Description
Job Posting
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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. Learn more about the UC Office of the President
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 media. This includes engaging with reporters and responding to media inquiries, leading crisis communications, 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 Associate Vice President for Communications, the Senior Director ("director") is part of the leadership team in the External Relations and Communications Division at the UC Office of the President. The director leads the UCOP rapid response operation, participates in and supervises the production of communication materials, and advises and coordinates with UCOP leadership, UCOP colleagues, other members of the Communications team, and other UC locations to ensure the best possible media outcomes for the University. The ideal candidate will have extensive media relations experience and proven leadership experience, particularly in crisis communications, as well as good judgment and problem-avoidance and resolution skills. They will be able to write and edit a wide range of materials for various audiences; create and implement comprehensive communication strategies; manage and motivate a team of media relations professionals; work collaboratively and be of service to other UC colleagues; operate efficiently under tight deadlines while juggling multiple responsibilities; and have extensive experience and the political acumen to work within complex organizations and with senior leaders. Given the high volume of media inquiries received at the Office of the President (an average of 10 daily), the deadline-driven nature of the job, and involvement in high-stakes strategy and decisions at the world's preeminent public research institution, the person in this role must thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy managing significant responsibilities, possess solid project management skills, and be passionate about mission-driven work.
Key Responsibilities
30% Media Strategy and Issues Management: Develop and implement effective media and messaging strategies on systemwide matters, in coordination with ER&C and UCOP leadership. Lead rapid response and prepare, coordinate, and execute crisis communications efforts at UCOP. Assist in managing a wide variety of high-profile issues and proactively anticipate, assess, and stem potential problems; recommend a course of action and manage the creation or sourcing of relevant materials to prepare media responses and execute on plans. Proactively cultivate and maintain positive relationships with media outlets and key reporters, particularly in higher education beats and publications. Design media strategies in order to create visibility, awareness, and positive perceptions of the University. Prepare briefing materials, initiate prep sessions prior to interviews, coach and train UCOP leaders in how to effectively speak with the media, and staff senior UC leaders, including the UC president, during press engagements. Collaborate with the Executive Communications team on these needs, as necessary. Monitor current events in relevant fields and identify opportunities to engage and inform the public. In collaboration with Communications Department leadership, coordinate crisis responses with campus media relations partners as needed.
20% Media Inquiries: Ensure timely, accurate, and strategic responses by the team to a high volume of deadline-driven media inquiries. Handle inquiries from larger outlets or those related to high-stakes issues. Serve as a systemwide spokesperson as needed. Provide media strategists with guidance and vetting of draft responses on media inquiries. Ensure coordinated messaging with other departments in the ER&C division, other UCOP divisions, and UC campuses.
30% Team Management and Collaboration: Manage the Critical Communications team. Identify ways to optimize the effectiveness, functionality, efficiency, and level of service of the department to UCOP and UC campus partners; implement improvements as needed. Help create additional structure and identify resources to enable better editorial planning and organization within the team. Work to develop and improve ongoing metrics of media relations efforts. Work with the External Engagement team to identify opportunities to increase positive earned media placements in digital, print, and broadcast outlets and platforms, and to create successful social media strategies for promotion and dissemination of UC-related news. Partner with the UC State and Federal Governmental Relations teams to identify opportunities and strategize on media relations efforts that help advance the University's state and federal budget and policy priorities. Partner with the Executive Communications and Engagement team and other UCOP divisions to identify media opportunities for the UC president and other UCOP senior leaders, and to amplify events and remarks as appropriate. Establish social media strategy for breaking news and critical issues, including metrics-reporting mechanisms to evaluate effectiveness, in consultation with the Social Media team.
20% Writing and Editing: Draft internal communications plans and memos, talking points, FAQs, as well as external statements, press releases, op-eds, and other high-profile materials on behalf of the University. Review and copy edit the Critical Communications team's work to ensure consistently high-quality, persuasive, and accurate materials.
Experience
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or media relations, along with demonstrated history of managing others and working in high-pressure environments under constant deadlines.
Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of the concepts, trends and dynamics of media outlets, reporters, and the news cycle.
- Prior experience developing and nurturing positive relationships with reporters and outlets is a must.
- Ability to multitask and operate under tight deadline pressure in a fast-paced environment while also managing longer-term projects and priorities.
- Exceptional oral and written communications skills, including strong editing skills.
- History of effective writing under strict deadlines, with little editing and feedback required from superiors.
- Ability to accurately capture the “UC voice.”
- Proven ability to serve effectively as a spokesperson on behalf of a large and complex organization and/or high-profile leader.
- Experience in crafting effective, comprehensive, and creative media strategies for projects, events, and campaigns, along with metrics and reporting capabilities.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, along with the ability to coordinate well with others in carrying out those plans.
- Strong ability to research, analyze, condense, and communicate complex data and information.
- Strong political acumen and experience working with senior leaders.
- Ability to provide well-reasoned, highly informed, and strategic counsel to senior leadership and internal partners.
- Sound judgment and critical thinking skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful and professional manner.
- Proven ability to quickly cultivate strong working relationships with internal and external partners and to collaborate with other functions to achieve key objectives.
- Service-oriented, ego-free approach to achieving the team's and institution's stated goals.
- Proven ability and desire to supervise, coach, and develop staff.
- Deep commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Reliable, trustworthy, and operates consistently with the utmost integrity.
- Ability to foster commitment, trust, and teamwork within department, division, and across the University.
Preferred Qualifications
- Digital experience and understanding of the role of social media in news dissemination and engagement.
- Familiarity with the University of California, the higher education sector, and related state and national issues.
- Experience using and managing media digital tools, including Muck Rack, Cision, and other online media systems.
- Familiarity with digital tools such as Slack, Box, and Asana.
- Experience working in the public sector.
- Spanish speaker a plus, but not required.
Education
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public policy, or similar field, and/or equivalent training/experience.
Job Title
Communications Manager 2
Job Code
000409
Salary Grade
Grade 27
Payscale:
$170,000 - $203,000
Full Salary Range:
$129,600 - $254,400
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: Benefits of Belonging
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. Background check process at UCOP
Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, 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: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.
The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at: Accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at: epost@ucop.edu.
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