Strategic Initiative Specialist

California State University, Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Sacramento seeks a Strategic Initiative Specialist to lead administrative coordination at the Center for California Studies and support the Capital Fellows Programs with analytical and systems expertise.

The incumbent will manage projects, events, alumni engagement, database and website management, fundraising, and assist with editing and publication of the California Journal of Politics and Policy.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing communication including for alumni relations and organization communications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment across multiple platforms.
• Expertise in data analysis, survey techniques and data management, with the ability to interpret and evaluate data to develop conclusions and inform policy decisions.
• Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Ability to work as a part of a team, with strong self-management and collaborations skills.
• Ability to train others on new skills and procedures and provide lead work direction.
• Proficiency in relevant technology and software, including MS Office (particularly Excel and Access), communications tolls such as MailChimp and Microsoft Outlook, and website administrations tool such as Cascade.
• Ability to articulate and implement program objectives in alignment with university diversity and equity goals, with excellent interpersonal and diplomatic communications skills.
• Experience with communications, including management of social media, websites and event outreach.
• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate projects for the Center for California Studies.
• Provide analytical support and database management for Capital Fellows Programs.
• Oversee events, alumni engagement, and fundraising activities.
• Assist with editing and publication of the California Journal of Politics and Policy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet program objectives.

Skills

Communication

Data analysis

Initiative

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Training others

Technology proficiency

Diversity & equity

Social media

Public outreach

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Access

MailChimp

Outlook

Cascade

Job description

Job no: 560567

Work type: Staff

Location: Sacramento

Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time, Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)

Priority Application Deadline: Thursday, October 8th @ 11:55pm PST(Posting will remain open until filled)

Hiring Preference

Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.

Position Summary

The Strategic Initiative Specialist will serve as lead to administrative coordinators at the Center for California Studies, and provide analytical and systems support to the Capital Fellows Programs. The incumbent will be responsible for managing projects related to the Center’s programs, events, alumni engagement, database management, website management and fundraising. They will also assist with the editing and publication of the California Journal of Politics and Policy.

FLSA

Exempt (Not eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range:$5274 per month (Step 1) -$6823 per month (Step 14)

CSU Classification Salary Range: $5274 per month (Step 1) -$7684 per month (Step 20)

Salary step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Recruitment Type: Regular (Probationary)

Time Base:Full-Time

Work Hours:M-F, 8-5; occasional additional hours

Department Information

The Center for California Studies is based at Sacramento State – the “Capital Campus” of the California State University.

Being located in California’s capital strategically positions the Center to be the link between the University and the three branches of California’s government, think tanks, other universities, and outside partnerships involved with public service in California. This, paired with our extensive research, academic programming, and position as part of the country’s largest public university system makes us uniquely equipped to fulfill our mission to bridge academia and government in the service of strengthening California’s democracy.

Entry to this classification requires general knowledge and skills in the applicable administrative and/or program field with a foundational knowledge of public administration principles, practices and methods. This foundation would normally be obtained through a bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience involving study, analysis and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices or programs.(Classification standards can be found at https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/compensation/Pages/Classification-Standards.aspx.)

Required Qualifications

• 1. Demonstrated experience in developing and managing communication including for alumni relations and organization communications such as journals, newsletter and other external communications.


• 2. Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment across multiple platforms.


• 3. Expertise in data analysis, survey techniques and data management, with the ability to interpret and evaluate data to develop conclusions and inform policy decisions.


• 4. Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved.


• 5. Ability to work as a part of a team, with strong self-management and collaborations skills.


• 6. Ability to train others on new skills and procedures and provide lead work direction.


• 7. Proficiency in relevant technology and software, including MS Office (particularly Excel and Access), communications tolls such as MailChimp and Microsoft Outlook, and website administrations tool such as Cascade.


• 8. Ability to articulate and implement program objectives in alignment with university diversity and equity goals, with excellent interpersonal and diplomatic communications skills.


• 9. Experience with communications, including management of social media, websites and event outreach.


• 10. Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community

Preferred Qualifications

• 11. Experience with stakeholder engagement


• 12. Or Experience with event planning


• 13. Or Experience in and/or familiarity with the different branches of state government and university systems

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and cover letter.

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. T

The lush, 300-acre park-like campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital", is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million.

"As California's capital university, Sacramento State transforms lives by preparing all students to lead, serve, and succeed. We are committed to our designations as a Hispanic Serving Institution, an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, and a Black Serving Institution, and to intentionally serving students reflective of these designations and all students who have been historically underserved in education."\

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code , Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

California State University, Sacramento is an Affir​mative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety ActNotification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery .

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics ofCleryAct crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at [e-mail] .

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Education Code 89521 Requirements

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.

Advertised: September 24, 2026 (2:40 PM) Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: Open Until Filled