Communications Specialist (Public Affairs/Communication Specialist III)

Position Summary

Join San Diego State University's dynamic Athletic Communications team as our

Communications Coordinator

, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of SDSU Athletics.

The Athletic Communications Office stands at the heart of SDSU's sports programs, bridging the gap between our athletic achievements and media coverage. We manage comprehensive communications strategies, from crafting compelling press releases and coordinating high-profile media events to maintaining historical records and delivering engaging digital content across multiple platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as co-primary media contact for Football and primary contact for Cross Country and Track & Field programs.

Lead strategic communications for Olympic sports programs.

Develop and manage editorial content for media guides and game programs.

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Position Summary

Join San Diego State University's dynamic Athletic Communications team as our

Communications Coordinator

, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of SDSU Athletics.

The Athletic Communications Office stands at the heart of SDSU's sports programs, bridging the gap between our athletic achievements and media coverage. We manage comprehensive communications strategies, from crafting compelling press releases and coordinating high-profile media events to maintaining historical records and delivering engaging digital content across multiple platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as co-primary media contact for Football and primary contact for Cross Country and Track & Field programs.

Lead strategic communications for Olympic sports programs.

Develop and manage editorial content for media guides and game programs.

Coordinate game-day press operations and media relations.

Create engaging content for digital platforms and social media.

Maintain statistical records and historical data.

Spearhead website management in partnership with SIDEARM.

Participate in department-wide strategic planning initiatives.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to showcase SDSU's athletic excellence while working alongside passionate sports professionals in a collegiate environment -

Apply now!

Position Information

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2026, 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 work evenings, weekends, and travel)

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 450 student-athletes, and 17 offices in the department. The offices include the following: The Aztec Club, Administration, Athletic Medicine, Business Office, Communications, Compliance, Corporate Sales, Development, Equipment, Event Management/Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, 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 are essential to initial entry to this classification.

Key Qualifications

Minimum of three years experience in an NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics media relations office or professional sports team at a high level (e.g., MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL).

Able to advise high-profile coaches and student-athletes with interview techniques and utilize the media option(s) to best highlight his/her positives.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, and InDesign/QuarkXpress, website maintenance.

Knowledge of statistical programs.

Experience working directly with a football or men’s basketball team, or a professional equivalent. Experience working with track & field teams.

Experience in building a network of members of the national media and have the ability to utilize these contacts for the benefit of the university.

Demonstrated ability to keep informed of Athletic Department events and to identify and capitalize on media opportunities that will promote the Athletic Department and increase positive media coverage.

Strong social media skills with knowledge of all applicable programs and applications.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in the completion of assignments and projects.

Ability to project a professional attitude and appearance. Demonstration of ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and communicate successfully with media, student-athletes, co-workers, administrators, staff, coaches, university personnel, and various community constituencies.

Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved, prioritizing, and completing projects accurately and timely, and making reliable decisions under pressure. Ability to apply a high degree of judgment, discretion, and initiative in coordinating activities associated with the Communications office.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $5,054 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: $4,842 - $8,759 per month.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

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.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) 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. SDSU 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.

SDSU 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 SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by May 20, 2025 to ensure full consideration.

Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and 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 .

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu .

Apply Now

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