Media Relations Officer (Marketing Communications Professional III)

San Diego State University (SDSU) is seeking a Media Relations Officer to help bring university research to the public through clear, accurate storytelling. This hybrid role supports the College of Engineering and offers a benefits eligible, permanent/probationary opportunity with time focused on proactive research communications and real-time media needs.

Why SDSU

• 15 paid holidays, plus vacation and sick leave.
• CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional offerings including FlexCash, life and disability insurance, and legal and pet plans.
• Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

How you’ll make an impact

• Identify newsworthy stories across SDSU’s research enterprise, with emphasis on engineering, science, and technology.
• Translate complex research into engaging content for SDSU NewsCenter, SDSU Magazine, websites, and social media, along with external media pitching and other channels.
• Create multimedia and short-form content to broaden the reach of research stories.
• Develop targeted pitches, news releases, media advisories, and communications plans.
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters across regional, national, and international markets to connect SDSU experts with timely opportunities.
• Coordinate interviews and prepare faculty and staff for media engagement.
• Respond to media inquiries by developing recommended messaging and statements.
• Serve as a key communications partner to College of Engineering faculty and leadership.
• Support editorial and social media efforts by identifying stories and coordinating strategies across teams.
• Develop the College of Engineering newsletter.
• Collaborate across StratComm and with campus communications partners to maintain aligned messaging.
• Monitor news and social media for emerging issues, misinformation, and reputational concerns, including drafting holding statements, FAQs, reactive messaging, and recommendations.
• Balance proactive research storytelling with the real-time communications demands of a large public research university.

What you bring

• Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience (education may be substituted year-for-year with equivalent experience).
• An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, media relations, and science or research communications, preferably within a large organization.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific, engineering, and technical information clearly for broad audiences.
• Proven success developing media strategies, building reporter relationships, and securing earned media coverage at regional, national, or international levels.
• Experience advising executives, faculty, researchers, or subject-matter experts on media engagement, strategic messaging, issues management, and reputational considerations.
• Ability to develop and execute integrated communications across earned media, digital, social, editorial, and multimedia channels.
• Ability to independently manage complex, cross-functional communications projects, balance competing priorities, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience using media analytics, audience insights, and performance data to evaluate communications efforts and inform strategy.
• Strong knowledge of communications and editorial best practices, including AP Style.
• A valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Additional details

• Full-time, 1.0 time-base, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Designated as exempt under FLSA; not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard work hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (may vary based on operational needs).
• Partial telecommuting approved: onsite work at the San Diego Campus on Monday and Wednesday, with potential campus calls on telecommuting days to support activities as needed.
• Preferred qualifications: experience supporting science, research, engineering, or technology communications within higher education, a research institution, public agency, or similarly complex organization; knowledge of higher education communications and the research environment at a public research university; and Spanish proficiency is desirable.

Apply by: October 11, 2026, 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time (to ensure full consideration). Applications close: Open until filled.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. Reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting [email protected]. This position is designated for a mandated reporter under California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and requires compliance with 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 be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.