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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

The University of California Office of the President serves as the headquarters to a system of 10 campuses, five medical centers, and three affiliated national laboratories. As one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, UC is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and public service. Together, we educate more than 280,000 students, employ 227,000 faculty and staff, and have 2 million alumni living and working around the world.

At the University of California, your contributions make a difference. Working here means being part of a historic institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. We are passionate people, serving the greater good. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills, and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. .

Department Overview
The Critical Communications Department enhances the public's understanding of the University of California and its contributions to the state, the nation, and the world. The department coordinates with the rest of the External Relations and Communications Division (ER&C) and other UC colleagues to design and implement strategies that effectively communicate the University's mission and impact to the news media. This includes engaging with reporters and responding to news inquiries, leading crisis communications responses, fostering strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, and generating creative, proactive press ideas on behalf of the UC Office of the President.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic and Crisis Communications ("Director"), the Senior Media Strategist ("Strategist") is responsible for fielding media inquiries; supporting crisis communications responses; and developing communications materials such as press releases, public statements, talking points, and op-eds on behalf of the University and its senior leaders. The person in this role will also help manage complex institutional and reputational issues and support message strategy (including developing media plans and rollouts) while serving as an on-the-record spokesperson for the University. Real-time media monitoring, compiling roundups of news coverage, and building dedicated media lists are also components of the job, with varying frequency.

Key Responsibilities

50% Media Inquiries: Serves as a university spokesperson, responding to daily news media inquiries and cultivating positive relationships with journalists. Assists in triaging and managing email inbox for media inquiries. Coordinates and communicates internally with key stakeholders regarding media activities, inquiries, and needs. Assesses risks and options inherent in various communications approaches and makes recommendations to senior leadership. Prepares UC's subject-matter experts for media interviews and provides staffing support as needed.

30% Writing and editing: Collaborates with subject matter experts to write, edit, and internally vet press releases, public statements, talking points, and other communication materials. Prepares press releases and statements in content management system and distributes materials through media listservs.

10% Messaging Strategy: In coordination with leadership and colleagues, develops and executes media strategies and plans to support UC priorities and initiatives and to respond to emerging issues and crises.

10% Other Duties: Works with leadership and colleagues to plan and execute press conferences and availabilities as needed. Monitors and compiles media coverage and social media activity related to major announcements or developing issues and distributes to key university staff as needed. Supports efforts to proactively pitch or place stories or UC experts for media opportunities. Supports UC Health communications priorities, as needed.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in deadline-driven journalism or communications role (such as media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, etc.), preferably in a large, complex institution.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, concepts, and technical requirements in news, media communications, and media relations, as well as processes, protocols and opportunities of print, broadcast, and digital media.
• Proven track record of working with reporters, including handling media inquiries, proactive placement of stories or expert interviews, and fostering long-term relationships with key reporters and outlets.
• Extensive experience formulating and implementing external media strategy and messaging, while building consensus across internal stakeholders and departments.
• Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, and style and proven ability to write clear, compelling, and effective copy appropriate to a variety of target audiences.
• Experience writing on behalf of a complex organization and senior leaders, with minimal editing and feedback necessary.
• Ability to juggle multiple short-term deadlines with long-term projects, combining speed, accuracy, and excellence in everyday performance.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision to accomplish high-profile tasks and to meet multiple concurrent deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and client relations skills and proven ability to develop collaborative and productive partnerships.
• Service-oriented approach and experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Advanced analytical and decision-making skills; solid political acumen and problem recognition, avoidance, and solving skills.
• Experience with digital platforms and outlets, including creatively leveraging their reach to achieve external messaging goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advance knowledge of the University of California, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs, policies, and structure.
• Familiarity with higher education issues and trends.
• Familiarity with digital tools such as Box, Slack, and project management tools such as Monday.com and Asana.

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public policy, or related area, and/or equivalent work experience/training.

Job Title
Media Communications Specialist 4

Job Code
005885

Salary Grade
Grade 24

Payscale:
$120,000 - $136,700

Full Salary Range:
$95,300 - $178,100

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is May 20, 2024. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position.

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: . For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: .

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