Senior Manager, Public Affairs

Chancellor's Office Statement

Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are currently seeking experienced candidates for the position of Senior Manager, Public Affairs. The CSU Chancellor's Office, located on the waterfront adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific in downtown Long Beach, is the headquarters for the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education. The CSU Chancellor's Office offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, and dental plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year.

Salary

The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $9,555 per month, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The salary range for this classification is $5,053 to $16,221 per month.

Classification

Administrator II

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Senior Manager, Public Affairs to develop, implement and lead media and communications strategies to further the advocacy goals of the CSU. This includes proactive strategies to help shape the narrative around state and federal legislation and policies that supports student success, and conversely, raising awareness about legislation and policies that creates challenges to it.

This position is approved for telecommuting (two days telecommuting, three days in office (in-person)) with onsite work at the main headquarters located in Long Beach, California.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Senior Director, Media Relations and Public Affairs, the Senior Manager, Public Affairs will:

-Work collaboratively with other members of Strategic Communications and Brand Marketing, Advocacy State Relations, Federal Relations, and other departments within the Chancellor’s Office to identify opportunities to build multi-platform campaigns, leverage third-party advocates and spokespeople.

-Serve as a trusted advisor, ensuring the CSU's voice, tone, and strategic priorities are effectively communicated to external stakeholders.

-Collaborate with the marketing and internal communications teams to ensure consistency of messaging across external channels, including social media and press releases.

-Gather testimonials and data related to legislative priorities.

-Monitor current and upcoming state and federal legislation and policy changes that require a CSU comms strategy.

-Develop, implement and lead comprehensive media and public affairs communications strategies for legislative and policy priorities.

-Write press pitches and press releases as needed; ghost-write/edit op-eds.

-Write and develop fact sheets, newsletters, web stories, social media posts and other pieces of communication.

-Cultivate relationships with appropriate beat reporters (i.e., Sacramento, DC, higher ed).

-Cultivate relationships and partnerships with CSU campus communications officers and legislative liaisons.

Qualifications

This position requires:

-Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related communications field is required.

-At least 8 years of progressively responsible public relations experience.

-At least 4 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, public affairs and/or similar roles.

-Experience working with California media covering public policy, advocacy, and politics.

-Proven track record of securing major media coverage.

-Strategic thinker and effective project manager who can work independently and collaboratively to find solutions.

-Self-motivated and able to take ownership for delivering projects with a high degree of autonomy.

-Thorough knowledge of best practices for public affairs in order to maximize the CSU’s presence in national, regional and trade media outlets.

-Exceptional writing and communications skills with a keen attention to detail.

-Ability to rapidly acquire knowledge about the system, policies and campuses with the ability to translate this information into messages that advance the good reputation of the university.

-Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.

-Ability to work with executive leadership, legislators, influencers, writers, editors, graphic designers, web developers, photographers and members of the media.

-Discretion in managing confidential and sensitive matters.

Application Period

Priority consideration