Application Process
For full consideration, please submit an application, along with a cover letter and resume.
Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Marketing Manager, the Marketing and Communications Specialist is responsible for working fairly autonomously under general supervision and exercising judgment to support a broad range of projects involving the execution of public affairs, media relations, publications development, marketing and research. The incumbent creates and implements integrated marketing and communication plans and related projects for multiple University departments within Entrepreneurial Activities and portions of Student Affairs. The Marketing and Communications Specialist functions as an account coordinator, may provide project leadership to less experienced staff, and serves as an internal liaison between multiple University departments and the Entrepreneurial Activities marketing department. The incumbent works independently as well as collaboratively to create materials and messages for various channels (e.g., print, web, graphics, social media, email, and video) while upholding department and SSU brand and accessibility standards. Work involves frequent contact with university management, faculty and staff.
Key Qualifications
This position requires knowledge of the fundamentals of marketing, public affairs and/or media relations, online and social media marketing and marketing research. This background is normally 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 are required. Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration/Marketing/Communications and Media Studies or a related field highly preferred. Higher education experience highly preferred. Knowledge of making branding and marketing decisions based on analytics and trend data and thorough knowledge of and the ability to use "social networking speak" and online language in a correct and authentic manner highly preferred. Experience creating marketing proposals, creating effective video marketing campaigns; and creating digital, print, web, social media and email marketing strongly preferred.
Salary and Benefits
Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $4,146 to $5,035 a month. This is a full time, exempt position, which will lead toward permanent status following the successful completion of a probationary period.
This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer.
A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.
For eligible employees, CSUEU collective bargaining agreement Article 17.10 will be honored.
Supplemental Information
Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community.
The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be 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.
Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all faculty, staff, administrators, and students who are accessing campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to continue to help us protect and maintain a healthy Seawolf Community. More information related to campus level requirements can be found here: https://risk.sonoma.edu/covid-compliance-and-monitoring-office.
CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.
Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).
Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.
For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu. The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.
Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.
Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at https://housing.sonoma.edu/compliance-data/2024-campus-housing-fire-safety-report. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at housing@sonoma.edu.
