Communications Specialist

Responsibilities

• Oversee comprehensive communications strategies and programs for UC Irvine Human Resources with independence under the general direction of the Senior Director for Communications & Special Events.
• Independently authors and edits organizational messages and communications, produces and distributes enterprise-wide communications through ZotMail, UC Irvine's institutional communication platform, and designs and formats newsletters and other publications for internal and external audiences.
• Apply graphic design skills to develop visually compelling materials that align with UC Irvine's brand standards and HR's communication objectives.
• Oversee the work of external contractors and vendors, ensuring deliverables meet quality standards, timelines, and strategic goals.
• Serve as a trusted partner and subject matter expert, working closely with HR leadership, management, and key stakeholders across the institution to understand business needs, diagnose communication challenges and opportunities, and crystallize clear, compelling key messages.
• Lead the design and execution of holistic, integrated communication campaigns spanning written, visual, digital, and electronic media to advance the department's strategic objectives.
• Partner with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategies for a highly visible program, ensuring consistent, cohesive, and impactful messaging across all channels and audiences.
• Play a key role in co-producing major tentpole events in partnership with the Senior Director, including the annual UC Irvine Service Awards held every June, as well as other events scheduled throughout the year.
• In the absence of the Senior Director, serve as the acting lead for all communications functions, demonstrating the seniority, breadth of knowledge, and independent judgment required to maintain continuity and leadership across the full scope of the department's 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

• In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks.