Senior Manager, Public Affairs

Job No: 557434 Work type:
Management (MPP)

Location:

Chancellor's Office Categories: MPP, Administrative, At‑Will, Full Time

Senior Manager, Public Affairs

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

• 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)

• 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 communications 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 education).
• Cultivate relationships and partnerships with CSU campus communications officers and legislative liaisons.

• 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.

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by May 12, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager at (562) 951‑4070.

This position requires new hire employment verification to be processed through the E‑Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security; the CSU Chancellor’s Office is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e., H1‑B visas).

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.