Director of Media and Public Relations

Working Title: Director of Media and Public Relations

Classification Title: Administrator II

Posting Details

Priority Application Deadline: Sunday April 26th @ 11:55pm PST (Posting will remain open until filled)

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the AVP of University Communications and working in close partnership with the President and the Chief of Staff the Director of Media and Public Relations serves as a senior member of the universitys communication executive leadership team and is the institutions primary spokesperson/Public Information Officer. Working closely with the Associate Vice President of University Communications and the University Communications team the Director strategically positions positive news and facilitates proactive public relations that promotes Sacramento State as a vibrant welcoming campus an engaged community partner and an economic engine in the region and beyond.

This executive-level position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies that advance institutional priorities protect and enhance the universitys reputation build Sacramento States national brand as a recognized leader in academic excellence and student success and ensure effective communication of university initiatives achievements and emergency notifications. The Director initiates and scales positive relationships with media representatives to secure fair and accurate coverage provides strategic communications counsel to the President and Cabinet leads crisis communications and reputation management and produces high-quality professional communications materials. This role requires exceptional judgment strategic vision discretion in handling confidential matters and the ability to operate at the highest levels of university leadership.

FLSA:Exempt (Not eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range:$8334.00 per month -$10000.00 per month commensurate with the candidates education experience skills and training.

CSU Classification Salary Range:$5053 per month - $16221 per month

Best-in-class Benefits: Click here to learn more

CSU Total Compensation: Click here to learn more

Salary Grade/Range:1

Recruitment Type: At-will

Time Base:Full-Time

Work Hours:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday some work during evenings and weekends as needed.

Department Information

The mission of University Communications is to raise awareness and build a positive perception of Sacramento State with local regional state and national audiences through news stories visuals and campaigns while boosting campus and community pride. As part of the Division of the President University Communications is responsible for promoting and protecting the University. We oversee news and media relations crisis communications social media and multimedia marketing and branding and strategic publications.

Learn more about University Communications at & Experience

1. Bachelors degree in journalism Communications Public Relations or related field.
2. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in media relations strategic communications or equivalent role.
3. Experience in executive-level spokesperson roles such as Public Information Officer crisis communications leadership and strategic communications counsel to senior leadership.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

1. Expert knowledge of strategic communications principles media relations strategies and institutional positioning
2. Comprehensive knowledge of news media operations editorial decision-making processes and evolving media landscape
3. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft sophisticated messages for diverse audiences under pressure
4. Expert editorial judgment with mastery of grammar spelling and composition; ability to produce polished professional communications materials
5. Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills; ability to assess complex situations anticipate implications and develop effective solutions
6. Ability to represent the university with credibility and authority in high-stakes situations
7. Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to influence negotiate and build trust with diverse stakeholders
8. Sound judgment and discretion in handling highly confidential sensitive and legally complex matters
9. Commitment to equity diversity inclusion and social justice; ability to communicate effectively across diverse communities
10. Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments manage competing priorities and maintain composure during crises
11. Ability to lead and manage a team
12. Availability and commitment to respond to urgent matters outside normal business hours as required
13. Ability to travel to off-campus locations as needed
14. Commitment tomaintaininga welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty students staff and members of the community

Background Check

Ability to pass background check.

Preferred Qualifications

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and cover letter.

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of Californias capital city five miles from State Capitol. The lush 300-acre campus is situated along the American River close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento also known as the Farm-to-Fork Capital is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State proudly serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and is recognized by the California Legislative Assembly as a Black-Serving Institution. The university enrolls around 31000 students from the Greater Sacramento Region throughout California across the nation and around the world. Our 1800 faculty and 1500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:

As Californias capital university we transform lives by preparing students to lead serve and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming caring and inclusive leader in education innovation and engagement. As the regional hub of higher education Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success; teaching research scholarship and creative activity; justice diversity equity and inclusion; resource development and sustainability; dedicated community engagement and wellness and safety.

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty staff students and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities life experiences and perspectives that enrich our community teaching and learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family please visit the Why Sac State page.

Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race color religion national origin age sex gender identity/expression sexual orientation pregnancy genetic information medical condition marital status veteran status or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

It is the policy of California State University Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process visit University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination sexual harassment sexual violence domestic violence dating violence and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees visit Clery Campus Safety ActNotification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements emergency preparedness and evacuation information crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics ofCleryAct crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at .

Under the Clery Act this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Background Check Disclaimer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State as part of the CSU system is a State of California Employer. As such the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1 2022 theCSU Out-of-State Employment Policyprohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Eligibility Verification

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.