Senior Manager, Public Affairs

California State University, Office of the Chancellor; Long Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 103,194 - 126,126; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits

Generous vacation plan

Tuition waiver education program

Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

Job summary

California State University, Office of the Chancellor is seeking a Senior Manager, Public Affairs to lead media and communications strategies that further advocacy goals. The role requires at least 8 years of public relations experience and a strong background in managing media relations and communications strategies. This position offers flexibility to telecommute while needing to be on-site in Long Beach, California. Comprehensive health benefits and a supportive workplace culture are part of the offerings.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience working with California media covering public policy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead media and public affairs communication strategies.
• Collaborate with marketing and internal communications teams.
• Write press releases, newsletters, and manage media relations.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Project management

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Job description

Overview

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.

Salary

Anticipated salary hiring range up to $114,660 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Work Arrangements

Flexibility to telecommute two days a week, with three days on-site at the main headquarters in Long Beach, California.

Premium Benefits

• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Generous vacation plan
• 15 paid holidays a year
• Tuition waiver education program (also applies to eligible family members)
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

Classification

Administrator II

Position Information

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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 will be given to candidates who apply by May 12, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager at 562-951-4070.

Title IX

Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix

E-Verify

This position requires new hire employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHS-USCIS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If hired, you will be required to furnish proof that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. The CSU Chancellor’s Office is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all Chancellor’s Office employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

Mandated Reporter

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Conflict of Interest

The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest when they first occupy the position, and on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.

Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Office of the Chancellor, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Background

The Chancellor’s Office policy requires that the selected candidate successfully complete a full background check (including a criminal records check) prior to assuming this position.