Department Description Strategic Communications provides comprehensive and coordinated campus leadership in planning, creating and implementing integrated marketing and communications programs across all media that foster increased awareness, understanding and support of UC Davis’ mission, vision, accomplishments and needs among its many internal and external constituencies. It serves as the official voice of UC Davis to regional, state, national and international news media.
Strategic Communications encompasses six units: Visual Communications, News and Media Relations, Web Communications, Social Media, Marketing and Branding, and Executive Communications. Strategic Communications’ multimedia storytellers, designers, Web developers, information architects and search-engine experts have a mission to communicate university messages through interactive media. We coordinate these communications across platforms to reach our audiences. Our efforts could be seen on the UC Davis home site, Discord, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and other sites and channels
Job Summary
Final Filing Date
July 14th, 2023
Salary Range
$102,300-$237,100 annually (Grade 27) Budgeted range: $155,000-$167,000 annually
Salary Frequency
Monthly
Appointment Type
Career
Number of Positions
1
Percentage of Time
100%
Shift Hour
Variable M-F
Location
Mrak- Hybrid work arrangement
City
Davis, CA
Union Representation
No
Benefits Eligible
Yes
This position can include a hybrid work schedule (working onsite and offsite) to accommodate workload and fulfill deadlines
We offer exceptional employment benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid vacations and holidays, excellent retirement savings and investment plans, continuing education, and reduced fee and scholarship programs.
THIS IS NOT AN H1- B OPPORTUNITY
Responsibilities
Under general direction of the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the Director of News and Media Relations is responsible for planning and overseeing people, programs and policies that support the goals and objectives of the University regarding public relations. Advances the University’s local, regional and national visibility and creates an integrated and effective collegiate communications program utilizing a broad spectrum of media including new media technologies. Manages a staff of media relations and internal communications writers and the University’s reputation in terms of publicity and media. The Director develops proactive and reactive strategies for promoting UC Davis’ teaching, research and public service activities. The Director develops relationships with national and regional print and broadcast media, including with writers, editors, and correspondents to demonstrate the impact and value of UC Davis to the diverse audiences reached by these media outlets. The Director plays a key role in issues management and crisis communications and works closely with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer on issues arising on a variety of topics. This position also serves as the public spokesperson for UC Davis.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, news media (emphasis on writing) or related field or a combination of education and experience.
- Ten plus years of experience leading a comprehensive media relations strategy for an organization, at least three of which must have included in-depth implementation of social and emerging media strategies.
- Proven experience managing complex and often sensitive issues and crisis communications, including serving as a spokesperson during challenging events and working effectively with senior leadership teams to establish strategy.
- Experience setting goals and objectives, developing quantifiable measurements, motivating and managing others, and prioritizing workload to meet strict deadlines and budgets in an environment of multiple projects and changing priorities.
- Proven skill to proactively manage media relations in a complex media market, including proactively pitching institutional and research and innovation stories to media for a general audience with demonstrable results, including using new technologies and nontraditional approaches to media relations and internal communications.
- Writing and editing skills to use language accurately, grammatically, accessibly and creatively to produce clear, well-organized materials that reflect the high standards and professionalism of a high-level communications office; practiced understanding of APstyle.
- Interpersonal and communication skills to communicate clearly and professionally, and to develop and sustain collegial working relationships with others from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Management skills to lead diverse teams in using new technologies and nontraditional approaches to media relations and internal communications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, new media (emphasis on writing) or related field.
- Experience in areas of strategic planning, policy development and organizational problem solving and setting goals and objectives, developing quantifiable measurements, and tracking, reporting and analyzing metrics.
- Experience creating internal communications strategies designed to build community and create pride and informed dialogue.
- Experience working in public relations in a higher education environment or science and technology-based organization, demonstrating understanding of the subject matter to interpret science and innovation research to diverse audiences.
Special Requirements
- Work flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends to respond to operational needs.
- Occasional travel to act as official spokesperson for UC Davis, attend meetings, conferences and events including occasional overnight travel.
- This position may be subject to a criminal background investigation, drug screen, Live Scan fingerprinting, medical evaluation clearance, and functional capacity assessment.
- The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain – we improve.
We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here.
As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.