Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Dean of CLA with lead work direction provided by the Public Affairs/Communication Specialist II of CLA the Digital Communications Specialist uses the college’s digital presence to promote the reputation of the College of Liberal Arts and its programs to external audiences, develop and enhance relationships between the college and its key constituent groups (including current and prospective students, parents/supporters, alumni, friends and donors) and contribute to the success of college’s communication objectives. The primary responsibility will be to develop, consolidate and edit content about the college and its programs for the college website. This includes repurposing existing content and rewriting content to make it more accessible to the college’s audiences and concise to adhere to web best practices.

This is a full-time temporary, 6 month position and is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, vision and CalPERS retirement. 

Department Summary

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) consists of 18 academic departments and programs, with approximately 350 faculty and 70 staff, serving 3,500 students in 18 undergraduate majors, 4 graduate programs, and over 30 minors. The CLA includes disciplines that represent five broad areas of knowledge: the fine and performing arts, communications, the humanities, the social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. In addition to offering courses for its own majors, CLA offers a significant proportion of courses in general education, as well as courses that support minors and serve as electives for all majors throughout the university. The CLA is also home to the foundational disciplines that form the scholarly bases for cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills, making the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion central to the college's curriculum and identity. Further, the CLA plays a significant role in providing activities that enhance the cultural and intellectual environment of the campus, including exhibits and performances offered by our academic departments (e.g., Art, Music, Theatre & Dance) and Cal Poly Arts, cultural programs and lecture series offered by all of our departments, and co-curricular programs such as Mustang Media, Debate, and Model UN. The college's degree program offerings combined with its general education offerings comprise approximately 30% of the university’s instruction. The College of Liberal Arts has the largest general-fund operating budget of all the colleges on campus (about $45 million). The College is also the home of Cal Poly Arts and Spanos Theatre.

Key Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong writing skills, as well as advanced editorial skills.
• Working knowledge of and ability to apply standard theories, practices, principles and techniques related to the operation of the areas of web and social media communication. Basic knowledge of and ability to apply fundamental concepts.
• Understanding of web and social media analytics, to determine where communications and campaigns are succeeding and where and how they can be bolstered.
• Ability to think quickly and create and adjust communications materials under tight deadlines and in evolving circumstances.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism. Thorough knowledge of web communication techniques, vehicles and formats. Ability to effectively use web technology, including a Content Management System (CMS) to achieve communication goals.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university and three years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations or a related field. A graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,167 - $6,488 monthly

Classification Range: $4,146 - $7,500 monthly

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly 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. Cal Poly 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.

Cal Poly 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 activities, faculty initiatives, 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 Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

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.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.