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Media Relations Specialist

Media Relations Specialist (Marketing Communications Professional III)

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring salary range is $5,877 to $5,994 per month (Steps 1
-2), commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary range for this classification is $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. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

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.

Key Qualifications

• 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.

Education and Experience

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as media liaison for an organization.
• Experience/background in higher education.
• Experience and competence in working with culturally diverse internal and external audiences.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Department Summary

University Marketing and Communications is Fresno State's central strategic marketing and communications office. Housed in the Office of the President, University Marketing and Communications (Mar Comm) develops and distributes compelling content that builds trust, understanding and support for the university. Mar Comm tells the Fresno State story and engages a broad range of key audiences, championing Bulldog spirit and elevating the institutional brand locally, nationally and across the globe.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by July 22, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee. Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee. Please click "Apply Now" to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following:
1) their most recent resumé/vitae,
2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and
3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 22 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state,…