SENIOR MEDIA STRATEGIST

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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Department Overview
The 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 news inquiries, leading crisis communications responses, fostering strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, and generating creative, proactive press ideas on behalf of the UC Office of the President.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic and Crisis Communications ("Director"), the Senior Media Strategist ("Strategist") is responsible for fielding media inquiries; supporting crisis communications responses; and developing communications materials such as press releases, public statements, talking points, and op-eds on behalf of the University and its senior leaders.
The person in this role will also help manage complex institutional and reputational issues and support message strategy (including developing media plans and rollouts) while serving as an on-the-record spokesperson for the University.
Real-time media monitoring, compiling roundups of news coverage, and building dedicated media lists are also components of the job, with varying frequency.

Key Responsibilities

50% Media Inquiries:
Serves as a university spokesperson, responding to daily news media inquiries and cultivating positive relationships with journalists.
Assists in triaging and managing email inbox for media inquiries.
Coordinates and communicates internally with key stakeholders regarding media activities, inquiries, and needs.
Assesses risks and options inherent in various communications approaches and makes recommendations to senior leadership.
Prepares UC's subject-matter experts for media interviews and provides staffing support as needed.

30% Writing and editing:
Collaborates with subject matter experts to write, edit, and internally vet press releases, public statements, talking points, and other communication materials.
Prepares press releases and statements in content management system and distributes materials through media listservs.

10% Messaging Strategy:
In coordination with leadership and colleagues, develops and executes media strategies and plans to support UC priorities and initiatives and to respond to emerging issues and crises.

10% Other Duties:
Works with leadership and colleagues to plan and execute press conferences and availabilities as needed.
Monitors and compiles media coverage and social media activity related to major announcements or developing issues and distributes to key university staff as needed.
Supports efforts to proactively pitch or place stories or UC experts for media opportunities.
Supports UC Health communications priorities, as needed.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in deadline-driven journalism or communications role (such as media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, etc.), preferably in a large, complex institution.
  

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, concepts, and technical requirements in news, media communications, and media relations, as well as processes, protocols and opportunities of print, broadcast, and digital media.
  
• Proven track record of working with reporters, including handling media inquiries, proactive placement of stories or expert interviews, and fostering long-term relationships with key reporters and outlets.
  
• Extensive experience formulating and implementing external media strategy and messaging, while building consensus across internal stakeholders and departments.
  
• Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, and style and proven ability to write clear, compelling, and effective copy appropriate to a variety of target audiences.
  
• Experience writing on behalf of a complex organization and senior leaders, with minimal editing and feedback necessary.
  
• Ability to juggle multiple short-term deadlines with long-term projects, combining speed, accuracy, and excellence in everyday performance.
  
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision to accomplish high-profile tasks and to meet multiple concurrent deadlines.
  
• Excellent interpersonal and client relations skills and proven ability to develop collaborative and productive partnerships.
  
• Service-oriented approach and experience working with cross-functional teams.
  
• Advanced analytical and decision-making skills; solid political acumen and problem recognition, avoidance, and solving skills.
  
• Experience with digital platforms and outlets, including creatively leveraging their reach to achieve external messaging goals.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advance knowledge of the University of California, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs, policies, and structure.
  
• Familiarity with higher education issues and trends.
  
• Familiarity with digital tools such as Box, Slack, and project management tools such as Monday.com and Asana.
  

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public policy, or related area, and/or equivalent work experience/training.
  

Job Title
Media Communications Specialist 4

Job Code
005885

Salary Grade
Grade 24

Payscale:
$120,000 - $136,700Full Salary Range: