Senior Public Information Officer - News and Media Relations

Job Summary
The Department of Public Affairs and Marketing plans, manages, and implements strategic communications (such as news, public relations, marketing, internal and external 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/regulatory leaders; external physicians; business leaders; patients and health care consumers; and the general public. The Senior Public Information Officer performs as an expert resource and develops and manages high‑profile organizational communications for UC Davis Health. This professional helps to strategically position the university within the local community, region and beyond by developing communications plans for service lines and other entities at UC Davis Health, preparing articles and press releases for the media and the UC Davis Health website, 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 UC Davis Health social media channels. This position is a lead resource and supports all health system communications channels in a department whose functions include public relations, media relations, social media, internal and executive communications, marketing, digital communications and creative services. This position needs to think strategically, in partnership with public affairs, compliance, government relations, legal team members and others to keep patients at the center of all communications, to outline operational changes that may be needed to better communicate the health system's positions, and to help maintain our commitment to excellence in patient care, clinical training, patient education and the health sciences. This position works with individuals ranging from top University of California leadership and health system administrators to key faculty and staff, as well as prominent elected officials and community leaders and with patients and community members on social media channels.

Additional focus: This position will cover the research and clinical enterprise at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and related departments as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

70% – Creative Strategies and Positioning

30% – Creative Content Development

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, such as web, social media, video and traditional platforms to communicate messages and expand reach with varied audiences.

Demonstrated experience writing medical, science, or other complex content for lay audiences.

Demonstrated 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 dissemination experience for training others.

Strong political acumen and understanding of public perception, with the 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.

Must have ability to accept direction and edits and to exercise tact and sensitivity when working with colleagues and key stakeholders.

Must be able 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.

Must be able to work in a fast‑paced environment with constantly shifting priorities.

Must be able to meet tight deadlines and work long hours when necessary.

Demonstrated ability to write for various print formats, such as production scripts, text‑documents, 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, in order 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 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.

Apply By Date
5/15/2026 by 11:59pm

Position Information

Salary or Pay Range: $7,891.67 – $14,775.00

Budgeted Pay Range: $10,416.67 – $11,416.67

Salary Frequency: Monthly

Salary Grade: Grade 24

UC Job Title: COMM SPEC 4

UC Job Code: 005887

Number of Positions: 1

Appointment Type: Staff: Career

Percentage of Time: 100%

Shift (Work Schedule): 8am-5pm

Location: Broadway Building (HSP072)

Union Representation: 99 – Non‑Represented (PPSM)

Benefits Eligible: Yes

This position is hybrid (mix of on‑site and remote work)

Benefits

High quality and low‑cost medical plans to choose from 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 (CE) 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 (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles

Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans.

Special Requirements

Employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.

Position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of California, Davis is an Equal 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.

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