Media Director Jobs in California
Media Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in entertainment, digital media, advertising, and tech across a market that ranges from entry-level media coordinators to senior directors overseeing multi-platform strategy. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by established employers such as NBCUniversal, Walt Disney Company, and Salesforce. The most consistent demand is for directors with expertise in digital campaign strategy, paid media, and integrated brand communications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 47+ Media Director jobs
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Long Beach
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Full Time
Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)!
Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.
As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.
Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California’s future—offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth.
Job Summary
The Director of News Media Services leads the unit and supervises assigned staff within the Strategic Communications department. Develops strategies and tactics to best meet established goals related to earned media coverage. Proactively pitches stories, op-eds, and interviewees to news media. Responds to media inquiries, including researching topics, planning a response strategy, and matching reporters and journalists with subject-matter experts. When appropriate, serves as a university spokesperson.
The incumbent offers counsel and coaching to the campus community on opinion columns and interviews with the news media. Writes statements, media advisories, tip sheets, FAQs, and news releases. Collaborates with department colleagues on issue management and emergency communications. Monitors news media and develops summaries of coverage for the university’s news website. Tracks and reports on various metrics related to earned media coverage.
Key Responsibilities
- Media relations: Lead earned media strategy, proactive outreach, media response, and university spokesperson activities as assigned.
- Support to university and department colleagues: Provide media counsel, coaching, and communications support to campus leaders and partners.
- Crisis communications: Coordinate timely communications and media response for emerging issues, crises, and sensitive matters.
- Staff management: Supervise, develop, and support assigned staff.
Department
Strategic Communications
Duration of Appointment
This is a regular, at-will position.
Classification
Administrator I
Compensation
Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.
Hiring Range: The hiring range for this position is $8,333 - $9,584 per month commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
Benefits
At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being.
To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that can include:
- Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
- Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
- Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
- Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.
Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated interest and depth of knowledge in current affairs and public policy to inform both responses to possible inquiries as well as the pitching of campus experts. Demonstrated ability to speak accurately, convincingly, and authentically on the record to news media. Demonstrated ability to speak with fluidity, clarity, and superior on-camera presence during broadcast-media interviews. mastery of news and issues-based writing. Superior spelling, grammatical, editing, and proofreading skills. Ability to establish appropriate context, tone, and texture in writing assignments to best connect intended audiences and fulfill communication objectives. Ability to uphold and communicate established university editorial standards
Ability to manage several concurrent work projects, determine priorities, and meet deadlines. Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in related field
- Minimum of five years of media relations experience, including experience supporting organization-wide media relations required. Higher education experience preferred.
In case of emergency communications, incumbent is expected to report to work on moment's notice (weekends and after hours).
Application Procedures
Please fill out the application completely. It is important that all sections of the online application are completed fully and accurately. Be sure to include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Testing
As part of the candidate assessment, a writing test will be administered to evaluate writing quality, clarity, and alignment with CSULB's messaging
Physical Summary
Light work - Job involves some lifting of medium weight objects (10-20 pounds) and/or 10% - 20% of the job involves standing or walking.
Additional Information
CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB 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 CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.
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 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.
Conflict of Interest: The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.
Equal Employment Statement
Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB 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.
California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.
Accommodations
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu.
Out of State Employment Policy
California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.
As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
Advertised: Sep 17, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 01, 2026 (11:55 PM) Pacific Daylight Time
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Long Beach
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Full Time
Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)!
Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.
As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.
Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California’s future—offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth.
Job Summary
The Director of News Media Services leads the unit and supervises assigned staff within the Strategic Communications department. Develops strategies and tactics to best meet established goals related to earned media coverage. Proactively pitches stories, op-eds, and interviewees to news media. Responds to media inquiries, including researching topics, planning a response strategy, and matching reporters and journalists with subject-matter experts. When appropriate, serves as a university spokesperson.
The incumbent offers counsel and coaching to the campus community on opinion columns and interviews with the news media. Writes statements, media advisories, tip sheets, FAQs, and news releases. Collaborates with department colleagues on issue management and emergency communications. Monitors news media and develops summaries of coverage for the university’s news website. Tracks and reports on various metrics related to earned media coverage.
Key Responsibilities
- Media relations: Lead earned media strategy, proactive outreach, media response, and university spokesperson activities as assigned.
