Senior Public Information Officer - News and Media Relations
University of California- Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, United States
Job Summary
The Department of Public Affairs and Marketing plans, manages, and implements strategic communications (news, public relations, marketing, internal and external communications) for UC Davis Health. The Senior Public Information Officer serves as an expert resource and develops and manages high‑profile organizational communications, including preparing articles and press releases, gathering and disseminating timely information to internal and external audiences, acting as on‑call media spokesperson, planning and overseeing press events, researching and writing briefing materials, and contributing to social media channels. This position collaborates with public affairs, compliance, government relations, legal team members and others to keep patients at the center of all communications and to outline operational changes that better communicate the health system’s positions while maintaining a commitment to excellence in patient care, clinical training, patient education and the health sciences.
This position covers the research and clinical enterprise at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and related departments as assigned.
Apply By Date: 5/15/2026 by 11:59pm
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in science, communications, journalism, English or related field.
Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in journalism, public relations or communications‑related field.
Significant experience using a variety of media platforms—web, social media, video and traditional platforms—to communicate messages and expand reach with varied audiences.
Experience writing medical, science or other complex content for lay audiences.
Skill in strategic message development, audience identification and issues‑management in alignment with an organization’s institutional goals.
Extensive news media or media relations expertise and skills in disseminating experience for training others.
Strong political acumen and understanding of public perception, with ability to craft communications that respond to political realities and stakeholder needs.
Working knowledge of AP style, with willingness to learn and integrate custom UC Davis Health style variations.
Ability to closely follow HIPAA and other privacy regulations and related documentation requirements.
Solid oral and interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy.
Ability to accept direction and edits and to exercise tact and sensitivity when working with colleagues and key stakeholders.
Ability to write clear, accurate, compelling and stylistically appropriate content.
Thorough knowledge of the English language and its proper usage, in both oral and written communications and for a variety of goals and diverse audiences.
Strong organizational and time‑management skills to coordinate many details of multiple projects simultaneously, keeping everything on schedule and identifying and solving problems as they arise.
Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with constantly shifting priorities.
Ability to meet tight deadlines and work long hours, when necessary.
Demonstrated ability to write for various print formats—e.g., production scripts, presentation formats (PowerPoint, posters, etc.)—web communications, press releases, talking points, etc.
Familiarity with or ability to learn Microsoft Office Suite.
Capable of quickly and accurately gathering information on a wide variety of topics and issues to conduct interviews with experts, prepare press releases or develop talking points for controversial issues.
Analytical skills to interpret data and information, draw conclusions and determine best approaches to effectively support positions for strategic public communications.
Ability to be creative and resourceful in achieving objectives.
Demonstrated ability to generate innovative ideas, think strategically and establish priorities.
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to represent the health system and Public Affairs in a professional manner in the conduct of highly visible work.
Ability to gain extensive knowledge and understanding of UC Davis Health System’s faculty, staff and trainees; clinical, research, education and outreach programs; organizational structure and policies and procedures.
Skill and sound judgment to apply state and federal laws, university policies and professional standards to all institutional communications that represent the health system and its various academic, clinical and research enterprises.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in science, communications, journalism, English or related field.
Video production knowledge and expertise that enables the department to produce high‑quality communications that are accurate, professional and meet all institutional and leadership needs.
Advanced knowledge and experience in developing communications for an academic health center.
Advanced knowledge and experience in developing communications for an assigned area of medical specialty.
Experience in producing persuasive, engaging videos that capture the appropriate and intended themes and goals of the health system, while consistently incorporating key strategic messages.
Key Responsibilities
70% – Creative Strategies and Positioning
30% – Creative Content Development
Department Overview
The Department of Public Affairs and Marketing plans, manages and implements strategic communications for UC Davis Health. Communications are aimed at a wide range of key constituencies such as the news media, UC administration, UC Davis faculty, staff and students, government and regulatory leaders, external physicians, business leaders, patients and health care consumers, and the general public.
Position Information
Salary range: $7,891.67 – $14,775.00 per month. Salary Grade: 24. UC Job Code: 005887. Number of positions: 1. Appointment type: Staff – Career. Percentage of time: 100%. Shift: 8 am–5 pm. Location: Broadway Building (HSP072). Union representation: Non‑Represented. Benefits eligible: Yes. This position is hybrid (mix of on‑site and remote work).
