Position Description

Communications Specialist - Temporary

Job Category
Fulltime Temporary

ExemptOvertimeEligible
Exempt

Benefits Eligible
Benefit Based

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Caltech's Office of Communications and External Relations (OCER) is responsible for promoting understanding, inspiring support, and amplifying awareness of the Institute’s research, people, accomplishments, and impact across print and digital platforms as well as through events.

Working in the Strategy and Community Engagement team, the Communications Specialist will enhance the Institute’s visibility and engagement by crafting content, supporting events, and facilitating community relations efforts that advance Caltech’s mission within the broader public.

The successful candidate will report to the Associate Director for Communications Strategy and Planning and will join a team that prizes creativity, enterprise, attention-to-detail, and collaboration.

This is a temporary assignment with an anticipated length of 6 months.

Job Duties

Communications

• Manages the online presence of special events and series—with emphasis on the Watson Lectures and Science Journeys—ensuring that websites are engaging, up-to-date, and in alignment with broader communications goals.
• Develops and updates content for calendar listings, newsletters, event programs, social media, marketing, websites, and other channels.
• Collaborates with the Marketing & Communications and Engagement specialists to create multimedia content for social platforms.

Event and Community Relations Support

• Prepares and updates event materials, including slides
• Joins colleagues in providing flexible event support, which can include setup, guest relations, Q&A facilitation, registration and attendance reporting, tear down and other responsibilities, which may occur outside normal office hours.
• Assists the Community Relations Manager in preparing for and supporting community tours and meetings.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Two or more years of successful experience in a communications-related role, ideally in a higher-education or nonprofit setting.
• Ability to write and communicate ideas clearly, compellingly, and confidently.
• Comfort in prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines while supporting multiple projects.
• Proficiency in Mailchimp (or similar email platforms); web content management systems; social media platforms; and graphic design tools, such as Photoshop, Canva, and/or Adobe Express.
• Interest in creative problem-solving and participation in team-wide discussions.
• An appreciation for science and the wonders of the world.

Required Documents

• Resume.
• Cover Letter.

Hiring Range

$78,900 - $80,900

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.