Digital Communications Specialist - Bailey College of Science and Mathematics

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Dean of Bailey College of Science and Mathematics and with lead work direction provided by the college’s lead communicator, the Digital Communications Specialist uses the college’s digital presence to promote the reputation of Bailey College and its programs to external audiences. This position develops and enhances relationships between the college and its key constituent groups (including current and prospective students, parents/supporters, alumni, friends and donors) and contributes to the success of the college’s communication objectives.

As a member of the college’s communications team, this position will enhance the college’s website and social media presence by working with faculty, staff, student groups, alumni and industry partners to create, edit and share compelling digital content. This position will provide leadership and expertise in developing and executing digital communications strategies and will oversee the college’s website content, social media channels and e-newsletters. To be effective in this role, the Digital Communications Specialist must be comfortable with editing formal, academic language to make it accessible to the college’s varied audiences via digital channels. The ideal candidate is always looking for new opportunities and ways to repurpose, reuse and recycle content.

In close partnership with the college’s lead communicator and in collaboration with the division of University Communications and Marketing (UCM), the Digital Communications Specialist will use metrics reports for the college’s website, social media and email communications to optimize digital content and implement effective techniques to improve engagement and user experience. The ideal candidate must be self-driven, motivated, and able to work independently, as well as within a larger team.

The Digital Communications Specialist also will understand and comply with Cal Poly’s and the CSU’s web policies, accessibility and other standards on behalf of the college. This position works collaboratively with digital content specialists in other colleges and divisions across campus, and partners with ITS web staff to administer web content policy. Working in partnership with UCM, the Digital Communications Specialist supports the university’s goal of telling the story of what sets it apart, including its Learn by Doing philosophy; the achievements of its accomplished students, faculty, staff and alumni; and its location on California’s Central Coast that allows its people to make impacts locally, throughout California and around the world.

This is a full-time one-year temporary position with the possibility of extension and is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, vision and CalPERS retirement.

Department Summary

The Bailey College of Science and Mathematics contains seven departments: Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kinesiology and Public Health, Liberal Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, as well as the School of Education. Bailey College also contains five centers: Center for Applications in Biotechnology (CAB), Center for Coastal Marine Science (CCMS), Center for Health Research (CHR), and the Center for Engineering, Science and Math Education (CESAME) and Western Coatings Technology Center (WCTC). In addition, the college has an advancement team, communications team, student services team, and credential team. The college employs approximately 375 full-time and part-time faculty, 42 teaching associates, and 70 staff and administrative employees.

Key Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing. Strong writing skills, as well as advanced editorial skills. Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Working knowledge of and ability to apply standard theories, practices, principles and techniques related to the operation of the areas of web and social media communication. Basic knowledge of and ability to apply fundamental concepts.
• Knowledge of interview techniques and the ability to analyze and select pertinent facts and integrate them into written communications.
• Understanding of web and social media analytics and working knowledge of, or ability to learn and use tools such as Looker Studio, Google Analytics 4 and others to determine which communications and campaigns are succeeding and, if not, where and how they can be bolstered.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the university, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university and three years of progressively responsible experience in marketing and public relations, or a related field. A graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $62,000 - $77,856 annually

Classification Range: $49,752 - $90,000 annually

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu .

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly 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. Cal Poly 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.

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

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly 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. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

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.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

Advertised: Apr 08 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• California Polytechnic State University

• 805-756-2236

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