Benefits
High‑quality and low‑cost medical plans to fit your family's needs.
UC pays for dental and vision insurance premiums for you and your family.
Extensive leave benefits including pregnancy and parental leave, family & medical leave.
Paid holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or collective bargaining agreement.
Paid time off/vacation/sick time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or collective bargaining agreement.
Continuing education allowance and education reimbursement program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or collective bargaining agreement.
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth.
WorkLife and wellness programs and resources.
On‑site employee assistance program including access to free mental health services.
Supplemental insurance offered, including additional life, short/long‑term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer & student loan repayment assistance program for qualified roles.
Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including pension and other retirement plans. More information on retirement benefits can be found.
Physical Demands
Standing – occasional up to 3 hours.
Walking – occasional up to 3 hours.
Sitting – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Lifting/carrying 0–25 lbs – occasional up to 3 hours.
Pushing/pulling 0–25 lbs – occasional up to 3 hours.
Bending/stooping – occasional up to 3 hours.
Squatting/kneeling – occasional up to 3 hours.
Twisting – occasional up to 3 hours.
Reaching overhead – occasional up to 3 hours.
Keyboard use/repetitive motion – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Mental Demands
Sustained attention and concentration – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Complex problem solving/reasoning – occasional up to 3 hours.
Ability to organize & prioritize – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Communication skills – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Numerical skills – occasional up to 3 hours.
Constant interaction – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Customer/patient contact – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Multiple concurrent tasks – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e‑cigarettes) are strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
You may need to drive a personal car to meetings, events, etc., with mileage reimbursement. Ability to adjust schedule and work evenings or weekends when circumstances dictate. Must be able to work occasional overtime/flex schedule (evenings/weekends) to meet operational needs. Must be able to travel to locations in Sacramento and Davis for occasional meetings, training, etc.
Special Requirements
Employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check, drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.
Employment is contingent on compliance with mandatory reporter requirements and relevant training.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose any misconduct, allegations or disciplinary proceedings within the last seven years, or any ongoing investigations or appeals.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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.
To view the University of California’s Anti‑Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Department of Public Affairs and Marketing plans, manages, and implements strategic communications (news, public relations, marketing, internal and external communications) for UC Davis Health. The Senior Public Information Officer serves as an expert resource and develops and manages high‑profile organizational communications, including preparing articles and press releases, gathering and disseminating timely information to internal and external audiences, acting as on‑call media spokesperson, planning and overseeing press events, researching and writing briefing materials, and contributing to social media channels. This position collaborates with public affairs, compliance, government relations, legal team members and others to keep patients at the center of all communications and to outline operational changes that better communicate the health system’s positions while maintaining a commitment to excellence in patient care, clinical training, patient education and the health sciences.
This position covers the research and clinical enterprise at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and related departments as assigned.
Apply By Date: 5/15/2026 by 11:59pm
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in science, communications, journalism, English or related field.
Minimum of 5–10 years of experience in journalism, public relations or communications‑related field.
Significant experience using a variety of media platforms—web, social media, video and traditional platforms—to communicate messages and expand reach with varied audiences.
Experience writing medical, science or other complex content for lay audiences.
Skill in strategic message development, audience identification and issues‑management in alignment with an organization’s institutional goals.
Extensive news media or media relations expertise and skills in disseminating experience for training others.
Strong political acumen and understanding of public perception, with ability to craft communications that respond to political realities and stakeholder needs.
Working knowledge of AP style, with willingness to learn and integrate custom UC Davis Health style variations.
Ability to closely follow HIPAA and other privacy regulations and related documentation requirements.
Solid oral and interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy.
Ability to accept direction and edits and to exercise tact and sensitivity when working with colleagues and key stakeholders.
Ability to write clear, accurate, compelling and stylistically appropriate content.
Thorough knowledge of the English language and its proper usage, in both oral and written communications and for a variety of goals and diverse audiences.
Strong organizational and time‑management skills to coordinate many details of multiple projects simultaneously, keeping everything on schedule and identifying and solving problems as they arise.
Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with constantly shifting priorities.
Ability to meet tight deadlines and work long hours, when necessary.
Demonstrated ability to write for various print formats—e.g., production scripts, presentation formats (PowerPoint, posters, etc.)—web communications, press releases, talking points, etc.
