Media Relations Specialist

Marketing Communications Professional III
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated hiring salary range is $5,877 to $5,994 per month (Steps 1–2), commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The salary range for this classification is $5,877 to $8,561 per month.

This is a full‑time, probationary, exempt position.

Positions at Fresno State are to perform their work onsite. Some positions are eligible for remote work one day per week, pursuant to Fresno State’s remote work guidelines and the CSU policy.

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 per year. Eligible employees can also participate in the fee‑waiver education program.

Job Summary
The Media Relations Specialist serves as the university’s primary contact with external media sources. The position works to protect the reputation of the university and reflect institutional strategic priorities. The specialist conducts media outreach, maintains relationships with reporters, responds to media inquiries in a timely manner, develops, positions and pitches stories to news outlets, organizes and manages press conferences and media events, maintains the university’s experts list, connects experts with media and provides media training, writes and distributes press releases, media advisories, news tips and other stories on behalf of the university, participates in the emergency operations center during crises and supports strategic communications efforts.

Responsibilities and 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 demonstrate journalistic style competency.

Ability to manage multiple, concurrent writing assignments, working successfully under deadline.

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, software applications, project management platforms, databases and other tools.

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 demonstrating acquired knowledge and abilities may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis. An advanced degree may be substituted for the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience serving as media liaison for an organization.

Experience or background in higher education.

Experience and competence in working with culturally diverse internal and external audiences.

Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose by contacting the Human Resources Department at (559) 278‑2032.

Title IX
Please view the Notice of Non‑Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix

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