Media Relations Specialist

Media Relations Specialist
(Marketing Communications Professional III)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $5877 to $5994 per month

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $5877 to $8561 per month

This is a full-time probationary exempt position.

Positions at Fresno State are to perform their work onsite. Some positions depending upon University needs and operations may be eligible for remote work one day per week pursuant to Fresno States remote work guidelines and the CSU policy.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical dental and vision plans membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) sick and vacation time and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

The Media Relations Specialist serves as the universitys primary contact with external media sources. The position works to protect the reputation of the university and reflect institutional strategic priorities. The position conducts media outreach maintains relationships with reporters responds to media inquiries in a timely manner and develops positions and pitches stories to news outlets. The Media Relations Specialist organizes and manages press conferences and media addition the Media Relations Specialist maintains the universitys experts list connects experts with media and provides media training. The Media Relations Specialist writes and distributes press releases media advisories news tips and other stories on behalf of the university. This position also participates in the emergency operations center in times of crisis and helps support strategic communications efforts.

Key Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of media relations strategies and techniques.
• Knowledge of copyright law media best practices and accessibility in communications.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to demonstrate journalistic style competency.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent writing assignments working successfully under deadline.
• Ability to build and manage strong relationships with media contacts.
• Technical skills to use web-based platforms including Google Workspace (Google Docs Google Sheets Google Slides etc.) content management systems software applications project management platforms databases and other tools.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to a bachelors degree in journalism mass communications or a related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible professional experience in news writing crisis communications public relations or related experience.
  • Additional experience which 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.

Department Summary

University Marketing and Communications is Fresno States central strategic marketing and communications office. Housed in the Office of the President University Marketing and Communications (MarComm) develops and distributes compelling content that builds trust understanding and support for the university. MarComm tells the Fresno State story and engages a broad range of key audiences championing Bulldog spirit and elevating the institutional brand locally nationally and across the globe.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by April 21 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee. Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click Apply Now to complete the employment application for California State University Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The Universitys mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25000 including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state nation and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno with a multi-ethnic population of over 527000 is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks San Francisco Los Angeles the Monterey Peninsula beaches sailing lakes and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination harassment and retaliationon the basis of a protected status: race color religion national origin ancestry age sex (including gender identity) sexual orientation marital status pregnancy mental disability physical disability medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno States commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment hiring and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per theCSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age medical condition and other relevant indications. Questions may be sent to.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

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 may be a designated position under the California State Universitys Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)