Personnel at (831) 582-3389 or email universitypersonnel@csumb.edu. All employees must be eligible for employment in the U.S.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

CSUMB hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States and is an E-Verify employer. In compliance with federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics, you can view the notice of availability and access the Cal State University, Monterey Bay annual security and fire safety reports at https://csumb.edu/clery/asr-and-fsr-notices-availability/.

CSUMB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

CSUMB is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. We consider qualified applicants for employment for their anticipated contributions and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or disability.



To apply, visit https://careers.csumb.edu/en-us/job/517222/senior-writer-and-deputy-public-information-officer







Copyright 2022 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-21580e1bdace4747a89a11f450437bb7

Return to Search Results