Senior Marketing and Communications Strategist (Marketing Communications Profess

Position Summary
San Diego State University’s University Relations and Development (URAD) division is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Senior Marketing and Communications Strategist to lead strategic communication efforts that engage and inspire SDSU’s alumni community. This role plays a key part in shaping how alumni connect with the university, strengthening lifelong relationships, fostering pride, and supporting engagement, membership, and philanthropic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and lead integrated marketing strategies that support alumni engagement, membership growth, and fundraising initiatives.

Oversee multi-channel campaigns across email, digital, social, and web platforms.

Establish content strategy and editorial planning, including large-scale alumni communications.

Content, Brand & Digital Experience

Direct storytelling initiatives that highlight alumni impact and strengthen community engagement.

Guide the strategy and continuous improvement of digital platforms, including websites and online communities.

Ensure brand consistency and alignment across all marketing channels and materials.

Provide direction to marketing staff and student team members, including assigning work, setting priorities, and supporting development.

Partner with campus stakeholders and development teams to align messaging, timelines, and campaign goals.

Review and guide marketing content, campaigns, and deliverables to ensure quality, effectiveness, and brand compliance.

Performance, Partnerships & Resource Management

Monitor campaign performance metrics and adjust strategies to optimize engagement and results.

Manage marketing budgets, vendor relationships, and external partnerships to support campaign success.

Oversee contracts, timelines, and deliverables to ensure projects are executed effectively.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

Meaningful Impact : Play a central role in supporting student success by keeping the campus community informed and connected.

Creative & Collaborative Environment : Work closely with a team of communicators, campus partners, and student assistants.

Professional Growth : Gain experience managing high-profile campaigns across web, email, print, and social media.

Vibrant Campus Community : Contribute to a university that values diversity, innovation, and student achievement.

Position Information

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.

This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Standard SDSU work hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 2 days per week, following a training period during which on‑site presence is required.

Education and Experience
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of relevant 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.

Key Qualifications

Thorough and advanced knowledge and understanding of marketing, branding, communications, public relations, and related roles.

Advanced communication, public, and internal relations skills to effectively represent the university and impact diverse constituencies, oversee the development of effective and compelling materials for diverse audiences and platforms, and engage and collaborate with internal stakeholders and university leadership.

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement integrated marketing strategies that support engagement, membership growth, fundraising initiatives, and revenue generating partnerships while aligning with organizational priorities.

Strong understanding of brand standards and the ability to ensure consistent application of branding across all marketing channels, materials, and digital platforms.

Ability to identify and develop compelling stories that strengthen community connections, highlight impact, and support stewardship, engagement, and fundraising priorities.

Experience developing marketing strategies within higher education, alumni relations, advancement, or nonprofit organizations is preferred.

Experience managing communications for large and diverse constituent audiences, such as alumni or membership communities is preferred.

Familiarity with email marketing platforms, CRM systems, digital analytics tools, and web content management systems is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required
Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits
San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth.

Compensation

Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($6,668/month).

Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,668–$9,714 per month (Step 1–Step 20).

Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes

Generous Time Off : 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Retirement : CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the University of California system.

Health Coverage : Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.

Education Support : CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.

Optional Offerings : FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.

Campus & Community : Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.

SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

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