ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR STRATEGIC AND CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS
Location: Oakland
Job ID: 74744
Job Posting
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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
The University of California Office of the President serves as the headquarters to a system of 10 campuses, five medical centers, and three affiliated national laboratories. As one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, UC is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and public service. Together, we educate more than 280,000 students, employ 227,000 faculty and staff, and have 2 million alumni living and working around the world.
At the University of California, your contributions make a difference. Working here means being part of a historic institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. We are passionate people, serving the greater good. 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. Learn more about the UC Office of the President here.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Strategic and Critical Communications Department enhances the public’s understanding of the University of California and its contributions to the state, the nation, and the world. The department coordinates with the rest of the External Relations and Communications Division (ER&C) and other UC colleagues to design and implement strategies that effectively communicate the University’s mission and impact to the news media. This includes engaging with reporters and responding to media inquiries, leading crisis communications, fostering strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, and generating creative and proactive press ideas on behalf of the UC Office of the President.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Senior Director for Strategic and Critical Communications (“Senior Director”), the Associate Director for Strategic and Critical Communications (“Associate Director”) supports the Director in the day-to-day management of a team of 3-4 professionals responsible for responding to media inquiries, pitching positive systemwide stories to news media, and developing communications materials such as press releases, statements, op-eds, FAQs, and talking points. The person in this role will work closely with colleagues in the Communications Department to identify, write (or assist in writing), and organize supporting assets (such as photos, graphic elements, videos, and social media content) to position UC as a leader on particular topics and highlight the University’s contributions to the state, the nation, and the world. In collaboration with the Senior Director, the Associate Director will also advise senior leadership on reputational issues and possible messaging.
Responsibilities
- 55% Spokesperson and strategic communications duties: Works closely with the Senior 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. Serves as a University spokesperson with news media as needed. Works with subject matter experts at UCOP and other UC locations to respond to media inquiries and provide timely, vetted information to reporters. Anticipates and assesses potential crises to determine appropriate courses of action. Collaborates with Senior Director to manage important issues and proactively stem potential crises. Writes and edits plans, media statements, talking points, briefings, and other communications materials for both planned and unexpected situations. Plans, executes, and staffs press conferences, press tours, conference calls, interviews, and other interactions between University representatives and news media, including at UC Board of Regents meetings as needed. Drafts internal communications plans, external statements, op-eds, and other high-profile collateral for senior leaders. Prepares senior leaders and other University spokespeople for media opportunities. Proactively communicates with UCOP and other UC location colleagues and leadership about media inquiries, coverage, and media metrics. Ensures coordinated messaging with other departments in the ER&C division, other UCOP divisions, and UC campuses. Assesses the risks and opportunities in various communications approaches and recommends next steps to senior leaders. Consistently cultivates long-term, positive working relationships with journalists.
- 25% Team management: Assists the Senior Director in day-to-day team management, including directing the work of subordinates, providing edits on communications materials, and giving constructive feedback as needed. Advises and assists the Senior Director in improving team processes and hiring and training staff. Fills in for the Senior Director as needed in their absence.
- 10% Proactive pitching and story placement: In consultation with the Senior Director, works with subject-matter experts at UCOP and other UC locations to identify compelling, high-impact University stories for the news media and develop pitches. Conducts research and provides writing and editing support on press releases, fact sheets, online communications, and other similar products needed for pitching stories. Collaborates with Communications Department 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 the University and its contributions. Ensures that proactive media pitching is consistent with overall strategic communications, policy, and messaging goals.
- 10% Other / miscellaneous duties: Assists or leads special projects or assignments as needed, often of a sensitive or confidential nature.
Required Qualifications
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of experience in deadline-driven journalism or communications role, preferably in a large, complex organization.
Skills and Abilities
- Be collaborative, proactive, nimble, and enjoy rolling up their sleeves and working as part of a small, high-performing team in a fast-paced environment.
- Thrives on working on high-profile communications and issues, can juggle multiple deadlines, and can work independently with minimal supervision to accomplish complex tasks.
- Has extensive experience with message strategy creation and implementation, solid traditional and social media instincts, and a proven track record of developing relationships with reporters.
- Can write clear, engaging, compelling, and effective copy appropriate to target audiences, including writing on behalf of senior leaders and complex organizations.
- Experienced in supervising and motivating team members to complete quality work on deadline and provide constructive feedback as needed.
- Demonstrated capacity for critical thinking and synthesis of complex information.
- Has exceptional interpersonal and client relationship skills to develop collaborative and productive partnerships.
- Proven ability to navigate complex situations involving diverse points of view.
- Adept at synthesizing various viewpoints and incorporating constructive feedback into final communications.
- Can generate fresh ideas for media outreach approaches that reflect University objectives.
- Demonstrates the highest levels of reliability, trustworthiness, and integrity.
- Excellent judgment and advanced analytical and decision-making; solid political acumen and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
- Is passionate about mission-driven work and has a good understanding of the University of California; its achievements, mission, vision, goals, programs, policies and infrastructure; has general knowledge of issues in higher education.
- Be able to travel several times a year, mostly within California, to support UC events, interviews, and other media-related tasks.
Education
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public policy, or similar relevant field, or equivalent work experience/training.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Job Title
Media Communications Manager 1
Job Code
000413
Salary Grade
Grade 25
Payscale:
$140,000 – $160,000
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
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC’s Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis. Current policy requires that a new employee work on-site at least two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (“anchor days”).
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 January 2, 2025. If needed, add: 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
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
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. For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.
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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