California State University-Sacramento is hiring: Director of Media and Public R

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the AVP of University Communications and working in close partnership with the President and the Chief of Staff, the Director of Media and Public Relations serves as a senior member of the university's communication executive leadership team and is the institution's primary spokesperson/Public Information Officer. Working closely with the Associate Vice President of University Communications and the University Communications team, the Director strategically positions positive news and facilitates proactive public relations that promotes Sacramento State as a vibrant, welcoming campus, an engaged community partner, and an economic engine in the region and beyond.

This executive-level position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies that advance institutional priorities, protect and enhance the university's reputation, build Sacramento State's national brand as a recognized leader in academic excellence and student success, and ensure effective communication of university initiatives, achievements, and emergency notifications. The Director initiates and scales positive relationships with media representatives to secure fair and accurate coverage, provides strategic communications counsel to the President and Cabinet, leads crisis communications and reputation management, and produces high-quality professional communications materials. This role requires exceptional judgment, strategic vision, discretion in handling confidential matters, and the ability to operate at the highest levels of university leadership.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in media relations, strategic communications, or equivalent role.
• Experience in executive-level spokesperson roles such as Public Information Officer, crisis communications leadership, and strategic communications counsel to senior leadership.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expert knowledge of strategic communications principles, media relations strategies, and institutional positioning
• Comprehensive knowledge of news media operations, editorial decision-making processes, and evolving media landscape
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft sophisticated messages for diverse audiences under pressure
• Expert editorial judgment with mastery of grammar, spelling, and composition; ability to produce polished, professional communications materials
• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills; ability to assess complex situations, anticipate implications, and develop effective solutions
• Ability to represent the university with credibility and authority in high-stakes situations
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to influence, negotiate, and build trust with diverse stakeholders
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling highly confidential, sensitive, and legally complex matters
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice; ability to communicate effectively across diverse communities
• Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, manage competing priorities, and maintain composure during crises
• Ability to lead and manage a team
• Availability and commitment to respond to urgent matters outside normal business hours as required
• Ability to travel to off-campus locations as needed
• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community

Responsibilities

Note: The job description contains extensive sections on compensation, benefits, department information, and compliance-related statements. The core responsibilities and qualifications below reflect the role as a Director of Media and Public Relations.

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies that advance institutional priorities and protect/enhance the university’s reputation.
• Position Sacramento State’s national brand as a leader in academic excellence and student success; manage media relations and proactive public relations.
• Serve as the institution’s primary spokesperson/Public Information Officer; advise President and Cabinet on strategic communications and crisis response.
• Lead crisis communications and reputation management; ensure timely, accurate emergency communications.
• Produce high-quality professional communications materials and provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership.

Additional Qualifications

Background Check: Ability to pass background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
• Experience working at the executive level in higher education, public sector, or complex organizations.
• Experience managing a team in a unionized environment.

Administrative Details

• FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime compensation)
• Anticipated Hiring Range: $8,334.00 per month - $10,000.00 per month, commensurate with the candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,053 per month - $16,221 per month
• Best-in-class Benefits: Click here to learn more
• CSU Total Compensation: Click here to learn more
• Salary Grade/Range: 1
• Recruitment Type: At-will
• Time Base: Full-Time
• Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, some work during evenings and weekends as needed.

Additional Information

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and cover letter. Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city. The campus is five miles from the State Capitol and situated along the American River. Sacramento, known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is diverse and livable. The university serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and is recognized as a Black-Serving Institution. The university enrolls around 31,000 students with 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff.

For more information about the university’s mission and values, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants 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. The university provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. For details, visit the CSU benefits page.

Jeanne Clery Act Notification

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at the CSU Clery page. The report contains policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, and crime prevention materials. Paper copies are available upon request. Some positions may be designated as Campus Security Authority (CSA); if so, you will be notified and trained accordingly.

Background Check Disclaimer: A background check must be completed satisfactorily before any offer of employment. Failure to do so may affect the application status.

Out of State Employment: Sacramento State is a State of California Employer. All employees must reside in California on date of hire, in accordance with CSU policy.

Eligibility Verification: Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. The university is not a sponsoring agency for H-1B visas.

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