Media Relations Specialist
California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA, United States
Overview
(Marketing Communications Professional III)
This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position located at Fresno State. Some positions may be eligible for remote work, one day per week, pursuant to Fresno State's remote work guidelines and CSU policy.
Compensation and Benefits Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $5,877 to $5,994 per month
Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,877 to $8,561 per month
The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees may participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information is available here.
Job Summary The Media Relations Specialist serves as the university’s primary contact with external media sources. The role protects the university’s reputation and reflects institutional strategic priorities. Responsibilities include media outreach, maintaining relationships with reporters, responding to media inquiries, developing and positioning stories for news outlets, organizing press conferences and media events, maintaining the university’s experts list, connecting experts with media, providing media training, and writing/distributing press releases, media advisories, news tips and other stories. The position also participates in the emergency operations center during crises and supports strategic communications efforts.
Key Qualifications
Thorough understanding of media relations strategies and techniques.
Knowledge of copyright law, media best practices and accessibility in communications.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to demonstrate journalistic style competency.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent writing assignments and meet deadlines.
Ability to build and manage strong relationships with media contacts.
Technical skills to use web-based platforms, including Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), content management systems, project management platforms, databases and other tools.
To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.
Education And Experience
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communications, or a related field.
Four years of progressively responsible professional experience in news writing, crisis communications, public relations or related experience.
Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Department Summary University Marketing and Communications is Fresno State’s central strategic marketing and communications office. MarComm develops and distributes content that builds trust and support for the university, tells the Fresno State story, and engages a broad range of audiences, championing Bulldog spirit and elevating the institutional brand locally, nationally and globally.
Deadline & Application Instructions Applications received by
April 21, 2026
will be given full consideration by the search committee. Applications received after that date may be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.
Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Applicants must attach: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter addressing their qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.
Fresno State California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the CSU system. The University’s mission is to educate and empower students for success through Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a diverse student body. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley and maintains involvement with the state, nation, and world. Metropolitan Fresno has a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000 and is located in the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is near Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Parks and other attractions. Fresno State offers a diverse local economy and housing market.
Equal Employment Opportunity Information California State University, Fresno is committed to employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental or physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who access office and campus facilities follow vaccine recommendations by the CDC and CDPH applicable to their age, medical condition, and other indications. Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.
Supplemental Information Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work. Current employees offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check where required by law or identified as sensitive. The position holder is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. This position may be a designated position under the CSU Conflict of Interest Code, requiring an annual Statement of Economic Interest and training within six months of assuming office and every two years thereafter. Fresno State is tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free. Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H1-B Visas).
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This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position located at Fresno State. Some positions may be eligible for remote work, one day per week, pursuant to Fresno State's remote work guidelines and CSU policy.
Compensation and Benefits Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $5,877 to $5,994 per month
Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,877 to $8,561 per month
The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees may participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information is available here.
Job Summary The Media Relations Specialist serves as the university’s primary contact with external media sources. The role protects the university’s reputation and reflects institutional strategic priorities. Responsibilities include media outreach, maintaining relationships with reporters, responding to media inquiries, developing and positioning stories for news outlets, organizing press conferences and media events, maintaining the university’s experts list, connecting experts with media, providing media training, and writing/distributing press releases, media advisories, news tips and other stories. The position also participates in the emergency operations center during crises and supports strategic communications efforts.
Key Qualifications
Thorough understanding of media relations strategies and techniques.
Knowledge of copyright law, media best practices and accessibility in communications.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to demonstrate journalistic style competency.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent writing assignments and meet deadlines.
Ability to build and manage strong relationships with media contacts.
Technical skills to use web-based platforms, including Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), content management systems, project management platforms, databases and other tools.
To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.
Education And Experience
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communications, or a related field.
Four years of progressively responsible professional experience in news writing, crisis communications, public relations or related experience.
Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Department Summary University Marketing and Communications is Fresno State’s central strategic marketing and communications office. MarComm develops and distributes content that builds trust and support for the university, tells the Fresno State story, and engages a broad range of audiences, championing Bulldog spirit and elevating the institutional brand locally, nationally and globally.
Deadline & Application Instructions Applications received by
April 21, 2026
will be given full consideration by the search committee. Applications received after that date may be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.
Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Applicants must attach: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter addressing their qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.
Fresno State California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the CSU system. The University’s mission is to educate and empower students for success through Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a diverse student body. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley and maintains involvement with the state, nation, and world. Metropolitan Fresno has a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000 and is located in the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is near Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Parks and other attractions. Fresno State offers a diverse local economy and housing market.
Equal Employment Opportunity Information California State University, Fresno is committed to employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental or physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who access office and campus facilities follow vaccine recommendations by the CDC and CDPH applicable to their age, medical condition, and other indications. Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.
Supplemental Information Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work. Current employees offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check where required by law or identified as sensitive. The position holder is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. This position may be a designated position under the CSU Conflict of Interest Code, requiring an annual Statement of Economic Interest and training within six months of assuming office and every two years thereafter. Fresno State is tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free. Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H1-B Visas).
#J-18808-Ljbffr