Classification:   Public Affairs/Communications Specialist II
Hours:  Full-time / 40 hours per week
FLSA:  Exempt

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:  $4,683 - $5,157* mo.
CSU Salary Schedule
*CSUMB provides pay scales representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, and CSU systemwide pay for comparable jobs.

Priority Screening Date: Extended to September 30, 2024
Recruitment Status:  Open Until Filled

ABOUT CSUMB

California State University, Monterey Bay is a mid-sized university in California’s Central Coast that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement, CSUMB is part of the nation’s largest four-year public university system, California State University, which educates nearly 460,000 students every year. 

With a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,000 students, CSU Monterey Bay is both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our staff and faculty transform students’ lives with a focus on student success and engagement through experiential learning, service learning, and a strong emphasis on multicultural and global perspectives. CSUMB’s sustainability goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030. 

The university’s Strategic Plan prioritizes inclusive excellence through recruiting and investing in developing a diverse body of faculty, staff and administrators. Many appreciate living and working close to the shores of beautiful Monterey Bay, with easy access to recreational areas from Big Sur to Santa Cruz. Nearby opportunities for collaborative research include working in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Silicon Valley, and with colleagues at local research universities, including UC Santa Cruz and Stanford University.

As one of the 23 campuses in the CSU system, CSUMB offers excellent benefits, including access to below-market-rate rental housing on East Campus, and competitive salaries for faculty and staff. With proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and San Jose, opportunities for faculty, staff and students are as endless as the shores of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Director of Communications for Enrollment Management, the Communication Specialist supports all enrollment marketing initiatives and communication initiatives with the Office of Admissions. The position coordinates online interactive marketing and assists with developing the recruitment and admissions website content, uses a variety of software programs and applications to develop, design and produce print materials and websites, and supports all communication responsibilities for Admissions. The Communication Analyst recommends improvements, enhancements and efficiencies in communication, manages all web tools and prospective applicant and current student data as it relates to the successful development, is responsible for the implementation and production of multiple communications plans and events, and carries out day to day assignments that affect CSUMB enrollment goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops, organizes and edits content for print, digital/social, email and web publications; writes, edits and/or proofs materials in a complete, accurate and timely manner; works with campus partners and vendors on layout and design of publications; assists in the design and production of recruitment and continuing student communication materials; monitors and adjusts content and design of enrollment-related websites. Consults with staff and academic expertise to write and present captivating descriptions of their programs, majors, minors, and concentrations. Creates and maintains an organized communication plan that accommodates communication needs of multiple programs, goals and timelines. Manages enrollment dashboards. Creates content, formats style; provides guidance for standards; sets up configuration and implementation for all applicants supported through the admissions office through matriculation.
• In partnership with the Sr Communications Specialist, collaborates with enrollment managers and other key staff members to develop print and e-communication strategies on suspect, prospect, inquiry, applicant, accepted, confirmed and enrolled student levels. Develops systematic process that align with enrollment staff and new enrollment platforms technologies for the most efficient and effective responsive communication to prospects and newly admitted students.
• Maintains all enrollment-related website content for all enrollment-related websites and social media sites and will be responsible for all updates and edits to online information; ensures that all online information meets CSU standards and compliance policies utilizing content management systems. Updates enrollment website including: news stories, bloggers, costs, student support services, Hobsons links, FAQs, other features, and enrollment events information; i.e., registration process. Manages, reviews and updates social marketing websites. Develops an ongoing understanding of trends in social media and evolving online behavior in order to position the university to have an emerging and competitive online and social media strategy. Manages the various email accounts in enrollment management. Maintains contact/referral list and includes data entry of prospective student information, as needed.
• Facilitates publications and marketing outreach functions to success; regulates the divisional digital signage; establishes operating procedures and provides recommendations on marketing/communications processes for all Enrollment Management and Student Affairs areas under the Vice President.
• In collaboration with the Sr Communications Specialist, creates and maintains job aids and documentation for communication systems and tasks; provides related training to enrollment staff and students. Develops, creates, and distributes campaigns and communication engagements as related to the Division. Respond to requests for printed information, prepare direct mailings, prepares and mails information as requested.
• Recommends equipment and technology tools. Records and tracks the current of technology devices or equipment and facilitates SEO for page optimization across websites to ensure search results are relevant and to create a positive user experience, growing website traffic, lead volume and brand awareness for enrollment management goals.
• Contributes to departmental program review, annual reports, strategic planning, and goal setting; attends seminars and conferences to maintain program and professional development.

