Senior Manager, Public Affairs

About the role

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Senior Manager, Public Affairs to develop, implement and lead media and communications strategies to further the advocacy goals of the CSU. This includes proactive strategies to help shape the narrative around state and federal legislation and policies that supports student success, and conversely, raising awareness about legislation and policies that creates challenges to it.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, Media Relations and Public Affairs, the Senior Manager, Public Affairs will:

• Work collaboratively with other members of Strategic Communications and Brand Marketing, Advocacy State Relations, Federal Relations, and other departments within the Chancellor's Office to identify opportunities to build multi-platform campaigns, leverage third-party advocates and spokespeople.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, ensuring 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.
• Write and develop fact sheets, newsletters, web stories, social media posts and other pieces 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.
• Ability 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.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Ability 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.

Pay

Anticipated salary hiring range is up to $114,660 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Schedule

Flexibility to telecommute two days a week, with three days on-site at the main headquarters in Long Beach, California.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Generous vacation plan
• 15 paid holidays a year
• Tuition waiver education program (also applies to eligible family members)
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)