SENIOR MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER

Media Communications Specialist 4

Job Code: 005885 | Salary Grade: 24 | Pay Scale: $130,000 - $145,000
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 rest of 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. This includes engaging with reporters and responding to media inquiries, leading crisis communications, fostering strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, and generating creative and proactive press ideas on behalf of the UC Office of the President.
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-eds, FAQs, and talking points. The officer works with ER&C colleagues and campus media leaders to write media pitches, organize collateral including photos, graphic elements, video, and social media content, and proactively pitch to media stories that support university and presidential priorities. The role also supports messaging strategies, serves as an on-the-record spokesperson, and collaborates with subject matter experts to manage issues and mitigate potential crises.
Responsibilities

50% Proactive pitching and story placement: Identify compelling, high‑impact stories, conduct research, write and edit press releases, fact sheets, and other products; collaborate with colleagues to produce social media and digital assets; secure positive story placements; track and report efforts to senior leadership.
40% Spokesperson and strategic communications duties: Develop and execute media strategies and plans; act as on‑record spokesperson; source timely, vetted information; write and edit plans, media statements, talking points, briefings; plan, execute, and staff press conferences, tours, and interviews; draft internal and external statements; prepare senior leaders for media opportunities; coordinate messaging across departments.
10% Other/miscellaneous duties: Assist or lead special projects or assignments as needed, often time‑sensitive or confidential.
Required Qualifications

Minimum 5 years in a deadline‑driven journalism or communications role (e.g., media relations, public affairs, crisis communications) in a large, complex organization.
Advanced ability to write clear, engaging, compelling copy for senior leaders and complex organizations with minimal editing.
Extensive experience in message strategy creation and implementation; solid traditional and social media instincts; proven track record of developing relationships with reporters.
Demonstrated capacity for creative thinking and synthesis of complex information; ability to generate fresh ideas for media outreach aligned with university objectives.
Collaborative, proactive, nimble; enjoys working as part of a small, high‑performing team in a fast‑paced environment.
Adept at synthesizing viewpoints and incorporating constructive feedback into final communications.
Ability to juggle multiple short‑term deadlines alongside long‑term projects, combining speed, accuracy, and excellence; can work independently with minimal supervision to meet concurrent deadlines.
Exceptional interpersonal and client relationship skills to develop productive partnerships and build consensus; ego‑free, service‑oriented approach; experience with cross‑functional teams.
Passion for mission‑driven, meaningful work and familiarity with issues and trends in higher education.
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, creatively leveraging 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

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, knowledge, and other considerations. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. Benefits: Comprehensive package includes health, dental, vision, retirement, and other standard benefits at the University of California.
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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