New England HERC

Senior Media Relations Officer

Location: OaklandFull Time
Job ID: 50679
Job Posting

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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

Strategic Communications and Media Relations enhances the public's understanding of the university and its contributions to the world. The team interacts with journalists and media outlets, responding to some 150 inquiries a month; strategizes, develops and coordinates communications/messaging on various systemwide issues and events; and helps promote UC priorities through proactive media outreach and tactics. In addition, the department also evaluates and arranges media opportunities for President Drake, drafts statements and op-eds on his behalf as well as that of other senior leaders and helps manage perennial issues and crises.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Media Relations Officer for the UC Office of the President, the university's system-wide headquarters, is responsible for fielding media inquiries and pitching positive systemwide stories, in addition to developing materials for UC and for senior leaders, including press releases, statements, op-eds, and talking points. The person in this role will work in collaboration with Mar/Comm to identify, write (or assist in writing), organize photos, graphic elements, video and proactively pitch to media those stories that support UC/presidential priorities, position the UC as a leader on a particular topic, issue and further highlight the UC's state, national and global value. The Senior Media Relations Officer will also help manage important issues and support strategy on messaging (such as developing media plans and rollouts), while serving as an on-the-record spokesperson for the university.

We are seeking dynamic applicants who thrive on working on high-profile communications and issues, and have demonstrated solid media instincts and a proven track record of working with reporters, including on handling media inquiries and proactive placement of stories - a high level of proficiency in writing, especially for a complex organization and on behalf of senior leaders, with minimal editing and feedback necessary - a mastery of media relations, responding to media requests and pitching UC's executives and expertise to journalists - extensive experience with external strategy and messaging, while building consensus across stakeholders and departments. Proactively planning, positioning, developing, and executing external communications - the ability to juggle quick deadlines with long-term projects, combining speed and excellence in their everyday performance - experience with digital platforms and outlets, and creatively leveraging their reach to achieve external messaging goals -working in partnership with marketing colleagues on key projects and taking the lead on managing and delivering relevant external communications and ideally, a passion for mission-driven, meaningful work and a familiarity with issues in higher education.

The job is hybrid within California.

Responsibilities

50% Media Strategy and Proactive Pitching: Develops, executes and manages media strategies and plans, both to support the University's overall activities and to address potentially critical news coverage. Conceives and develops proactive, positive story ideas. Secure strong story placements to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of the University and its contributions. Provides support in communicating the University's brand through researching, writing and editing, press releases, fact sheets, online communications, and other similar products. Coordinates closely with colleagues throughout the unit regarding communications strategy and materials to support messaging for high-priority projects. Reviews existing communications strategies, establishes new ones as warranted, works collaboratively with senior leadership to improve issue-related communications.

30% Spokesperson Duties and Media Monitoring: Serves as a University spokesperson in a variety of media, responding to daily news media inquiries, promoting stories reflecting the university's public contributions, and cultivating positive, long-term relationships with journalists. Works closely with the Director in the development and execution of tactical media strategies and plans, both to support the University's overall activities and to address potentially critical news coverage. Ensures that proactive media pitching is consistent with strategic messaging goals. Works with staff in planning and execution of press conferences, press tours, conference calls and other interactions between University representatives and news media. Monitors and compiles media coverage during major stories as they are breaking, and general news clips when necessary, for distribution to key staff throughout the University.

20% Responding to Reporter Inquiries: Works with subject-matter experts in the Office of the President and on the campuses to identify compelling UC stories for the news media and obtain accurate answers to reporter questions. Communicates internally with key stakeholders regarding media activities, inquiries, and needs. Assesses risks and options inherent in various communications approaches and makes recommendations to senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of principles, practices, concepts, and technical requirements in news, media communications and media relations.
• Extensive experience across external communications, media & issues management, content development, leadership communications.
• Exceptional written and communication skills and enjoy rolling up your sleeves and doing the work as part of a small, high-performing, and collaborative team, all within a fast-paced and changing environment. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision to accomplish high-profile tasks and to meet multiple concurrent deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style and advanced skills to write clear, engaging, compelling and effective copy appropriate to target audiences.
• Successfully executing media relations programs by leveraging a strong network of top-tier journalists across state/national broadcast, print and online outlets. Continually expand your network of media on a regular basis, initiating conversations and garnering direct insights from media contacts.
• Excellent interpersonal and client relationship skills to develop collaborative and productive partnerships.
• Proven in-depth understanding of the roles, processes, protocols and opportunities of print, broadcast and online media.
• Generating fresh ideas for programs, events and media outreach that parallel OP objectives.
• Advanced judgment, analytical and decision-making skills and advanced political acumen.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advance knowledge of the University of California; its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs, policies and infrastructure; and knowledge of issues in higher education as well as current Office of the President concerns and issues.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or 5-8 years equivalent experience/training.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
Media Communications Specialist 4

Job Code
005885

Salary Grade
Grade 24

Payscale:
$113,000 - $131,100

Full Salary Range:
$91,200 - $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 April 6, 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.

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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=50679&PostingSeq=1







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