Science and Research Writer and Media Relations Officer (Public Affairs/Communications Specialist III)
Science and Research Writer and Media Relations Officer (Public Affairs/Communications Specialist III)
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
$ 4842 - 8759
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Position Summary
San Diego State University is seeking an experienced and versatile Science and Research Writer / Media Relations Officer to join the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) this role you will help elevate SDSUs $229.8 million research enterprise by developing compelling science and research stories and promoting faculty-led initiatives to local national and international media.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Media Relations you will collaborate with researchers deans and communications professionals primarily supporting research communications in the Colleges of Health and Human Services and Engineering with additional coverage of university-wide initiatives.
This position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the visibility and public understanding of research at a newly designated R1 institution with deep community ties and global reach.
Key Responsibilities
- Research write and pitch science and research stories for SDSU NewsCenter the SDSU Magazine social media and external media outlets
- Serve as a media relations lead on science and research-related inquiries including interview coordination and media prep
- Draft press releases media advisories statements and messaging aligned with university priorities and style guidelines
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with reporters and editors at regional national and international outlets
- Collaborate with StratComm and internal partnersincluding the Office of the President Division of Research and Innovation and academic deansto support integrated communication strategies
- Contribute to multimedia storytelling including short-form video photo content and social media integration
- Support crisis and issues communication involving research and academic topics
- Participate in professional development and serve on communications initiatives and committees as needed
Why Join Us
San Diego State University is advancing transformative research that addresses real-world this role you will play a key part in sharing that impact translating complex science into compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
As a member of the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs team you will collaborate with faculty university leaders and communicators across disciplines to highlight groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.
Youll have the opportunity to:
- Promote research with both regional relevance and international significance
- Collaborate with engaged faculty and communicators across SDSUs Colleges and Research Centers
- Contribute to a university consistently recognized for its diversity entrepreneurship and global perspective
- Be part of a collaborative fast-paced communications team that values creativity accuracy and public engagement
Join us in telling the stories that define SDSUs role as a research university with purpose.
Position Information
- Full-time benefits-eligible permanent/probationary position.
- Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
- Standard SDSU work hours are MondayFriday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but may vary based on operational needs.
- This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.
Department Summary
Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (StratComm) is the official voice of San Diego State University. As a central unit within the Office of the President StratComm advances the universitys mission and reputation through compelling storytelling issues and crisis communication media relations executive messaging and integrated marketing.
Our team leads communications across SDSUs digital platforms including the SDSU NewsCenter social media web and video and oversees the SDSU Magazine and other flagship publications. We collaborate with partners across campus and at SDSU Imperial Valley to highlight the universitys academic excellence research innovation and community impact.
StratComm also manages the universitys government and community relations helping to build strong trusted partnerships across the region and state. The department is known for its collaborative spirit commitment to equity-driven communications and ability to respond quickly to opportunities and challenges alike.
For more information regarding SDSU Media Relations click here.
Education and Experience
Entry to the first 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 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.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelors degree or equivalent in journalism communications English related fields or sciences.
- Minimum of five years of experience working in and/or writing about science research and technology; prior experience in the field of journalism public relations or communications is preferred
- Ability to understand and analyze scientific data and information and present it in a clear coherent manner that can speak to a general audience
- Proven ability to craft compelling narratives that humanize research and connect with various audiences including donors policymakers and community members
- Experience working at a research university to promote research/science
Compensation and Benefits
San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
Compensation:
Salary is based on your experience education and qualifications within the departments budget and equity guidelines.
- CSU Classification Salary Range: $4842 - $8759/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5994/month.
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.
Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.
SDSU Values
At SDSU our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.
At San Diego State University we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives beliefs and identities. This diversity lends our community strength and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.
SDSUs Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race sex color ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race sex color ethnicity or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act the California Equity in Higher Education Act Californias Proposition 209 (Art. I Section 31 of the California Constitution) other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws and CSUs Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment segregation based on race or any other protected status and all forms of discrimination harassment and retaliation in all university programs policies and practices.
SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives beliefs and identities committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue mutual respect and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs student organizations and activities faculty initiatives and community partnerships we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development faculty and staff training student mentorship and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU excellence is built on merit talent diversity accessibility and equal opportunity for all.
Supplemental Information
Apply by August 7 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis and the position will remain open until filled.
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.
San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g. H-1B visa).Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a persons identity and authorization to work in the United States which are consistent with the provisions of theImmigration Reform and Control Act.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information please click here.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Casie Martinez at .
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
