Research Communications Specialist, News and Media Relations (COMM SPEC 4 CM)

Job Summary This position is located within the News and Media Relations unit within Strategic Communications. It is responsible for identifying, generating, and promoting UC Davis stories in the Mathematical and physical sciences, College of Letters and Science (divisions of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences), and graduate and professional schools in law, education and business, using traditional and contemporary compelling storytelling through news and feature writing, video, social media and other methods. This position liaises with campus faculty, staff, students and administrators and with local, regional and national news media to achieve this goal. This position also is responsible for providing advice and consultation to campus constituencies on communications strategy, message development and issues management. This position serves as a communications liaison between UC Davis and the media, various public agencies, universities, organizations and the general public.
Job Summary This position is located within the News and Media Relations unit within Strategic Communications. It is responsible for identifying, generating, and promoting UC Davis stories in the Mathematical and physical sciences, College of Letters and Science (divisions of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences), and graduate and professional schools in law, education and business, using traditional and contemporary compelling storytelling through news and feature writing, video, social media and other methods. This position liaises with campus faculty, staff, students and administrators and with local, regional and national news media to achieve this goal. This position also is responsible for providing advice and consultation to campus constituencies on communications strategy, message development and issues management. This position serves as a communications liaison between UC Davis and the media, various public agencies, universities, organizations and the general public.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience AND at least three years of experience in news writing or media relations.
Skills in recognizing and developing news and feature stories and in communicating them effectively (including recognizing and using correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation) in appropriate styles (including AP style) for radio, television and print media. Knowledge of newswriting conventions, content management systems, journalistic formats, styles, standards, deadlines, techniques and audiences. Ability to communicate articulately, verbally and in writing.
Familiarity and experience in promoting research and other activities through social media channels on a regular basis and digitally engaging with audiences in contemporary ways.
Skills in analyzing situations and giving sound professional judgment on challenges dealing with public opinion and media relations. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Skills in message development, audience identification and issues management.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with various public agencies, universities and organizations around the country. Interpersonal skills in working with a variety of people to gather needed information, solve problems and produce news materials for impactful audiences.
Skill in organizing tasks and meeting deadlines. Ability to work effectively under stringent deadline requirements by producing clearly written, accurate and organized materials in short periods of time.
Ability to energetically pursue and maintain personal media contacts on a regular basis, to be responsive to requests for information, and to effectively promote campus programs and market story ideas. Ability to plan and execute media events, both in person and virtually. Skills in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with print and broadcast editors, producers, writers and reporters. Ability to synthesize and use metrics to evaluate effectiveness of approaches and to iterate as needed.
Preferred Qualifications Experience in communicating research or other technical topics to general audiences.
Knowledge of the academic and research enterprises and skills in deciphering technical research information and findings, placing them in context and communicating them to the news media and a general audience.
Knowledge of computer and webbased operations and the ability to learn to operate new electronic databases and use the web for generating and distributing information. Ability to develop content for the web and other platforms.
Understanding of the role of web navigation, visual representation and multimedia. Ability to take photographs and short videos with a digital camera.
Knowledge of campus policies and sensitivity to legal issues
Key Responsibilities 40% - Generates News Stories
35% - Provides Media Relations Support to the Campus
15% - Assist Campus in Communication Strategy and Planning
10% - Supports Other Units Publications
Department Overview University Communications encompasses the Public Affairs, Campus Communications and Strategic Initiatives, and Marketing units and serves campus leadership through planning, coordinating and implementing communication programs. These communications efforts foster increased awareness, understanding and support of UC Davis's mission, vision, accomplishments and needs among its many internal and external constituencies. University Communications is comprised of a staff of 27 FTE and an annual budget of $3 million. It serves as the official voice of UC Davis to regional, state, national and international news media.
POSITION INFORMATION Salary or Pay Range: $94,700/yr. - $177,300/yr. (Dept. budgeted range: $94,700/yr. - $112,000/yr. Commensurate with experience)
Salary Frequency: Annual
Salary Grade: 101
UC Job Title: COMM SPEC 4 CM
UC Job Code: 006401
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Staff: Career
Percentage of Time: 100%
Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Davis, CA
Union Representation: CM
Benefits Eligible: Yes
This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

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