Other Functions:

Performs other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:  Working knowledge of and ability to apply standard theories, practices, principles and techniques related to communications in the public affairs, media, marketing, and/or sports information areas.  Thorough knowledge of and ability to use effectively media outlets including planning media coverage and media publicity campaigns for the university and events.  Thorough knowledge of web communication techniques, vehicles and formats.  Working knowledge of copyright and other applicable laws pertaining to publications and the media.  Knowledge of interview techniques and the ability to define and deliver media messages.  Working knowledge of marketing and research techniques and methods.  Working knowledge of applicable software packages.

Skills:  Strong story development and journalistic writing skills, as well as advanced editorial skills.  Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong public speaking, listening and interpretive skills.  Strong writing and editing skills to quickly produce clear and concise standard documents for internal and external publication.

Ability to: to build and manage more sophisticated media contacts; effectively use web technology to achieve communication goals; analyze and select pertinent facts and integrate them into communication vehicles; apply market research to identify communication needs and target audiences; provide lead work direction; appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information.  Demonstrated ability to keep abreast of campus events and subject matter expertise in relation to current events to identify and capitalize on media opportunities that will promote the university and increase positive media coverage.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Entry to this classification requires knowledge of the fundamentals of public affairs and/or media relations, and/or some exposure to marketing and marketing research.  This background normally is obtained through a college degree, which includes relevant coursework in the field, and up to two years of related professional or technical experience. In addition, strong written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication vehicles are essential to initial entry to this classification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree and/or 2 years of experience in developing or deploying communications strategies. Expert knowledge in management tools such as Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, and Adobe Creative Suite and/or other platforms. Experience with Microsoft Suite and Google Suite. Demonstrated technical literacy. Technical fluency with Oracle/PeopleSoft, Salesforce, CSU Common Management System or equivalent student information systems. Ability to coordinate the efforts of professional staff in the accomplishment of marketing and communications goals.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & POSITION DESIGNATIONS:

• All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
• The person holding this position will have a duty to report to the Campus Title IX Officer information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order EO 1095, EO 1096, and EO 1097 as a condition of employment.
• 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. 
• This position has been designated as a sensitive position with access to and responsibility for detailed personally identifiable Level 1 confidential information about students, faculty, staff or alumni that is protected, personal or sensitive as defined in the CSU Information Security Data Classification Standards.
• This position has been designated as a sensitive position with responsibility for:
  • the care, safety and security of people (including children and minors), animals and CSU property
  • responsibility or access/possession of building master or sub-master keys for building access; control over campus business processes, either through functional roles or system security access
• This position is required to comply with confidentiality requirements outlined in the Department of Education’s Family Educational Rights and Privacy and California’s Educational Code Chapter 13 regarding sensitive student issues.
• This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).  The position is required to participate in training at the direction of the Clery Director and must also promptly report allegations of reportable crimes according to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, its accompanying regulations; the California State Education Code, Chapter 15.5, of the Donahoe Higher Education Act, Section 67380; and the California State University system-wide policy, Code EO 1107.
• May require occasional evenings and/or weekend work.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment with standard equipment and tasks. The position requires working at a computer and desk for extended periods of time.  May require travel between campus offices and off-campus locations. 

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. While on campus, students, faculty, staff, and the community will be expected to follow all campus safety mandates.  

BENEFITS/PERKS: 

CSUMB offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, dental and vision plans; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS); and 15 paid holidays a year. For more information, visit Employee Benefits Summary. As a perk, the University Corporation at CSU Monterey Bay provides access to affordable campus housing based on availability; visit Schoonover Employee Housing for more information.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

For full consideration, applicants must complete the required online application prior to the priority screen date found at Careers at CSUMB. Application submissions received after the application screening date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University. Materials submitted become the property of CSUMB and will not be returned.

CSUMB is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Human Resources at (831) 582-3389 or emailing humanresources@csumb.edu. All employees must be eligible for employment in the U.S.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

CSUMB hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States and is an E-Verify employer. In compliance with federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics, you can view the notice of availability and access the Cal State University, Monterey Bay annual security and fire safety reports at https://csumb.edu/clery/asr-and-fsr-notices-availability/.

CSUMB is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

CSUMB is an Equal Opportunity employer seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. We consider qualified applicants for employment for their anticipated contributions and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or disability.