Internal Communications and Media Relations Specialist - University Communications and Marketing

Job Summary

Working with the AVP, UCM senior strategists, and embedded communications and marketing professionals throughout the university, the communications specialist supports development and execution on internal communications plans; and supports division-, college- and office-specific internal communications programming. The specialist also supports the AVP and Communications team in reactive media relations; supports crisis and emergency communications response (including through the university’s Emergency Operations Center); updates and maintains University Communications webpages; and provides editing and review of university communications and publications.

This position is telecommute eligible and will be required to work on-site as scheduled and telecommute as scheduled pursuant to Cal Poly’s Telecommuting and Remote Work Guidelines .

Department Summary

University Communications and Marketing (UCM) serves as the ambassadors, stewards and protectors of Cal Poly’s reputation and brand. We tell the story of what sets the university apart, such as the power of Cal Poly’s hands-on, Learn by Doing philosophy; the achievements of its accomplished students, faculty, staff and alumni; and its spectacular location on the Central Coast of California that allows its university community members to make impacts locally, throughout California and around the world.

Key Qualifications

• Working knowledge of and ability to apply strategic communications principles.
• Demonstrated project coordination skills and ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline driven environment.
• Working knowledge of and ability to apply standard theories, practices, principles and techniques related to strategic communication.
• Demonstrated ability to research and identify communication needs and target audiences.
• Thorough knowledge of web communication techniques, vehicles and formats and ability to effectively use web technology, including social media, to achieve communication goals.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of relevant 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.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $65,940 - $81,984

Classification Range: $62,136 - $90,516 per year

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu .

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

Advertised: Apr 03 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• California Polytechnic State University

• 805-756-2236

Show more