Marketing and Communications Specialist

Company Description
The Cal Poly Strawberry Center, founded in 2014, is a collaborative partnership between Cal Poly and the California Strawberry Commission. The center is distinguished by Cal Poly’s “learn by doing” philosophy, offering immersive, hands‑on experiences for undergraduate and graduate students. Its core mission is applied research that directly supports teaching, learning, and innovation in strawberry production. Faculty, students, and California strawberry growers work together to address practical industry challenges and advance sustainable practices. This unique environment provides team members with opportunities to contribute to impactful research while engaging with both academic and industry partners.

SUMMARY
The Marketing & Communications Specialist is responsible for leading the Strawberry Center's communications, marketing, sponsorship, and stakeholder engagement efforts. Working collaboratively with Center leadership, the incumbent develops and implements communication and outreach strategies that strengthen relationships with industry partners, sponsors, donors, researchers, students, and other stakeholders. Responsibilities include management of sponsorship and donor stewardship activities, development of strategic communications and marketing initiatives, oversight of digital and print communications, website and social media management, and promotion of Center programs, research, and events. The position exercises independent judgment in developing messaging, identifying target audiences, coordinating outreach efforts, and enhancing the visibility and impact of the Center.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and implement communication and outreach strategies that support the Strawberry Center’s mission, programs, research initiatives, and events.

Serve as a communications liaison with industry partners, sponsors, donors, researchers, students, and other stakeholders.

Develop messaging and communication plans that strengthen stakeholder engagement and increase awareness of Center activities.

Coordinate sponsor recognition and donor stewardship communications.

Manage and maintain the Center website, ensuring content is accurate, current, and aligned with Center priorities.

Develop, write, edit, and distribute content for newsletters, email campaigns, blogs, web stories, and other communications.

Manage the Center’s social media platforms, including content planning, scheduling, and audience engagement.

Monitor communication performance metrics and recommend improvements to increase reach and engagement.

Create and maintain marketing collateral across digital and print formats, including brochures, flyers, presentations, signage, and promotional materials.

Ensure consistent branding, messaging, and visual identity across all Center communications.

Coordinate photography, videography, and multimedia content development to support outreach and promotional efforts.

Develop and manage content for the Center’s annual report and other reports and publications.

Develop and execute marketing and promotional campaigns for Field Day, workshops, conferences, seminars, and other Center events.

Coordinate sponsor communications, recognition materials, and promotional benefits associated with Center events and initiatives.

Support stakeholder outreach and engagement efforts related to event participation and sponsorship opportunities.

Develop event communication materials before, during, and after Center events.

Maintain communication calendars, marketing schedules, and project timelines.

Conduct basic market research and evaluate communication and engagement trends to improve outreach effectiveness.

Collaborate with Center leadership, faculty, staff, students, and external partners to support strategic communication and engagement goals.

Exercise independent judgment in developing communication materials, identifying target audiences, and recommending communication strategies.

Maintain awareness of current marketing, communications, social media, and stakeholder engagement best practices.

Perform other communications, marketing, outreach and stakeholder engagement duties in support of the Center’s mission and strategic initiatives.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Graphic Communication, Journalism, or related field.

Experience with social media management, website updates, and digital communications.

Experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design software.

Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills.

Photography, videography, and basic video editing experience preferred.

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with minimal supervision.

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.

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS

Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.

Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.

Seeing to read a variety of materials.

Sitting or standing for extended period of time.

Physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height.

Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.

Hourly Rate:

$32.00–$35.00 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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