Job Summary

Based at the Cal Poly Solano Campus in Vallejo, California, the Digital Communications Specialist is the lead digital storyteller for Cal Poly Maritime Academy — identifying, shaping and telling the stories that define Cal Poly Maritime Academy during a pivotal period of transition and growth. A skilled writer, editor and storyteller with sharp editorial instincts, this role brings the Cal Poly Maritime Academy experience to life across websites, social media, e-newsletters and university wide channels — capturing what happens in classrooms, laboratories and aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear, and connecting those stories to audiences that matter: prospective students, alumni, industry partners and the broader Cal Poly community.

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Marketing for Cal Poly Maritime Academy and part of the University Communications and Marketing (UCM) team, the Digital Communications Specialist serves as the primary editorial lead for Cal Poly Maritime Academy's digital channels. The role works closely with faculty, staff, cadets, alumni and industry partners to surface story opportunities, and collaborates across Cal Poly colleges and divisions to align Cal Poly Maritime Academy storytelling with the broader university narrative. Audience insights and content performance data inform editorial decisions and continuously sharpen the approach.

Cal Poly Maritime Academy is the West Coast's only degree-granting maritime academy and part of Cal Poly — one university with campuses in San Luis Obispo and Vallejo, united by the Learn by Doing philosophy. This position is located in Vallejo, California at the Cal Poly Maritime Academy.

Department Summary

University Communications and Marketing (UCM) serves as the ambassadors, stewards and protectors of Cal Poly's reputation and brand. Through strategic communications, storytelling and digital engagement, UCM advances the university's visibility and helps tell the story of what sets Cal Poly apart, including the power of its hands-on, Learn by Doing philosophy and the achievements of its students, faculty, staff and alumni across California and beyond.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to identify, develop and execute compelling stories that support organizational priorities and engage diverse audiences.
• Strong editorial judgment and content planning skills, including the ability to shape narratives, prioritize content opportunities, maintain a consistent voice, and align communications with strategic objectives.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, including thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, AP style, and digital content best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct interviews, gather information from diverse sources, synthesize complex information, and translate it into clear, compelling, audience-centered communications.
• Experience developing, managing and executing editorial content across multiple digital channels, including websites, social media platforms, e-newsletters and other online communications.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. A graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Licenses, Certificates, Credentials

Possession of a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $65,940 - $81,984 per year. Classification Range: $62,136 - $90,516 per year. 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.

About Cal Poly

Known for its Learn by Doing philosophy, Cal Poly is ranked among the top 10 public universities in the nation. Each year, more than 23,000 top-tier students come to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Maritime Academy in Solano County to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities, maritime 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 www.calpoly.edu.

About Cal Poly Maritime Academy

Cal Poly Maritime Academy, located in Vallejo, California, is the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast and a nationally recognized public maritime university on the Solano Campus of California Polytechnic State University. It prepares students for leadership roles in maritime operations, engineering, logistics, business, global supply chains and national security. Through Cal Poly's Learn by Doing philosophy, students train hands-on in classrooms and labs and aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear. For more information, visit maritime.calpoly.edu.

Working Within the California State University System

As part of the California State University, the nation's largest public four-year university system, Cal Poly employees contribute to a broader mission of advancing knowledge, creating opportunity and serving the people of California.

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.

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.