Strategic Media Relations Lead

San Diego State University; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego State University seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Media Relations to advance the university's visibility through timely, compelling communications. You will lead communications around high-profile issues, develop strategic messaging, strengthen media relationships, and highlight SDSU's research and impact.

You'll work closely with university leadership to ensure SDSU's voice is clear, consistent, and responsive across audiences; this exempt, full-time role includes partial

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in media relations, strategic communications, public affairs, journalism, or a closely related communications field.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and issues management.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills for diverse audiences.
• Experience developing strategic messaging and executive communications materials.
• Experience cultivating productive media relationships and advising senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications planning for emerging, sensitive, high-profile issues and develop talking points, statements, FAQs, and briefing materials.
• Identify and pitch compelling stories highlighting SDSU's research, academics, student success, innovation, and community impact; coordinate media interviews.
• Write and edit news releases, statements, executive messaging, media advisories, and other high-impact communications; ensure consistency with SDSU's voice and standards.
• Advise colleges, divisions, and departments on communications strategies and complex needs; collaborate on integrated earned, owned, and shared media initiatives.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Executive communications

Strategic messaging

Writing and editing

Public affairs

Media monitoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, English, marketing, or a related field

Job description

San Diego State University seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Media Relations to advance the university's visibility through timely, compelling communications. You will lead communications around high-profile issues, develop strategic messaging, strengthen media relationships, and highlight SDSU's research and impact.

You'll work closely with university leadership to ensure SDSU's voice is clear, consistent, and responsive across audiences; this exempt, full-time role includes partial