Position Summary

The San Diego State University Athletic Media Relations Office has the primary responsibility for publicity of the Athletic Department’s varsity sports programs. It serves as a liaison between the Athletic Department and the media. In line with those duties, the office publishes weekly press releases, coordinates press conferences for major announcements, maintains historical records and data, maintains up-to-date photo files, maintains current team statistics, oversees department’s website, publishes the department’s printed materials, handles staging as it relates to media needs for home athletic events, arranges interviews for athletes and department personnel with local and national media representatives, seeks to procure publicity for athletic teams, coaches staff, and student-athletes, and prepares information contained in game day programs.

Under general supervision of the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Communications and Media Relations, the Media Relations Specialist will be the primary contact for a variety of assigned varsity sports. This position will help build and execute social media strategy for the official Athletics department accounts through research and platform determination, while being informed by social media metrics. This position requires an individual with the ability to effectively integrate pre-established concepts with new and refreshing outlooks while managing the publicity for various teams. The incumbent is the primary contact for several sports teams in the department. This position is in charge of content creation and writing copy for media guides and game programs; the coordination of game press operations for assigned sports; weekly news releases; determining photographic needs for assigned sports; maintaining and updating statistical records; and maintaining a website for assigned programs with accurate and current information. The incumbent will also assist others in the Media Relations office on a variety of projects.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position anticipated to end on December 31, 2024, with the possibility of reappointment. This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends.

The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Department of Athletics, utilizing the services of over 150 employees, is responsible for the intercollegiate athletics program at San Diego State University. Currently, there are 18 sport programs, approximately 550 student-athletes, and 17 offices in the department. The offices include the following: The Aztec Club/Development, Administration, Athletic Medicine, Business Office, Compliance, External Corporate Sales, Equipment, Event Management/Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Media Relations, Strength and Conditioning, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Ticket Office, and Video.

For more information regarding the Athletics department, click here.

Education and Experience

Knowledge of the fundamentals of public affairs and/or media relations, and/or some exposure to marketing and marketing research. This background normally is obtained through a college degree, which includes relevant coursework in the field, and up to two years of related professional or technical experience. In addition, strong written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication vehicles.

Key Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, QuarkXPress, website maintenance and statistical programs.
• Knowledge of various social media platforms.
• Experience with interview techniques.
• Two years of experience working in an athletic media relations office (college or professional) is preferred.
• Familiarity and experience creating social media content, including campaigns and graphics.
• Basic knowledge and experience with NCAA rules and regulations.
• Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands involve, prioritizing and completing projects accurately and timely, and making reliable decisions under pressure.
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $3,950 per month.

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,761 - $6,803 per month.

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. For more information, click here.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on February 19, 2024. To receive full consideration, apply by February 18, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.

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.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU 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. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu.