Senior Marketing and Communications Strategist (Marketing Communications Professional IV)

Position Summary

San Diego State University’s University Relations and Development (URAD) division is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Senior Marketing and Communications Strategist to lead strategic communication efforts that engage and inspire SDSU’s alumni community. This role plays a key part in shaping how alumni connect with the university, strengthening lifelong relationships, fostering pride, and supporting engagement, membership, and philanthropic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Marketing Strategy & Campaign Leadership
  • Develop and lead integrated marketing strategies that support alumni engagement, membership growth, and fundraising initiatives.
  • Oversee multi-channel campaigns across email, digital, social, and web platforms.
  • Establish content strategy and editorial planning, including large-scale alumni communications.
• Content, Brand & Digital Experience
  • Direct storytelling initiatives that highlight alumni impact and strengthen community engagement.
  • Guide the strategy and continuous improvement of digital platforms, including websites and online communities.
  • Ensure brand consistency and alignment across all marketing channels and materials.
• Leadership & Collaboration
  • Provide direction to marketing staff and student team members, including assigning work, setting priorities, and supporting development.
  • Partner with campus stakeholders and development teams to align messaging, timelines, and campaign goals.
  • Review and guide marketing content, campaigns, and deliverables to ensure quality, effectiveness, and brand compliance.
• Performance, Partnerships & Resource Management
  • Monitor campaign performance metrics and adjust strategies to optimize engagement and results.
  • Manage marketing budgets, vendor relationships, and external partnerships to support campaign success.
  • Oversee contracts, timelines, and deliverables to ensure projects are executed effectively.

Why You'll Love Working with Us:

• Meaningful Impact: Play a central role in supporting student success by keeping the campus community informed and connected.
• Creative & Collaborative Environment: Work closely with a team of communicators, campus partners, and student assistants.
• Professional Growth: Gain experience managing high-profile campaigns across web, email, print, and social media.
• Vibrant Campus Community: Contribute to a university that values diversity, innovation, and student achievement.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.  
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 2 days per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

University Relations and Development (URAD) shares the university’s vision and mission underscored in the 2020 five-year strategic plan. The plan identifies five strategic priorities including: Becoming a Premier Public Research University: A New Kind of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI); Resilience. Designed to Thrive; We Are SDSU; Equity and Inclusion in Everything We Do; and Students at Our Core.

Units of URAD work together to create enduring relationships with alumni, parents, donors, students and the community to generate private support for SDSU students, faculty and a diverse number of programs. URAD handles a range of services encompassing stewardship, events, gift administration, communications and more.  The departments of Development, SDSU Alumni, Planned and Annual Giving, Special Events and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Financial Management, Data Management, Prospect Research and Management and Operations are m