Communications Specialist

Responsibilities

• Oversees comprehensive communications strategies and programs for UC Irvine Human Resources.
• Authors and edits organizational messages and communications; produces and distributes enterprise-wide communications through ZotMail.
• Designs and formats newsletters and other publications for internal and external audiences; applies graphic design skills to align with brand standards.
• Oversees the work of external contractors and vendors; ensures deliverables meet quality standards, timelines, and strategic goals.
• Leads the design and execution of holistic, integrated communication campaigns spanning written, visual, digital, and electronic media.
• Partners with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategies for a highly visible program; ensures consistent messaging across channels.
• Balances direct production responsibilities with strategic oversight to support HR's mission and goals.
• Co-produces major tentpole events in partnership with the Senior Director, including the annual UC Irvine Service Awards and other events; coordinates communications, logistics, and stakeholder engagement.
• In the absence of the Senior Director, serves as acting lead for all communications functions; demonstrates independence and leadership across communications activities.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media, technical aspects and requirements of various media and most appropriate and effective applications.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of technical applications to direct professional technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.
• Advanced knowledge of the organization, including its mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure; strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education, health sciences, and healthcare.
• Advanced skills to create, develop, and implement long and short term strategic communication plans.
• Advanced skills to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications, ranging from developing effective communication strategies to appropriately responding to inquiries regarding sensitive or complex issues or information.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• Thorough knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.
• Demonstrated skill in independently analyzing situations, interpreting data, defining problems and/or objectives, identifying relevant factors, developing alternative solutions, making final recommendations, implementing and evaluating the results.
• Demonstrated event production or significant co-production experience.

Preferred

• Strong business acumen in human resources and higher education.
• Knowledge of UCI-specific technology (ZotMail)

Benefits

• medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks