San Diego State’s Mouthpiece in Chief

San Diego State University’s $400,000 man, president Elliot Hirshman, is looking for a $45,000- to $50,000-a-year ghostwriter to be his “presidential communications manager,” according to a recent post by the university on the career networking site LinkedIn. The job calls for “drafting and editing a high volume of diverse correspondence, remarks, talking points, e-mails and speeches for internal and external audiences; and proofreading copy for accuracy, consistency of message and appearance.” The aide is also expected to “maintain a library of resource materials” and gather “relevant information well in advance of each speaking opportunity.” One of Hirshman’s most important tasks is hitting up fat cat contributors for cash, in part to justify his record salary. To that end, his aide is to research and prepare “briefing materials and remarks for the university President when meeting with top donors and prospects.” A few more requirements of the gig: “Thorough knowledge and professional work experience in expository or journalistic writing, including story development and editing” and “Ability to write for a senior level executive and understand the difference between writing for publications and writing for speakers.” The successful applicant will also have an “Understanding of SDSU, its unique history, people and stories.”