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Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations, the Strategic Content Manager provides multi-faceted strategic content support to the University Marketing and Communications team, including contributing to the strategy and development of news, stories and thought leadership for college publications, including web, social media and internal communications vehicles.

The Strategic Content Manager works collaboratively with internal departments to create and implement proactive communication plans and products that align with San José State’s brand and messaging pillars and advance strategic priorities. This position requires an agile writer and content producer and strong editor who can craft compelling stories and distill complex topics into engaging content for non-expert and professional audiences; to provide support to strategic communications initiatives and leadership in internal communications. The incumbent creates print, web and multimedia content for brand material, as well as a range of digital content for the web and social media. The Strategic Content Manager will work collaboratively with colleagues across the colleges and University to inform communication strategies that advance brand reputation and support recruitment, alumni engagement, crisis and strategic communications, community-building and more. The ideal candidate will be a motivated, positive and creative leader who supports a culture of collaboration and innovation where ideas are valued and risk taking is encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop strategic editorial content, including stories and messaging for print, web and multimedia projects, communications and publications, including SJSU News Center, the university website, and SJSU Magazine (print and digital).
• Work with designers to develop photos and graphics to accompany copy.
• Coordinate the creation of content and communication materials at the project level.
• Produce social media copy for relevant posts. Provide editorial support to all communications team projects as required.
• Edit and proofread copy for print, web and multimedia communications.  
• Research and write copy for special projects, events and initiatives, as assigned. Projects may include those for the president or other administrators.
• Assist with writing and editing communications that support SJSU’s strategic brand and fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with key members of leadership and faculty teams to evaluate and introduce appropriate and innovative marketing and communications solutions.
• Provide supporting service for media relations initiatives, social media, and crisis communications needs.
• Manage special projects and/or serve on committees as requested by the Senior Associate Vice President or Sr. Director.
• Lead and coordinate internal and/or external communications for UMC or the President’s Office as needed, including campus emails/announcements, newsletters, etc.
• Serve as editor of weekly and monthly communications vehicles, SpartanMemo and SJSU Notebook. 
• Coordinate submission, editing and formatting of stories.
• Engage in real-time, mid-term and long-term editorial planning and development; quality control; adherence to best practices; and awareness and implementation of new trends and practices.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expert skill at writing professional-toned, engaging and persuasive content for print, web and social media
• Experience with editorial writing for a higher-education setting
• Thorough research and fact verification skills
• Thorough skills to write clear, lively, engaging and compelling copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and/or the broader public
• Demonstrated thorough analytical and critical thinking skills
• Expert ability to write and edit for a magazine or similar publication
• Ability to work in university and/or fundraising communications
• Demonstrated expertise in producing professional publications, content editing and proofreading—including expert-level grammar skills
• Familiarity with digital content management platforms and photo editing. Visual design sensibility and experience
• Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of communications, publications media relations and/or marketing best practices used to promote and position a university or similar institution
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously under deadline
• Expertise in the development of branded experiences, events, initiatives and campaigns
• Experience and knowledge communicating in support of major fundraising efforts
• Experience with university campaigns strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to discover and compose compelling stories that not only convey but also humanize institutional messages and priorities through powerful narrative

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and six years of administrative work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field  
• Extensive copywriting and copyediting experience  
• Previous experience in a higher education environment
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, time management, project management, and organizational skills  
• Demonstrated adherence to deadlines in a fast-paced environment, with a high degree of flexibility, accuracy and attention to detail  
• Demonstrated ability to produce written materials in a variety of formats—quickly, accurately, and effectively  
• Demonstrated proficiency with AP style  
• Demonstrated comfort level in using technology to optimize workflow and business processes
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the mission of San José State University

Compensation

Classification: Administrative Analyst/Specialist – Exempt III
CSU Salary Range: $6,970/month - $13,544/month

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: July 31, 2025 through August 13, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University 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 and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, 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 CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar 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 Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.