SENIOR MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER
University of California Office of the President, San Francisco, CA, United States
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 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.
Position Summary
The Senior Media Relations Officer for the UC Office of the President is responsible for pitching positive systemwide stories, fielding media inquiries, and developing communications materials for UC and senior leaders, including press releases, statements, op‑ed pieces, FAQs, and talking points. The role collaborates with ER&C colleagues, campus media leaders, and subject‑matter experts to identify, write, organize collateral (photos, graphics, video, and social media content), and proactively pitch to media stories that support university and presidential priorities. The officer also manages important issues, proactively stems potential crises, supports messaging strategies, and serves as an on‑record spokesperson for the university.
Responsibilities
Proactive pitching and story placement (50%). In consultation with the Strategic and Critical Communications team, works with subject‑matter experts 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 materials 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. 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 duties (40%). 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‑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. Plans, executes, and staffs press conferences, press tours, interviews, and other interactions between University representatives and news media, including in person at UC presidential events or at UC Board of Regents meetings as needed. Works with Executive Communications colleagues to draft internal communications plans, external statements, op‑ed pieces, 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 progress on communications activities. Ensures coordinated messaging with other departments in ER&C, other UCOP divisions, and UC campuses. Consistently cultivates long‑term, positive working relationships with journalists.
Other/miscellaneous duties (10%). Assists or leads special projects or assignments as needed, often of a time‑sensitive or confidential nature.
Required Qualifications
Minimum 5 years in a deadline‑driven journalism or communications role (such as media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, etc.), preferably in a large, complex organization.
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 required.
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 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.
Passion for mission‑driven, meaningful work and familiarity with issues and trends in higher education.
Demonstrates the highest levels of reliability, trustworthiness, and integrity.
Excellent analytical and decision‑making skills; solid political acumen and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
Experience with digital platforms and outlines, including creatively leveraging their reach to achieve external messaging goals.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of the University of California, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs, policies, and structure.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public policy, or similar relevant field, or equivalent work experience/training.
Salary and Benefits
Salary Grade: 24. PayScale: $130,000 - $145,000.
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package available.
Job Title
Media Communications Specialist 4
Job Code
005885
Conditions of Employment
Background check completion is required.
University is smoke‑free and tobacco‑free.
Compliance with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.
Disclosure of any final administrative or judicial decisions or investigations of misconduct or related allegations.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct.
EEO Statement
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
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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 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.
Position Summary
The Senior Media Relations Officer for the UC Office of the President is responsible for pitching positive systemwide stories, fielding media inquiries, and developing communications materials for UC and senior leaders, including press releases, statements, op‑ed pieces, FAQs, and talking points. The role collaborates with ER&C colleagues, campus media leaders, and subject‑matter experts to identify, write, organize collateral (photos, graphics, video, and social media content), and proactively pitch to media stories that support university and presidential priorities. The officer also manages important issues, proactively stems potential crises, supports messaging strategies, and serves as an on‑record spokesperson for the university.
Responsibilities
Proactive pitching and story placement (50%). In consultation with the Strategic and Critical Communications team, works with subject‑matter experts 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 materials 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. 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 duties (40%). 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‑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. Plans, executes, and staffs press conferences, press tours, interviews, and other interactions between University representatives and news media, including in person at UC presidential events or at UC Board of Regents meetings as needed. Works with Executive Communications colleagues to draft internal communications plans, external statements, op‑ed pieces, 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 progress on communications activities. Ensures coordinated messaging with other departments in ER&C, other UCOP divisions, and UC campuses. Consistently cultivates long‑term, positive working relationships with journalists.
Other/miscellaneous duties (10%). Assists or leads special projects or assignments as needed, often of a time‑sensitive or confidential nature.
Required Qualifications
Minimum 5 years in a deadline‑driven journalism or communications role (such as media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, etc.), preferably in a large, complex organization.
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 required.
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 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.
Passion for mission‑driven, meaningful work and familiarity with issues and trends in higher education.
Demonstrates the highest levels of reliability, trustworthiness, and integrity.
Excellent analytical and decision‑making skills; solid political acumen and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
Experience with digital platforms and outlines, including creatively leveraging their reach to achieve external messaging goals.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of the University of California, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs, policies, and structure.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public policy, or similar relevant field, or equivalent work experience/training.
Salary and Benefits
Salary Grade: 24. PayScale: $130,000 - $145,000.
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package available.
Job Title
Media Communications Specialist 4
Job Code
005885
Conditions of Employment
Background check completion is required.
University is smoke‑free and tobacco‑free.
Compliance with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.
Disclosure of any final administrative or judicial decisions or investigations of misconduct or related allegations.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct.
EEO Statement
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
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