Job Details

Salary:

Salary Range: $3,515 - $5,993 per month
Anticipated Hiring Range: $3,515 - $4,166 per month

Note: This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position.

Organizational Description:

At the heart of Fresno State, the College of Arts and Humanities is the largest academic unit and the most comprehensive in California's San Joaquin Valley. It is a stimulating center of intellectual and cultural activity, dedicated to academic excellence, integrity, intellectual freedom, and civic and cultural engagement with the Valley. The College includes the departments of Art and Design; Communication; English; Linguistics; Media, Communications and Journalism; Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures; Music; Philosophy; and Theatre Arts (including Dance), as well as programs for Armenian Studies, Classical Studies, Interdisciplinary Humanities, College Honors, and study abroad programs to countries around the world. A number of special programs also enhance the education provided, including the Center for Creativity of the Arts, the Ethics Center, the Middle East Studies Program, Peach Blossom Festival, and Theatre for Young Audiences.

The College also supports the following facilities: the Advising and Support Center; four art galleries including the Phebe Conley Art Gallery; 16 discipline-specific computer labs; a tutorial Writing Center; a concert hall and the Wahlberg Recital Hall; a fully-equipped John Wright Theatre and the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Arena Theatre; dance, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics studios; a foundry; television and film production studios; KFSR radio station; and smart classrooms. Under the Dean and Associate Dean, the College employs approximately 150 full-time faculty members and over 160 additional employees that include part-time faculty, graduate assistants and graduate teaching associates, as well as clerical and technical staff.

Each year faculty members produce a wide variety of creative activities and research projects with national and international impact. The College's alumni are leaders in our community and successful in a wide variety of fields. The English Department publishes a literary magazine, The Normal School, and the College operates the only university press in the CSU, The Press at California State University, Fresno.

Overview:

Under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities or his designee and in consultation with the Dean, Associate Dean, or other appropriate managers of the College of Arts and Humanities, this position is responsible for media relations and the creation and dissemination of increasingly complex communications projects for the College, its departments and centers, and other College-related entities. This position creates, manages, and implements media updates, working closely with University Communications, and maintains strong relationships with department chairs, center directors, and the development director in promoting the College's activities and accomplishments to its students, faculty, the University community, the San Joaquin Valley, and CAH alumni. Responsibilities include media relations and the creation and dissemination of communications on behalf of the College while assisting College departments and programs with messaging in their specific units. This position researches, creates, manages, and implements media updates, manages digital signage, promotes the College through social media, and maintains strong relationships with the University and community. The successful candidate is expected to work closely with University Communications and other academic communication specialists to ensure that proper branding is followed and a consistent campus strategy is developed and executed to advance the academic mission of the College and the University. Work is performed autonomously under general supervision and requires regular exercising of judgment and discretion to interpret policies, procedures, and objectives. Work is reviewed for its soundness of judgment and effectiveness.

Position Summary:

• After consultation with the Dean or his designees, independently perform specialized or varied communication assignments related to College public affairs, media relations, publications development, and marketing and research.
• Act as media spokesperson when requested by the Dean or Associate Dean.
• Working closely with University Communications, create and deliver press releases on fresh story ideas regarding all aspects of the College.
• Promote the College in national, regional, and local press.
• Conduct media outreach to build relationships and credibility with the media. Monitor social media streams and make Dean and Associate Dean aware of any news important to Arts and Humanities and Fresno State.
• Create College literature showcasing the College's students, faculty, and staff in print and other forms of communication, including the College's blog, social media communications, and a biannual electronic newsletter for current students, campus, alumni, and community.
• Collaborate with designers, photographers, faculty, and others on the theme, design, and content of print and electronic publications to maximize impact.
• Edit, proofread, and revise communications as well as other materials assigned by the Dean or Associate Dean.
• Promote College services to students using social media tools, the College and department websites, and other outlets as appropriate.
• Conduct research for stories by interviewing chairs, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and volunteers. Research and write articles for print and digital media. Deliver press releases and new story ideas regarding the College and its faculty and students.
• Promote the College and its programs and activities to campus and off-campus entities such as community members, government, arts and humanities organizations or foundations, and other agencies.
• Update the College of Arts and Humanities blog frequently by researching, writing, and publishing new stories.
• Promote College projects and initiatives via outreach and marketing to schools, community colleges, government agencies, and the community at large.
• Maintain the College and The Press websites and update data on a regular basis.
• Help the College's departments with managing their websites and updating data on a regular basis.
• Photography and video filming and editing skills as needed to enhance blog entries and newsletter each semester.
• Manage the College's social media accounts: post new content frequently and facilitate conversations with patrons via social media outlets.
• Assist in the management of the College's digital signage; develop visually appealing and informative content.
• Build PR relationships with University Communications, and other academic/student units.
• Build PR relationships with entities in the community and other College partners.
• Assist in PR and outreach for College's events, programs, conferences, etc.
• Assist College Development Office on donor/community outreach and events.
• Help with the planning, coordinating and promoting of College events and programs independently and as needed in collaboration with other College colleagues.
• Perform other duties and/or tasks that may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to use effectively media outlets including planning media coverage and media outlets including planning media coverage and media publicity campaigns for the university and events
• Thorough knowledge of web communication techniques, vehicles and formats
• Working knowledge of protocols and etiquette related to public relations and media relations
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong public speaking, listening and interpretive skills
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Keep abreast of campus events and subject matter expertise in relation to current events to identify and capitalize on media opportunities that will promote the university and increase positive media coverage
  • Build and manage more sophisticated media contacts
  • Research and repurpose various content for social media posting
  • Effectively use web technology to achieve communication goals
  • Effectively manage social media relations and apply effective social media strategies and techniques
  • Manage multiple, concurrent research and writing assignments, working successfully under deadline
  • Work independently and take initiative to develop projects, find resources, solve problems, anticipate issues, and obtain information
  • Appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information
  • Understand issues from a broad, strategic perspective
  • Work unusual and/or extended hours as necessary
• A history of regular attendance and positive performance appraisals

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or comparable experience in the field
• Two years minimum of proven experience in the field of social media, media relations, website design and management, publications development, marketing and research, and/or donor cultivation

Specialized Skills:

• Six months of experience with graphic design
• Six months of experience with video editing
• Six months of experience with blogs

Preferred Skills:

• Two or more years of experience in journalism or public relations
• One or more years of experience in social media
• Experience writing in AP style
• Knowledge of the local media market
• Familiarity with Fresno State