Digital Communications Specialist - University Communications and Marketing

Join a team that treats storytelling as a strategic asset. Based onsite in Vallejo, California at the Cal Poly Maritime Academy, this Digital Communications Specialist role sits within University Communications and Marketing and drives the narrative during a pivotal period of transition and growth. The position offers a salary range of $65,940 to $81,984 per year and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, retirement through the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. Cal Poly emphasizes the Learn by Doing philosophy, with storytelling drawn from classrooms, laboratories, and the Training Ship Golden Bear to engage prospective students, alumni, industry partners and the broader university community.

As the lead storyteller for Cal Poly Maritime Academy, you will help shape how the academy is understood during a time of change, translating real experiences into compelling content across multiple channels. Cal Poly Maritime Academy is the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast, located on the Solano Campus of California Polytechnic State University.

Responsibilities

• Identify and shape the stories that define Cal Poly Maritime Academy during a period of transition and growth, sharing them across websites, social media, e-newsletters and university-wide channels.
• Bring the academy experience to life online and through campus communications, maintaining a consistent voice and aligning with strategic objectives.
• Capture classroom activities, laboratory work, and activities aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear, then connect these stories to key audiences including prospective students, alumni, industry partners and the broader Cal Poly community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in digital communications or a related area.
• Proven ability to identify, develop and deliver compelling stories that support organizational priorities and engage diverse audiences.
• Strong editorial judgment and content planning skills, with the ability to shape narratives, prioritize opportunities, maintain a consistent voice and align communications with strategic objectives.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, including solid knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, AP style and digital content best practices.
• Experience conducting interviews, gathering information from diverse sources, synthesizing complex information, and translating it into clear, audience-centered communications.
• Experience developing, managing and executing editorial content across multiple digital channels, including websites, social media platforms, e-newsletters and other online communications.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license or the ability to obtain one by the date of hire.