Media Relations Specialist

Apply now Job no: 556994
Work type: Staff
Location: Fresno
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Marketing/Communications
Position Description

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $5,877 to $5,994 per month

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,877 to $8,561 per month

This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position.

Positions at Fresno State are to perform their work onsite. Some positions, depending upon University needs and operations, may be eligible for remote work, one day per week, pursuant to Fresno State's remote work guidelines and the CSU policy.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program.

The Media Relations Specialist serves as the university’s primary contact with external media sources. The position works to protect the reputation of the university and reflect institutional strategic priorities. The position conducts media outreach, maintains relationships with reporters, responds to media inquiries in a timely manner, and develops, positions and pitches stories to news outlets. The Media Relations Specialist organizes and manages press conferences and media events.

In addition, the Media Relations Specialist maintains the university’s experts list, connects experts with media and provides media training. The Media Relations Specialist writes and distributes press releases, media advisories, news tips and other stories on behalf of the university. This position also participates in the emergency operations center in times of crisis and helps support strategic communications efforts.

• Thorough understanding of media relations strategies and techniques.
• Knowledge of copyright law, media best practices and accessibility in communications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to demonstrate journalistic style competency.
• Ability to manage multiple, concurrent writing assignments, working successfully under deadline.
• Ability to build and manage strong relationships with media contacts.
• Technical skills to use web-based platforms, including Google Workspace (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, etc.), content management systems, software applications, project management platforms, databases and other tools.

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communications, or a related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible professional experience in news writing, crisis communications, public relations or related experience.
  • Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status.

Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Applications received by April 21, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.