Responsibilities

• Proactive Pitching and Story Placement - In consultation with the Strategic and Critical Communications team, works with subject matter experts at UCOP and other UC locations to identify compelling, high-impact university stories for the news media and develops effective pitches.
• Conducts research, writes, and edits press releases, fact sheets, and other products needed for pitching stories; collaborates with UCOP Communications colleagues to produce social media, creative, and digital strategies and assets as needed to support pitches.
• Secures strong, positive story placements to enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of UC and its contributions throughout the state and nation.
• Tracks and reports on these efforts to senior leadership.
• Collaborates across the External Relations & Communications Division to maximize media opportunities for digital, social media, and advocacy purposes.
• Ensures that proactive media pitching is consistent with overall strategic communications, policy, and messaging goals.
• Spokesperson and Strategic Communications - Develops and executes tactical media strategies and plans, both to support UC’s overall activities and to address potentially critical news coverage.
• Acts as an on-the-record UC spokesperson with media.
• Collaborates with subject matter experts to source timely, vetted information and respond to media inquiries.
• Writes and edits plans, media statements, talking points, briefings, and other communications materials for both planned and unexpected situations.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years in deadline-driven journalism or communications role (such as media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, etc.), preferably in a large, complex organization.
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public policy, or similar relevant field, or equivalent work experience/training.
• Advanced ability to write clear, engaging, compelling, and effective copy appropriate to target audiences, including writing on behalf of senior leaders and complex organizations, with minimal editing and feedback necessary.
• Extensive experience with message strategy creation and implementation, solid traditional and social media instincts, and a proven track record of developing relationships with reporters.
• Demonstrated capacity for creative thinking and synthesis of complex information; able to generate fresh ideas for media outreach approaches that reflect University objectives.
• Collaborative, proactive, nimble, and enjoys rolling up their sleeves and working as part of a small, high-performing team in a fast-paced environment.
• Adept at synthesizing various viewpoints and incorporating constructive feedback into final communications.
• Ability to juggle multiple short-term deadlines alongside long-term projects, combining speed, accuracy, and excellence in everyday performance; demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision to accomplish high-profile tasks and meet concurrent deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal and client relationship skills to develop productive partnerships and build consensus. Ego-free, service-oriented approach and experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Have a passion for mission-driven, meaningful work and a familiarity with issues and trends in higher education.

Preferred

• Knowledge of the University of California, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs, policies, and structure (preferred)

Benefits

• Benefits of Belonging