Location: OaklandFull Time
Job ID: 52604
Job Posting

For UCOP internal applicants, please login to the internal candidate gateway at: Jobs at UCOP

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. 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. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

University of California Health Communications provides strategic marketing and communications for UC Health, including development of systemwide collaborations among the six academic health centers, 20 health professional schools, four children's hospital campuses and the Global Health Institute. UC Health delivers exceptional care, trains health professionals and accelerates the pace of scientific discovery.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Strategist serves as a key communications resource from External Relations & Communications to the UC Health division office, providing communications counsel and assistance while also identifying compelling stories from the University's health enterprise to incorporate into the University's broader strategic messaging and storytelling about its public contributions. This position develops subject-matter expertise and works with UC Health and External Relations & Communications colleagues to tell the stories of the University's work in clinical settings, health professional training, and health sciences research through a variety of internal and external communications vehicles.

This is a hybrid position with 2 -3 days in the Oakland office.

Responsibilities

• 35% Writing: Write news and feature stories for use across communications vehicles, including web, social media, press releases. Interview health subject matter experts to find compelling story angle and gather details. Manage review process with health experts and leaders. Ensure that the stories identified on the UC Health editorial calendar are delivered on time and with strong quality. Create new content or update/enhance existing copy as needed to showcase UC Health initiatives in vehicles such as websites, newsletters, public information materials, annual reports and other materials.
  

• 35% Media Relations: Pitch proactive stories to local, industry and national reporters, as part of integrated communications storytelling efforts. Consult on identification of reporters for proactive outreach and work to build relationships with those select local, industry and national journalists. Partner with UC Health Director of communications to support response to incoming media inquiries, including drafting response statements, gathering information and securing approvals.

• 20% Editorial Strategy: Plan, develop, and implement short- and long-term communications strategies to inform and educate constituents and stakeholders. Devise storytelling strategies that flow across a range of formats, including web, social media, and media relations vehicles. Evaluate and recommend types of communications mediums, such as written, visual, multimedia, that should be used to inform a range of program stakeholders as part of the storytelling work. When needed, coordinate with Marketing designers and producers to create content assets, including writing of creative briefs if necessary. Consult regularly with UC Health subject matter experts and across campuses to determine messages, identify story ideas, and stay abreast of national and state trends. Maintain the UC Health editorial calendar in consultation with the UC Health Director of Communications. Ensure efforts complement the University's overall editorial strategies and those of UC's academic health centers and health professional schools by working with Communications and Marketing colleagues at UCOP and health campuses. Ensure that all content is technically accurate, information, engaging, audience appropriate and strategically delivered, as well as meets UC accessibility standards.

• 10% Special Projects: Develop and write materials such as statements, Q&As, talking points, fact sheets, public information reports, op-eds and special briefings/reports that address urgent issues. Other projects as assigned by the Director of UC Health Communications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a major in health sciences, public health, journalism, or allied field, and professional writing ability demonstrated by at least five years of professional writing experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Specific knowledge of and experience in subject-matter area supported (e.g., health services delivery, health professional training and workforce development, public health, health policy, etc.).
• Demonstrated verbal, writing, and editorial skills to communicate effectively with a variety of constituencies: skills include active listening to capture pertinent information; thorough skills to write clear, lively, engaging, and compelling copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences, while ensuring adherence to the University messages; careful and thoughtful editorial skills.
• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation; thorough knowledge of appropriate editorial style (namely Associated Press) and publication guidelines.
• Ability to write for a web audience and knowledge of web navigation, internet prose standards, and web content placement.
• Knowledge of industry editorial standards for print and web publications.
• Extensive research and analytical skills, including ability to develop, assess and synthesize information and recommendations from a variety of sources in order to develop strategically appropriate communications.
• Excellent interpersonal and vendor relationship skills to develop collaborative, productive, and cost-efficient partnerships.
• Strong collaborative approach to working in partnership with health enterprise leaders and experts along with communications and marketing colleagues at UCOP and UC health campuses.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to develop realistic writing timelines and to ensure completion of projects by established deadlines.
• Proven initiative to follow through and complete assignments independently, and work cooperatively and productively within a team environment.
• Computer literacy and demonstrated proficiency with MS Office, web-based applications, and inhouse publishing systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of creating and managing web content through a content management system a plus.
• Basic comfort level working with photo editing and design programs/platforms to create social media assets a plus.
  

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary:

Job Title
Communications Specialist 4

Job Code
005887

Salary Grade
Grade 24

Payscale:
$116,000 - $131,100

Full Salary Range:
$91,400 - $170,800

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

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 June 1, 2023. 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

August 2021 Update: The University of California has issued a policy requiring employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID -19 before physically accessing the University location or programs. Upon hire into a UCOP position, you will be provided detailed instructions on how to comply with this policy including access to the COVID vaccination at no cost. New hires to UCOP who work onsite or will come onsite for any activities at a UCOP or other UC location must comply with this policy within 8 weeks after their start date. The policy allows for employees to request approval for an exception or deferral. UC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

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. EEO/AA Employer UC Nondiscrimination Policy

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.

• LI-SG1

To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucop/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=19&JobOpeningId=52604&PostingSeq=1

jeid-5e2abfba5ddf3643b7854ca3d084a305