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University of California Office of the President · 3 days ago

SENIOR MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER

Oakland, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$130K/yr - $145K/yr

5+ years exp

The University of California Office of the President is a leading institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and public service. The Senior Media Relations Officer is responsible for pitching stories, managing media inquiries, and developing communications materials to enhance the public's understanding of the university's contributions. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to support the university's strategic communications efforts and to serve as a spokesperson for the institution.

EducationHigher EducationProfessional Services

Responsibilities

50% Proactive pitching and story placement: In consultation with the Strategic and Critical Communications team, works with subject-matter experts at UCOP and other UC locations to identify compelling, high-impact university stories for the news media and develops effective pitches. Conducts research, writes, and edits press releases, fact sheets, and other products needed for pitching stories; collaborates with UCOP Communications colleagues to produce social media, creative, and digital strategies and assets as needed to support pitches. Secures strong, positive story placements to enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of UC and its contributions throughout the state and nation. Tracks and reports on these efforts to senior leadership. Collaborates across the External Relations & Communications Division to maximize media opportunities for digital, social media, and advocacy purposes. Ensures that proactive media pitching is consistent with overall strategic communications, policy, and messaging goals

40% Spokesperson and strategic communications duties: Develops and executes tactical media strategies and plans, both to support UC’s overall activities and to address potentially critical news coverage. Acts as an on-the-record UC spokesperson with media. Collaborates with subject matter experts to source timely, vetted information and respond to media inquiries. Writes and edits plans, media statements, talking points, briefings, and other communications materials for both planned and unexpected situations. Also, plans, executes, and staffs press conferences, press tours, interviews, and other interactions between University representatives and news media, including in person at UC presidential events or at UC Board of Regents meetings as needed. Works with Executive Communications colleagues to draft internal communications plans, external statements, op-eds, and other high-profile collateral for senior leaders. Prepares senior leaders and other University spokespeople for media opportunities. Proactively communicates with UCOP and other UC location colleagues and leadership about media inquiries, coverage, and progress on communications activities. Ensures coordinated messaging with other departments in ER&C, other UCOP divisions, and UC campuses. Consistently cultivates long-term, positive working relationships with journalists

10% Other/ miscellaneous duties: Assists or leads special projects or assignments as needed, often of a time sensitive or confidential nature

Qualification

Media relationsCrisis communicationsStrategic communicationsDigital platformsWriting skillsRelationship buildingAnalytical skillsCreative thinkingInterpersonal skillsProblem-solving

Required

Minimum 5 years In deadline-driven journalism or communications role (such as media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, etc.), preferably in a large, complex organization

Advanced ability to write clear, engaging, compelling, and effective copy appropriate to target audiences, including writing on behalf of senior leaders and complex organizations, with minimal editing and feedback necessary

Extensive experience with message strategy creation and implementation, solid traditional and social media instincts, and a proven track record of developing relationships with reporters

Have demonstrated capacity for creative thinking and synthesis of complex information; able to generate fresh ideas for media outreach approaches that reflect University objectives

Collaborative, proactive, nimble, and enjoys rolling up their sleeves and working as part of a small, high-performing team in a fast-paced environment

Adept at synthesizing various viewpoints and incorporating constructive feedback into final communications

Ability to juggle multiple short-term deadlines alongside 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 meet concurrent deadlines

Exceptional interpersonal and client relationship skills to develop productive partnerships and build consensus. Ego-free, service-oriented approach and experience working with cross-functional teams

Have a passion for mission-driven, meaningful work and a familiarity with issues and trends in higher education

Demonstrates the 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, including creatively leveraging their reach to achieve external messaging goals

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public policy, or similar relevant field, or equivalent work experience/training

Preferred

Knowledge of the University of California, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs, policies, and structure

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package offered by the University

Company

University of California Office of the President

Glassdoor3.8

The Office of the President is the system wide headquarters of the University of California, managing its fiscal and business operations, and supporting the academic and research missions across its campuses, labs and medical centers.

Oakland, California, USA

1001-5000 employees