Communications Specialist (Public Affairs/Communication Specialist II)

Position Summary

San Diego State Universitys Enrollment Services is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Communication Specialist to lead strategic communication efforts that inform and engage students families faculty staff and campus partners. This role plays a key part in shaping how our community understands and experiences the student journey from admission to graduation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan & Manage Content: Write and edit websites emails print materials and training resources to support Enrollment Services ensuring accuracy of rankings facts deadlines and other key information.
• Oversee Social Media: Manage SDSU Admissions social media channels calendars and student assistant team to strengthen online engagement.
• Coordinate Student Communications: Prepare and review electronic communication for prospective and admitted students parents counselors and current students.
• Lead Campus Updates: Develop communication strategies to inform students faculty and staff of changes to deadlines processes or procedures.
• Manage Communication Systems: Use CRM to monitor effective campaigns and determine how to improve future communication.
• Collaborate Across Campus: Participate in committees partner on campaigns and coordinate photography shoots with campus communicators.
• Provide Team Support: Assist the Communications team and serve as back-up for urgent university management requests.

Why Join Us

• Meaningful Impact: Play a central role in supporting student success by keeping the campus community informed and connected.
• Creative & Collaborative Environment: Work closely with a team of communicators campus partners and student assistants.
• Professional Growth: Gain experience managing high-profile campaigns across web email print and social media.
• Vibrant Campus Community: Contribute to a university that values diversity innovation and student achievement.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base) benefits eligible permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 2 days per week following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

Enrollment Services is comprised of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions Office of the Registrar Office of Evaluations Prospective Student Services Out-of-State Recruitment and Strategic Partnerships International Recruitment Class Schedule Communications and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Enrollment Services implements SDSU enrollment management policies and provides services to students from their initial point of interest in SDSU to their graduation.

The Enrollment Services Communications Office oversees all internal and external communications (publications websites marketing and informational campaigns etc.) to the campus and community regarding enrollment topics including recruitment admissions and addition the ES Communications Office supports all specialized recruitment activities by implementing effective communication and marketing plans and creating all marketing materials.

For more information regarding the Enrollment Services department click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelors degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience that 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.

Key Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of communications public affairs and/or marketing practices.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver compelling stories and editorial content across diverse platforms.
• Proficiency in digital communication including web technologies social media and applicable software tools.
• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to apply market research statistical methods and current events to communication strategies.
• Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills including public speaking interviewing and relationship-building.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities including providing guidance and direction to team members.
• Two or more years of professional experience with marketing and communications is preferred.
• Knowledge of San Diego State Universitys organizational structure policies and procedures is preferred.

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.

• Effective October 1 2025 this position will be classified as a Marketing Communications Professional II. CSU Classification Salary Range: $5178 - $7543 per month (Step 1 - Step 20); Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Step placement upon appointment is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($5178). Future increases including step advancement are subject to contract negotiations.

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.

Principles of Community

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 September 23 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 Livia Peeples at .