Director of Media and Public Relations

About the role

The Director of Media and Public Relations serves as a senior member of the university's communication executive leadership team and is the institution's primary spokesperson/Public Information Officer. Working closely with the Associate Vice President of University Communications and the University Communications team, the Director develops and executes comprehensive communications strategies that promote Sacramento State as a vibrant, welcoming campus, an engaged community partner, and an economic engine in the region and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Strategically positions positive news and facilitates proactive public relations
• Develops and implements comprehensive communications strategies
• Builds Sacramento State's national brand as a recognized leader in academic excellence and student success
• Ensures effective communication of university initiatives, achievements, and emergency notifications
• Initiates and scales positive relationships with media representatives
• Provides strategic communications counsel to the President and Cabinet
• Leads crisis communications and reputation management
• Produces high-quality professional communications materials

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in media relations, strategic communications, or equivalent role
• Experience in executive-level spokesperson roles such as Public Information Officer, crisis communications leadership, and strategic communications counsel to senior leadership

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of strategic communications principles, media relations strategies, and institutional positioning
• Comprehensive knowledge of news media operations, editorial decision-making processes, and evolving media landscape
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft sophisticated messages for diverse audiences under pressure
• Expert editorial judgment with mastery of grammar, spelling, and composition; ability to produce polished, professional communications materials
• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills; ability to assess complex situations, anticipate implications, and develop effective solutions
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to influence, negotiate, and build trust with diverse stakeholders
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling highly confidential, sensitive, and legally complex matters
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice; ability to communicate effectively across diverse communities
• Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, manage competing priorities, and maintain composure during crises
• Availability and commitment to respond to urgent matters outside normal business hours as required
• Ability to lead and manage a team
• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community

Skills

• Expert knowledge of strategic communications principles, media relations strategies, and institutional positioning
• Comprehensive knowledge of news media operations, editorial decision-making processes, and evolving media landscape
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft sophisticated messages for diverse audiences under pressure
• Expert editorial judgment with mastery of grammar, spelling, and composition; ability to produce polished, professional communications materials
• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills; ability to assess complex situations, anticipate implications, and develop effective solutions
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to influence, negotiate, and build trust with diverse stakeholders
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling highly confidential, sensitive, and legally complex matters

Benefits

Best-in-class benefits are provided, including:

• Flexible work schedule
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development opportunities

Pay

$8,334.00 per month - $10,000.00 per month, commensurate with the candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

Schedule

Full-time, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, some work during evenings and weekends as needed.

Department Information

The mission of University Communications is to raise awareness and build a positive perception of Sacramento State with local, regional, state, and national audiences through news, stories, visuals, and campaigns while boosting campus and community pride. As part of the Division of the President, University Communications is responsible for promoting and protecting the University. We oversee news and media relations, crisis communications, social media and multimedia, marketing and branding, and strategic publications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in media relations, strategic communications, or equivalent role
• Experience in executive-level spokesperson roles such as Public Information Officer, crisis communications leadership, and strategic communications counsel to senior leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field
• Experience working at the executive level in higher education, public sector, or complex organizations
• Experience managing a team in a unionized environment