Senior Manager, Public Affairs

About the role

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, seeks a Senior Manager, Public Affairs to develop, implement, and lead media and communications strategies to support the advocacy goals of the CSU. This role will also involve shaping the narrative around state and federal legislation and policies that impact student success, and raising awareness about those that pose challenges.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with other members of Strategic Communications and Brand Marketing, Advocacy State Relations, and other departments within the Chancellor’s Office to identify opportunities to build multi-platform campaigns.
• Leverage third-party advocates and spokespeople to ensure the CSU's voice, tone, and strategic priorities are effectively communicated to external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the marketing and internal communications teams to ensure consistency of messaging across external channels, including social media and press releases.
• Gather testimonials and data related to legislative priorities.
• Monitor current and upcoming state and federal legislation and policy changes that require a CSU comms strategy.
• Develop, implement, and lead comprehensive media and public affairs communications strategies for legislative and policy priorities.
• Write press pitches and press releases as needed; ghost-write/edit op-eds.
• Create and develop fact sheets, newsletters, web stories, social media posts, and other forms of communication.
• Cultivate relationships with appropriate beat reporters (i.e., Sacramento, DC, higher ed).
• Cultivate relationships and partnerships with CSU campus communications officers and legislative liaisons.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related communications field is required.
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible public relations experience.
• At least 4 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, public affairs, and/or similar roles.
• Experience working with California media covering public policy, advocacy, and politics.
• Proven track record of securing major media coverage.
• Strategic thinker and effective project manager who can work independently and collaboratively to find solutions.
• Self-motivated and able to take ownership for delivering projects with a high degree of autonomy.
• Thorough knowledge of best practices for public affairs in order to maximize the CSU’s presence in national, regional, and trade media outlets.
• Exceptional writing and communications skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Able to rapidly acquire knowledge about the system, policies, and campuses with the ability to translate this information into messages that advance the good reputation of the university.
• Able to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Able to work with executive leadership, legislators, influencers, writers, editors, graphic designers, web developers, photographers, and members of the media.
• Discretion in managing confidential and sensitive matters.