Department Description Department Purpose
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
Under the general direction of the Executive Director, provide for the development of a variety of speeches, talking points, presentations, thought leadership pieces and suggested remarks for a variety of Chancellor communications to the UC Davis campus community. These remarks will be used by the Chancellor to present University issues and brand messages that will translate the vision, themes, and messages into successful communication opportunities for the University. This position will work closely with the Executive Director and other campus partners to make sure the messages are prepared in a timely, efficient and effective manner, often after consulting with campus groups that have invited the Chancellor to speak at a particular event. Remarks and talking points will be responsive to the Chancellor’s goals and priorities, as well as the overall goals and priorities of the University. Major audiences include the University community, alumni, faculty, students, donors, higher education leaders, and other academic stakeholders.
Please note: Subject to a department budgeted maximum amount; commensurate with education and experience.
Position Information
Apply by Date
September 18th 2023
Salary Range
$65,100/annually – $116,700/annually – Subject to a department budgeted maximum amount; commensurate with education and experience.
Appointment Type
Career
Number of Positions
1
Percentage of Time
Full-Time, 100%
Shift Hours
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Location
Davis, CA. – Position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule (working onsite and offsite) to accommodate workload and meet deadlines.
Union Representation
No
Benefits Eligible
Yes
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271
• Provide own transportation to off-site events and meetings.
• Work flexible schedule including occasional evenings/nights and weekends to meet staffing needs.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience in communications (public relations, media relations, public affairs, marketing, writing, journalism, etc.) for a large, complex institution.
- Demonstrated writing experience for different voices, audiences, and through different communication mediums.
- Experience conceptualizing and shaping communications pieces with skills to tell stories and structure an argument; fluent communicator with careful attention to detail, nuance, and style based on speaker, audience and intended message.
- Interpersonal and client relationship skills to develop collaborative and productive partnerships to provide high-quality service.
- Skill to work independently with minimal supervision to accomplish high-profile tasks and to meet multiple and concurrent deadlines.
- Critical thinking skills to generate innovative ideas, think strategically, originate action and establish priorities, and be creative and resourceful in achieving objectives.
- Organizational and time-management skills to coordinate many details of multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with constantly shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with speechwriting for high-level executives, senior leaders, and/or public figures. Presentation design skills to tell stories using data, charts, design and other storytelling techniques.
• Knowledge of the University, its mission, campuses, policies and achievements.
• Political acumen and extraordinary sensitivity to the perceptions and concerns of others to craft communications that respond to political realities and stakeholder needs.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and information, draw conclusions, and display data in such a way as to effectively support the positions taken in strategic public communications.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Background Check
This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.
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.