SENIOR DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC & CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS
University of California Office of the President | |
United States, California, Oakland | |
1111 Franklin Street (Show on map) | |
April 29, 2024 | |
For UCOP internal applicants, please login to the internal candidate gateway at: 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. Department Overview 30% Media Strategy and Issues Management: Develop and implement effective media and messaging strategies on systemwide matters, in coordination with ER&C and UCOP leadership. Lead rapid response and prepare, coordinate, and execute crisis communications efforts at UCOP. Assist in managing a wide variety of high-profile issues and proactively anticipate, assess, and stem potential problems; recommend a course of action and manage the creation or sourcing of relevant materials to prepare media responses and execute on plans. Proactively cultivate and maintain positive relationships with media outlets and key reporters, particularly in higher education beats and publications. Design media strategies in order to create visibility, awareness, and positive perceptions of the University. Prepare briefing materials, initiate prep sessions prior to interviews, coach and train UCOP leaders in how to effectively speak with the media, and staff senior UC leaders, including the UC president, during press engagements. Collaborate with the Executive Communications team on these needs, as necessary. Monitor current events in relevant fields and identify opportunities to engage and inform the public. In collaboration with Communications Department leadership, coordinate crisis responses with campus media relations partners as needed. 20% Media Inquiries: Ensure timely, accurate, and strategic responses by the team to a high volume of deadline-driven media inquiries. Handle inquiries from larger outlets or those related to high-stakes issues. Serve as a systemwide spokesperson as needed. Provide media strategists with guidance and vetting of draft responses on media inquiries. Ensure coordinated messaging with other departments in the ER&C division, other UCOP divisions, and UC campuses. 30% Team Management and Collaboration: Manage the Critical Communications team. Identify ways to optimize the effectiveness, functionality, efficiency, and level of service of the department to UCOP and UC campus partners; implement improvements as needed. Help create additional structure and identify resources to enable better editorial planning and organization within the team. Work to develop and improve ongoing metrics of media relations efforts. Work with the External Engagement team to identify opportunities to increase positive earned media placements in digital, print, and broadcast outlets and platforms, and to create successful social media strategies for promotion and dissemination of UC-related news. Partner with the UC State and Federal Governmental Relations teams to identify opportunities and strategize on media relations efforts that help advance the University's state and federal budget and policy priorities. Partner with the Executive Communications and Engagement team and other UCOP divisions to identify media opportunities for the UC president and other UCOP senior leaders, and to amplify events and remarks as appropriate. Establish social media strategy for breaking news and critical issues, including metrics-reporting mechanisms to evaluate effectiveness, in consultation with the Social Media team. 20% Writing and Editing: Draft internal communications plans and memos, talking points, FAQs, as well as external statements, press releases, op-eds, and other high-profile materials on behalf of the University. Review and copy edit the Critical Communications team's work to ensure consistently high-quality, persuasive, and accurate materials. Experience
Skills and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
Education
Job Title Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: 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 May 20, 2024. 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. Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California , 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: . For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: . 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: or email the Human Resource Department at: . *LI-SG1 |