- Support to university and department colleagues: Provide media counsel, coaching, and communications support to campus leaders and partners.
- Crisis communications: Coordinate timely communications and media response for emerging issues, crises, and sensitive matters.
- Staff management: Supervise, develop, and support assigned staff.
Department
Strategic Communications
Duration of Appointment
This is a regular, at-will position.
Classification
Administrator I
Compensation
Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.
Hiring Range: The hiring range for this position is $8,333 - $9,584 per month commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.
Benefits
At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being.
To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that can include:
- Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
- Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
- Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
- Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.
Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated interest and depth of knowledge in current affairs and public policy to inform both responses to possible inquiries as well as the pitching of campus experts. Demonstrated ability to speak accurately, convincingly, and authentically on the record to news media. Demonstrated ability to speak with fluidity, clarity, and superior on-camera presence during broadcast-media interviews. mastery of news and issues-based writing. Superior spelling, grammatical, editing, and proofreading skills. Ability to establish appropriate context, tone, and texture in writing assignments to best connect intended audiences and fulfill communication objectives. Ability to uphold and communicate established university editorial standards
Ability to manage several concurrent work projects, determine priorities, and meet deadlines. Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in related field
- Minimum of five years of media relations experience, including experience supporting organization-wide media relations required. Higher education experience preferred.
In case of emergency communications, incumbent is expected to report to work on moment's notice (weekends and after hours).
Application Procedures
Please fill out the application completely. It is important that all sections of the online application are completed fully and accurately. Be sure to include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Testing
As part of the candidate assessment, a writing test will be administered to evaluate writing quality, clarity, and alignment with CSULB's messaging
Physical Summary
Light work - Job involves some lifting of medium weight objects (10-20 pounds) and/or 10% - 20% of the job involves standing or walking.
Additional Information
CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB 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 CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.
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 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.
Conflict of Interest: The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.
Equal Employment Statement
Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB 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.
California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.
Accommodations
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu.
Out of State Employment Policy
California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.
As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
Advertised: Sep 17, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 01, 2026 (11:55 PM) Pacific Daylight Time
See All 47 Media Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Media Director JobsMedia Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Media Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Music
- Retail
- Science & Research
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in media director jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field required
- Seven or more years of progressive media planning, buying, or strategy experience
- Demonstrated leadership managing cross-functional teams and agency or vendor relationships
- Proficiency with programmatic platforms, media analytics tools, and attribution software
- Proven ability to develop and execute integrated campaigns across digital, broadcast, and print channels
- Strong presentation and stakeholder communication skills for executive-level reporting
Media Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a media director in California?
Media director roles in California do not require a state-issued license or certification, so the path runs through education and experience. Most California employers expect a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, followed by several years in media planning, buying, or brand strategy. Building a portfolio of multi-channel campaign results and progressing through roles such as media planner, media manager, or account director are the most direct routes into director-level positions at California companies.
How much do media directors make in California?
Media directors in California earn a median of about $129,790 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $63,570 for the lowest 10% to over $306,850 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire media directors in California?
Employers hiring media directors in California right now include Verve, Sony Music Entertainment, and Sony Music Global Job Board, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of entertainment studios, global tech firms, and major consumer brands means the hiring pool is broad, with both in-house corporate teams and large independent agencies posting director-level roles throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most media director jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have the most media director openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its density of entertainment studios, advertising agencies, and streaming companies, while San Francisco draws demand from technology firms and digital-first brands, and San Diego's growing biotech and defense sectors generate openings for directors who manage corporate and product media strategies.
Are there remote media director jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many senior marketing roles, because media strategy and campaign oversight translate well to distributed teams. About 46% of media director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how broadly the industry adopted flexible arrangements post-pandemic. Campaign planning, vendor management, and performance reporting are the functions most commonly handled fully remote, while in-person presence is more common for roles tied to production, live events, or executive stakeholder alignment.
How can I get hired as a media director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a media coordinator or media planner role at a California agency or in-house team and building upward from there. Large California-based agencies and entertainment companies regularly hire entry-level media planners and campaign associates, and tech firms in the Bay Area often bring in marketing associates who rotate through media functions. A strong portfolio of internship or freelance campaign work, Google or Meta media certifications, and experience with analytics platforms give candidates a clear edge when applying to these stepping-stone roles.
Where can I find and apply to media director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to media director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your experience and target location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 47 Media Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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