Senior Public Information Representative

Job Description
Position: Senior Public Information Representative (SPIR) – UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals (BCH)

Hybrid role requiring regular in‑person attendance in both San Francisco and Oakland. Onsite work required three days per week.

Salary Range: $101,300–$216,700.

Job Summary
UCSF Public Affairs seeks a seasoned health and science communicator and collaborative team member to support UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals (BCH). UCSF is one of the world’s leading health sciences universities, with top‑ranked programs in biomedical research, education, and clinical care. UCSF Health, including UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland, is nationally recognized for excellence in pediatric care and its commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities.

The SPIR serves as a trusted advisor to faculty, clinicians, and senior leadership, providing counsel on media engagement, message development, and reputational risk. This includes preparing spokespeople for media interactions and advising on communications approaches for complex or sensitive issues.

The role requires a high degree of independence and judgment. The SPIR anticipates emerging issues, evaluates reputational opportunities and risks, and develops proactive communications strategies to address them. The individual collaborates across UCSF Public Affairs, Marketing, Health Communications, and other internal teams to align messaging and maximize impact.

The SPIR communicates through a range of formats, including news releases, feature stories, media pitches, talking points, and multimedia content, translating complex medical and scientific information into clear, compelling language for diverse audiences.

The Office of Communications actively supports UCSF’s PRIDE Values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity & Excellence. Candidates representing California’s diverse communities are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of strategic media relations plans and comprehensive communications campaigns for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.

Develop proactive media strategies aligned with institutional priorities, brand positioning, and business objectives.

Identify, prioritize, and advance high‑impact storytelling opportunities.

Ensure media placements and messaging align with UCSF enterprise goals.

Oversee development of major stories and campaigns to enhance national and regional visibility.

Independently manage complex, sensitive, and high‑profile media issues.

Develop and execute communications strategies for controversial or high‑risk topics.

Provide strategic counsel to faculty, clinicians, and leadership on media engagement and messaging.

Prepare spokespeople for interviews and public‑facing opportunities.

Lead development of messaging frameworks and oversee communications materials across platforms.

Cultivate and manage relationships with key local, regional, and national media.

Strategically pitch stories and secure placements aligned with institutional priorities.

Oversee media interactions, including high‑profile interviews and on‑site coverage.

Ensure coordination across teams for integrated communications efforts.

Serve as a key communications resource during crises or emergency situations.

Participate in on‑call rotation as scheduled and needed.

Contribute to institutional response strategies.

Provide timely, strategic guidance on media engagement during urgent situations.

Partner with faculty, clinicians, and leadership to identify communications opportunities.

Build relationships with national and trade media to enhance UCSF’s visibility.

Anticipate reputational risks and opportunities and proactively develop communications strategies.

Monitor and analyze media coverage and campaign performance.

Use metrics and insights to refine strategies and improve outcomes.

Report on results and impact to stakeholders.

Maintain strict confidentiality during crises.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in media relations, journalism, or strategic communications.

Experience using digital and social media platforms to amplify communications efforts.

Experience managing complex, high‑visibility communications initiatives.

Advanced knowledge of media communications, media relations, and strategic communications planning.

Demonstrated success developing and executing communications strategies with measurable outcomes.

Advanced verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Advanced judgment, analytical, and decision‑making skills, including navigating sensitive issues.

Ability to advise senior leadership and influence communications strategy.

Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Ability to work independently with a high degree of autonomy.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent experience.

Established network of national and regional media contacts.

About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate‑level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10‑campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. UCSF brings together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health and is home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made up of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values. In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care and in our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care.

Equal Employment Opportunity
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.

Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

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