Type of Appointment: Full-Time, Probationary 

Job Classification: Public Affairs/Communications Specialist III 

Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,842 - $5,882 per month 

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, unless otherwise notified 

Recruitment Closing Date: October 1, 2025

 

 

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Strategic Communications (StratComm), in the Office of the President, is Cal Poly Pomona's central communications office responsible for driving clear, consistent and coordinated brand storytelling. StratComm's team informs, engages and inspires internal and external audiences to join Cal Poly Pomona in transforming lives through student success. StratComm's portfolio of responsibilities includes media relations, reputation management, crisis communications, branding, marketing, digital and social media, visual and written storytelling across multiple platforms, executive and internal communications, advancement communications, and graphic design and standards.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Spearhead integrated marketing communications campaigns, leading the development, implementation and evaluation of integrated marketing communications campaigns for internal and external audiences. Acting as the project lead, collaborate with colleagues in Strategic Communications and other divisions to define objectives, develop strategies, and execute creative tactics. Engage university colleagues and external consultants/vendors to facilitate dialogue, solicit input and gain buy-in; clarify deliverables, deadlines, roles and responsibilities; identify goals and methods to measure return on investment; ensure deliverables are produced on time and within budget.
• Create and edit content across multiple platforms that tells the University's story and inspires audiences to attend, work at and/or support the University. Conceive story ideas, gather information, and write marketing content that is accurate, engaging, on-brand, timely and appropriate to the medium. This may involve research, interviewing, data analysis and interpretation, cross-campus collaboration, and curation of relevant information to strengthen storytelling. Create content for marketing collateral, ads, websites, and social media posts, and write scripts for videos. Edit written communications, including articles, newsletters, fundraising proposals, copy for ads, social media. Work with Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy to create new communication vehicles in support of university-wide initiatives and priorities, as appropriate.
• Evaluate outcomes and elevate marketing methods: continuously assess return on investment (ROI) of efforts; recommend and make improvements; identify best practices and help ensure adoption. Analyze and report on outcomes to identify takeaways and make recommendations; monitor and employ emerging and effective strategies within the field; advocate and educate on the importance of adopting current and sophisticated approaches across the university. In collaboration with the Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy and Digital Marketing Data Analytics Specialist, create ROI metrics and performance indicators for integrated marketing communications, both for individual pieces and for targeted campaigns.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree - This background normally is obtained through a college degree, which includes relevant coursework in the field
• Driver License, Valid and in State 
• Entry to the first level within this classification requires knowledge of the fundamentals of public affairs and/or media relations, and/or some exposure to marketing and marketing research. This background normally is obtained through a college degree, which includes relevant coursework in the field, and up to two years of related professional or technical experience. In addition, strong written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication vehicles are essential to initial entry to this classification and
• Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of communication, public affairs, media and/or marketing theories and concepts in order to develop and execute communication strategies and plans to promote and position the university. Expert knowledge of university communication objectives and ability to translate them into effective communication and media campaigns. Ability to understand issues from a broad, strategic perspective. Thorough knowledge of applicable copyright, creative commons and other applicable laws pertaining to publications and the news media. Ability to effectively manage media relations and apply effective media strategies and techniques. Demonstrated ability to market story concepts to university officials and media outlets. Comprehensive knowledge of marketing research techniques and methods. Ability to use market research to enhance the impact of communication strategies and campaigns. Working knowledge of appropriate use of statistical techniques. Expert networking and interpersonal skills including strong consultative and persuasive skills to work with internal and external constituents and the media. Strong story development and journalistic writing skills, as well as advanced editorial skills. Knowledge of interview techniques and the ability to define and deliver media messages. Ability to analyze and select pertinent facts and integrate them into communication vehicles. Exceptional interpersonal and interpretive skills. Ability to provide lead work direction and possibly mentorship. Expert writing and editorial skills. Demonstrated organizational skills.

 

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in commercial or nonprofit marketing, University Advancement marketing, or public relations with demonstrated excellence in storytelling and project management, including the ability to set priorities and manage multiple projects on deadline.
• Demonstrated success in establishing productive relationships with colleagues, marketing professionals, donors and stakeholders in the region.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when required internally and across divisions.
• A spirit of entrepreneurship manifested in researching, creating, nurturing, and bringing to fruition new approaches to university marketing and advertising.
• A clear understanding of Cal Poly Pomona's strategic mission and knowledge of University and division objectives to translate them into effective marketing/advertising campaigns.
• Knowledge of search engine optimization and paid search.
• An understanding of media mix optimization, inbound marketing and influencer marketing.

 

 

Compensation Notice

This position is offered under the CSU classification and salary structure in effect at the time of posting. Please note that the CSU compensation system for this classification will transition to a step-based structure following implementation effective October 1, 2025. Employees in this classification will move to the step system and Marketing Communications Professional III after hire, in accordance with CSU guidelines.

 

Out of State Work

The California State University (CSU) system is a network of twenty-three public universities providing access to a quality education through the support of California taxpayers. Part of CSU’s mission is to prepare educated, responsible individuals to contribute to California’s schools, economy, culture, and future. As an agency of the State of California, the CSU’s business operations almost exclusively reside within California.   The CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. For more information, go to the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy. 

 

Background Check

Cal Poly Pomona will make a conditional offer of employment to final job candidates, pending the satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). The conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. In determining the suitability of the candidate for the position, Cal Poly Pomona will give an individualized assessment to any information that the applicant submits for consideration regarding the criminal conviction history such as the nature, gravity and recency of the conviction, the candidate’s conduct, performance or rehabilitation efforts since the conviction and the nature of the job applied for. For more information, go to the CSU Background Check Policy.

 

CSU Classification Salary Range

This position is part of the California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) bargaining unit 9. The CSU Classification Standards for this position are located on the CSU Classification Standards website. The CSU Salary Schedule is located on the CSU Salary Schedule website. The classification salary range for this position according to the respective skill level is: minimum $4,842 and maximum $8,759 per month. Please refer to the anticipated hiring range for the appropriate salary rate for this particular position.

 

Employment Eligibility Verification

Cal Poly Pomona hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  For more information, go to the Acceptable I-9 website. 

 

University Driving Requirements

Positions that require driving for university business by using a personal or state vehicle must comply with the Authorized University Driver Policy. Driving records are monitored and evaluated by the Risk Management Department. The Risk Management Department evaluates a good driving report based on the following criteria. The driver must: 1. Have a valid California or other State Driver’s license. 2. Have no more than 3 motor vehicle violations or been the cause of 3 accidents in a 12-month period (or any combination of 3 thereof) 3. Not have more than 3 DMV Points, if their license is Class C or, 4. Not have more than 5 DMV Points, if their license is Class A, B, or C with endorsements. For more information, go to the Authorized University Driver Policy.

 

Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA)

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. See policy at the Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting policy.

 

Security & Fire Safety 

In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report are available for viewing at: https://www.cpp.edu/pdfs/annual_security_report.pdf and https://www.cpp.edu/housing/documents/fire_safety_report.pdf.

 

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination

As a federal contractor, Cal Poly Pomona will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.  For more information, see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision poster.

 

Reasonable Accommodation

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the ADA Coordinator by email at ADACoordinator@cpp.edu. For more information, go to Employment Notices.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in 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 employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Pomona 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. 

 

Other Notices

For other important employment notices, we invite you to visit Cal Poly Pomona’s Employment Notices web page.