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Senior Marketing and Communications Strategist (Marketing Communications Professional IV)

Job No: 557407
Work Type: Staff
Locations: Southern California: San Diego
Categories: Bargaining Unit: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Appointment Type: Probationary, Time Basis: Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline: Marketing/Communications, Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac): Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)




Position Summary
San Diego State University's University Relations and Development (URAD) division is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Senior Marketing and Communications Strategist to lead strategic communication efforts that engage and inspire SDSU's alumni community. This role plays a key part in shaping how alumni connect with the university, strengthening lifelong relationships, fostering pride, and supporting engagement, membership, and philanthropic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Marketing Strategy & Campaign Leadership
  • Develop and lead integrated marketing strategies that support alumni engagement, membership growth, and fundraising initiatives.
  • Oversee multi-channel campaigns across email, digital, social, and web platforms.
  • Establish content strategy and editorial planning, including large-scale alumni communications.
• Content, Brand & Digital Experience
  • Direct storytelling initiatives that highlight alumni impact and strengthen community engagement.
  • Guide the strategy and continuous improvement of digital platforms, including websites and online communities.
  • Ensure brand consistency and alignment across all marketing channels and materials.
• Leadership & Collaboration
  • Provide direction to marketing staff and student team members, including assigning work, setting priorities, and supporting development.
  • Partner with campus stakeholders and development teams to align messaging, timelines, and campaign goals.
  • Review and guide marketing content, campaigns, and deliverables to ensure quality, effectiveness, and brand compliance.
• Performance, Partnerships & Resource Management
  • Monitor campaign performance metrics and adjust strategies to optimize engagement and results.
  • Manage marketing budgets, vendor relationships, and external partnerships to support campaign success.
  • Oversee contracts, timelines, and deliverables to ensure projects are executed effectively.

Why You'll Love Working with Us:

• Meaningful Impact: Play a central role in supporting student success by keeping the campus community informed and connected.
• Creative & Collaborative Environment: Work closely with a team of communicators, campus partners, and student assistants.
• Professional Growth: Gain experience managing high-profile campaigns across web, email, print, and social media.
• Vibrant Campus Community: Contribute to a university that values diversity, innovation, and student achievement.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it's like to work at the CSU-watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• 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.  
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 2 days per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary
University Relations and Development (URAD) shares the university's vision and mission underscored in the 2020 five-year strategic plan. The plan identifies five strategic priorities including: Becoming a Premier Public Research University: A New Kind of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI); Resilience. Designed to Thrive; We Are SDSU; Equity and Inclusion in Everything We Do; and Students at Our Core.

Units of URAD work together to create enduring relationships with alumni, parents, donors, students and the community to generate private support for SDSU students, faculty and a diverse number of programs. URAD handles a range of services encompassing stewardship, events, gift administration, communications and more.  The departments of Development, SDSU Alumni, Planned and Annual Giving, Special Events and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Financial Management, Data Management, Prospect Research and Management and Operations are making a tangible difference in the lives of more than 40,000 students.

Our fundraising success can be credited to the university's goal of building a world-class university campus, research center, and multi-use stadium in Mission Valley to serve higher education, the public good, and the community's goals and aspirations.

SDSU has been recognized several times for its exceptional development program by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). With the support of loyal donors and in collaboration with SDSU's visionary faculty and staff, the university cultivates lifelong relationships with more than 500,000 alumni, friends, and community members-advancing SDSU's mission for generations to come.

For more information regarding the University Relations and Development department, click here.

Education and Experience
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and five 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.

Key Qualifications

• Thorough and advanced knowledge and understanding of marketing, branding, communications, public relations, and related roles.
• Advanced communication, public, and internal relations skills to effectively represent the university and impact diverse constituencies, oversee the development of effective and compelling materials for diverse audiences and platforms and engage and collaborate with internal stakeholders and university leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement integrated marketing strategies that support engagement, membership growth, fundraising initiatives, and revenue generating partnerships while aligning with organizational priorities.
• Strong understanding of brand standards and the ability to ensure consistent application of branding across all marketing channels, materials, and digital platforms.
• Ability to identify and develop compelling stories that strengthen community connections, highlight impact, and support stewardship, engagement, and fundraising priorities.
• Experience developing marketing strategies within higher education, alumni relations, advancement, or nonprofit organizations is preferred.
• Experience managing communications for large and diverse constituent audiences, such as alumni or membership communities is preferred.
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms, CRM systems, digital analytics tools, and web content management systems is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required
Valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits
San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:

Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department's budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($6,668/month).
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,668-$9,714 per month (Step 1-Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the University of California system.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

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 13, 2026, 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. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

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 Livia Peeples at lpeeples@sdsu.edu.


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To apply, visit https://careers.sdsu.edu/en-us/job/557407







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