Research Communication Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions, the Communication Specialist supports enrollment marketing and communications for prospective and admitted students from application through enrollment. This role helps improve communication processes, manages web tools and website content, and coordinates communication plans that support SJSU enrollment goals. The position also works closely with Admissions and Enrollment Management teams, tracks communication timelines and admission processes, and supports recruitment and admissions communications across multiple platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, organize, edit, and proof content for print, email, and web publications
• Assist in the design and production of admissions and recruitment communication materials
• Maintain and update admissions website content to ensure accuracy and CSU compliance
• Coordinate communication plans supporting prospective, admitted, and enrolled students
• Collaborate with campus partners on enrollment communication strategies
• Monitor communication timelines and support admissions-related reporting and updates
• Utilize content management systems and communication technologies to support Enrollment Management goals

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of, and ability to apply, standard theories, practices, principles, and techniques related to communications in public affairs, media, marketing, and/or sports information
• Thorough knowledge of web communication techniques, platforms, and formats
• Working knowledge of copyright and other applicable laws related to publications and media
• Working knowledge of marketing and research techniques and methods
• Working knowledge of applicable software packages
• Strong story development and journalistic writing skills, with advanced editorial capabilities
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong public speaking, listening, and interpretive abilities
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to quickly produce clear, concise documents for internal and external audiences
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Ability to build and manage sophisticated media contacts
• Ability to effectively use web technologies to achieve communication goals
• Ability to analyze communication metrics and recommend data-informed adjustments
• Ability to apply market research to identify communication needs and target audiences
• Ability to independently prioritize workload under general supervision
• Demonstrated ability to stay informed about campus and current events in order to identify and capitalize on media opportunities that promote the university and increase positive media coverage

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training
• Two (2) 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

• A bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training
• Two (2) or more years of experience in developing communications plans
• Experience with Microsoft Suite and Google Suite
• Technical fluency with Oracle/PeopleSoft, Slate, CSU Common Management System or equivalent student information system
• Ability to coordinate the efforts of professional staff in the accomplishment of marketing and communications goals

Compensation

Classification: Administrative Analyst/Specialist - Exempt I
Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,274/month - $5,597/month (Step 1 - Step 4)
CSU Salary Range: $5,274/month - $7,684/month (Step 1 - Step 20)
San Jose 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: May 20, 2026 through June 3, 2026. 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 Jose 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.

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.

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 Jose 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 Jose 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 Jose 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 Jose 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.