Assistant Director, News Media Services

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Director of News Media Services, this position offers counsel and coaching to the campus community on opinion columns, interviews, and other interactions with the news media. The incumbent collaborates with department colleagues on issue management and emergency communications. Develops media advisories, tip sheets, FAQs, and news releases, often using source content created by department colleagues. Proactively pitches stories, op-eds, and interviewees to news media. Responds to media inquiries, including matching requests with subject-matter experts. Monitors news media and develops summaries of print, online, and broadcast coverage for the university’s news website. When appropriate, serves as a university spokesperson. Leads the News Media Services unit in the absence of the director.

Key Responsibilities

• Media Relations: Under the general supervision of the director, responds to media inquiries, including matching requests with subject matter experts.
• Support to university and department colleagues: Under the general supervision of the director, offers counsel and coaching to campus community interviews and other interactions with the news media as well as on the development of opinion columns.
• Emergency communications: During emergency events, fulfills appropriate field assistant PIO (public information officer) operations in concert with other staff positions in the department.
• Administrative tasks and other duties: Leads the News Media Services unit in the absence of the director.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of communication, public affairs, media and/or marketing theories and concepts to develop and execute communication strategies and plans to promote and position the university. Expert knowledge of university communication objectives and ability to translate them into effective communication and media campaigns. Ability to understand issues from a broad, strategic perspective. Thorough knowledge of applicable copyright and other laws pertaining to publications and the news media. Ability to effectively manage media relations and apply effective media strategies and techniques. Demonstrated ability to market story concepts to university officials and media outlets.

Comprehensive knowledge of marketing and research techniques and methods. Ability to use market research to enhance the impact of communication strategies and campaigns. Working knowledge of appropriate use of statistical techniques. Expert networking and interpersonal skills including strong consultative and persuasive skills to work with internal and external constituents and the media. Expert writing and editorial skills. Demonstrated organizational skills. Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.  Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.  Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student, and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of related professional or technical experience required.
• This position requires availability outside of normal business hours and on weekends to respond to urgent media inquiries, conduct outreach, and support emergency communication efforts.

Physical Summary

Light work - Job involves some lifting of medium weight objects (10-20 pounds) and/or 10% - 20% of the job involves standing or walking.

Department

Strategic Communications

Classification

Public Affairs / Communications Specialist III

Compensation

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

CSU Classification Salary Range: The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $4,842- $8,759 per month.

Benefits

Excellent benefits through CalPERS (health, vision, dental), tuition fee waiver, generous vacation and sick leave, and 14 paid holidays each year.

Time Base

1.0  time-base, 40 hours per week.

Duration of Appointment

This is a temporary position for one year with no permanent status granted. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.

Application Procedures

Click Apply Now to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.

Testing: A written test may be required as part of the selection process.

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