Communications and Editorial Manager

Job Duties
In consultation with the Marketing and Publications Director for the College of Engineering (COE), the communications and editorial specialist is responsible for copywriting, editing, writing, and distributing written materials for internal and external communications. The individual conceptualizes, writes and prepares scientific press releases, print and electronic advertisements, news releases and announcements, social media messages, and messages written on behalf of the dean or other UCSB administrators or faculty. This person is also responsible for determining the production schedule and outline contents of the college’s publications, including Convergence magazine, brochures, or printed or emailed newsletters. The individual provides the above-mentioned professional services for the college and its departments, programs, centers, institutes, faculty, staff, and researchers.

Qualifications
Required

BS/BA in journalism, communication or marketing or related experience

4-6 years of experience in written communication or public relations functions.

1‑3 years prior experience and demonstrated ability of scientific writing for the lay audience.

1‑3 years experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, FileMaker Pro and PowerPoint).

Preferred

Excellent oral and written communication skills and a successful work history in writing clearly for news organizations, educational institutions, and/or in general marketing publications, web and social media outlets.

Copywriting and editing expertise.

Polished presentation and interpersonal skills.

Creative problem solving, results orientation, and the ability to produce high‑quality material in a short period of time.

Understanding of communication and marketing strategy and an ability to partner at all levels and collaborate with others across units, departments and colleges.

Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with faculty and scientists, and as part of a team that brings unique strengths and talents to the table.

Passion and vision to produce powerful and exciting stories about engineering and the sciences.

Experience scheduling, organizing, and producing large‑scale printed materials such as a magazine.

Special Conditions of Employment

Occasional evening and weekend work hours.

Satisfactory criminal history background check.

UCSB is a Tobacco‑Free environment.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including but not limited to violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Job Functions and Percentages of Time

50 % Communications and Press Releases – Develops written communication for the College of Engineering (COE), including press releases, magazines, newsletters, website and other written collateral. Serves as primary copy editor for the department, reviewing and editing written and designed materials. Drives key messages throughout all COE communications. Identifies areas of press interest and matches those with COE’s research, events, etc. Independently and in consultation with faculty and the Marketing and Publications Director, identifies hot topics for press releases and develops the content of the release. Supports the Marketing and Publications Director in storytelling on research topics and provides content to promote research grant applications and successful awards. Works with UCSB Public Information Office (PIO) on articles and press meetings as requested. Develops and maintains excellent working relationships with PIO and keeps them informed of activities within the Engineering and Science Colleges.

35 % Editor, Newsletters and Magazines – In consultation with the Marketing and Publications Director, the Dean of Engineering, and the Dean of Math, Life and Physical Sciences, determines publication schedule and outline content objective in accordance with national standards for a scientific magazine. Writes articles using interviewing, reporting and research techniques, including background preparation, to gather timely and informative material for news and features sections. Researchers backgrounds to gain full familiarity with complex, often difficult to understand subjects in science and engineering, to present them clearly, accurately and succinctly to a lay audience, producing general‑interest reading without omitting the scope and meaning of the research. Gathers material from writers skilled in interpreting university research and from faculty members, students and alumni. Works with contract writers to ensure they understand the magazine’s purpose, to set deadlines, and to evaluate writing content, style, tone, suitability and compatibility. Edits, and when necessary, rewrites assigned articles and columns, judging syntax, style, grammar, clarity, organization and accuracy of contents to conform to Convergence’s style, format and purpose. Conducts periodic reader surveys.

10 % Copywriting, Web and Social Media Content – Responsible for writing web content, brochures and other marketing materials for the College of Engineering; edits and produces newsletters, brochures and other collateral marketing pieces. Provides professional services in conceptualization, copywriting, design and production to other college and university departments and programs in the following areas: determining how to use written materials best to achieve program goals, writing and editing copy for clarity, accuracy and stylistic consistency and effectiveness, efficient and attractive design. Produces social media material and coordinates with social media production.

5 % Other – Perform other special tasks as assigned. Support the Marketing and Publications team with marketing strategy. Work with marketing team members developing written content from department marketing representatives and other COE department staff.

Vaccination Policy
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs. In a physical presence at a location or part of a university program, all Covered Individuals must participate in any applicable vaccination program by providing proof of being up‑to‑date with required vaccines or submitting a request for exception or declining vaccination as allowed. For more information, visit the University of California Vaccine Policy at https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy.

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.

Reasonable Accommodations
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Privacy Notification Statement
Privacy Notification Statement and Notice of Availability of the UCSB Annual Security and Fire Safety Report Disclosures.

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