Familiarity with or ability to learn Microsoft Office Suite.
Capable of quickly and accurately gathering information on a wide variety of topics and issues to conduct interviews with experts, prepare press releases or develop talking points for controversial issues.
Analytical skills to interpret data and information, draw conclusions and determine best approaches to effectively support positions for strategic public communications.
Ability to be creative and resourceful in achieving objectives.
Demonstrated ability to generate innovative ideas, think strategically and establish priorities.
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to represent the health system and Public Affairs in a professional manner in the conduct of highly visible work.
Ability to gain extensive knowledge and understanding of UC Davis Health System’s faculty, staff and trainees; clinical, research, education and outreach programs; organizational structure and policies and procedures.
Skill and sound judgment to apply state and federal laws, university policies and professional standards to all institutional communications that represent the health system and its various academic, clinical and research enterprises.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in science, communications, journalism, English or related field.
Video production knowledge and expertise that enables the department to produce high‑quality communications that are accurate, professional and meet all institutional and leadership needs.
Advanced knowledge and experience in developing communications for an academic health center.
Advanced knowledge and experience in developing communications for an assigned area of medical specialty.
Experience in producing persuasive, engaging videos that capture the appropriate and intended themes and goals of the health system, while consistently incorporating key strategic messages.
Key Responsibilities
70% – Creative Strategies and Positioning
30% – Creative Content Development
Department Overview
The Department of Public Affairs and Marketing plans, manages and implements strategic communications for UC Davis Health. Communications are aimed at a wide range of key constituencies such as the news media, UC administration, UC Davis faculty, staff and students, government and regulatory leaders, external physicians, business leaders, patients and health care consumers, and the general public.
Position Information
Salary range: $7,891.67 – $14,775.00 per month. Salary Grade: 24. UC Job Code: 005887. Number of positions: 1. Appointment type: Staff – Career. Percentage of time: 100%. Shift: 8 am–5 pm. Location: Broadway Building (HSP072). Union representation: Non‑Represented. Benefits eligible: Yes. This position is hybrid (mix of on‑site and remote work).
Benefits
High‑quality and low‑cost medical plans to fit your family's needs.
UC pays for dental and vision insurance premiums for you and your family.
Extensive leave benefits including pregnancy and parental leave, family & medical leave.
Paid holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or collective bargaining agreement.
Paid time off/vacation/sick time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or collective bargaining agreement.
Continuing education allowance and education reimbursement program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or collective bargaining agreement.
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth.
WorkLife and wellness programs and resources.
On‑site employee assistance program including access to free mental health services.
Supplemental insurance offered, including additional life, short/long‑term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer & student loan repayment assistance program for qualified roles.
Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including pension and other retirement plans. More information on retirement benefits can be found.
Physical Demands
Standing – occasional up to 3 hours.
Walking – occasional up to 3 hours.
Sitting – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Lifting/carrying 0–25 lbs – occasional up to 3 hours.
Pushing/pulling 0–25 lbs – occasional up to 3 hours.
Bending/stooping – occasional up to 3 hours.
Squatting/kneeling – occasional up to 3 hours.
Twisting – occasional up to 3 hours.
Reaching overhead – occasional up to 3 hours.
Keyboard use/repetitive motion – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Mental Demands
Sustained attention and concentration – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Complex problem solving/reasoning – occasional up to 3 hours.
Ability to organize & prioritize – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Communication skills – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Numerical skills – occasional up to 3 hours.
Constant interaction – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Customer/patient contact – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Multiple concurrent tasks – frequent 3 to 6 hours.
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e‑cigarettes) are strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
You may need to drive a personal car to meetings, events, etc., with mileage reimbursement. Ability to adjust schedule and work evenings or weekends when circumstances dictate. Must be able to work occasional overtime/flex schedule (evenings/weekends) to meet operational needs. Must be able to travel to locations in Sacramento and Davis for occasional meetings, training, etc.
Special Requirements
Employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check, drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.
Employment is contingent on compliance with mandatory reporter requirements and relevant training.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose any misconduct, allegations or disciplinary proceedings within the last seven years, or any ongoing investigations or appeals.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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.
To view the University of California’s Anti‑Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
#J-18808-Ljbffr