Job Summary

This position oversees a subject-matter portfolio as part of the News and Media Relations unit within Strategic Communications with moderately complex communications requirements. The portfolio includes student and campus life, university initiatives, events and programs, particularly those related to rankings, demographics, admissions and international students and programs. The position staffs campus events as appropriate, assisting with media relations and writing stories for Dateline, UC Davis Magazine and UC Davis News. The position liaises with program and campus leaders to identify compelling stories of unique university services and programs, as well as stories of students making a positive impact. The position pitches media and responds to non-reputationally sensitive media requests, and works with colleagues on the News and Media Relations unit on reputationally sensitive matters.

Apply By Date

September 3, 2026 at 11:59pm

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. At least one year as a news writer, public information officer or professional communicator.
Experience using writing, editing and proofreading skills to use language accurately and creatively, recognize and use correct English grammar, spell and punctuate correctly, and understand, use and translate academic and technical terminology and concepts into lay terms.
Knowledge of all aspects of communications, including writing, social media, web publication and event planning. Experience working in a diverse communications environment that includes print and digital media, and written and interactive content intended to reach and engage diverse audiences.
Knowledge and experience applying journalistic forms, styles, standards, deadlines, techniques and audiences
Excellent skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans. 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.
Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and / or broad general audiences.
Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally. Writing experience demonstrating keen storytelling that crosses print, video and photography media and emotionally appeals to varied audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a campus news or communications setting
Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education.
Familiarity and experience in promoting campus activities through social media channels on a regular basis and digitally engaging with audiences in contemporary ways.
Ability to use metrics to inform approaches to communication with diverse audiences and to incorporate data into decision making.

Key Responsibilities

70% - Generates News and Feature Stories
20% - Provides Media Relations Support to the Campus
10% - Provides Support to Campus Publications

Department Overview

Strategic Communications provides comprehensive and coordinated campus leadership in developing, planning, creating and implementing strategic communications programs based on the department's goals and objectives. The department works across all media to foster increased awareness, understanding and support of UC Davis' mission, vision, accomplishments, impacts and needs among its many internal and external constituencies. It serves as the official voice of UC Davis to regional, state, national and international news media. Strategic Communications encompasses six units: Visual Communications, News and Media Relations, Web Communications, Social Media, Marketing and Undergraduate Admissions Communications. Strategic Communications' multimedia storytellers, writers, social media practitioners, designers, web developers, information architects and search engine experts have a mission to communicate university messages through interactive media. We coordinate these communications across platforms to reach our audiences. Our efforts can be seen on the ucdavis.edu, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, YouTube and other sites and channels. Unit Specific.

POSITION INFORMATION

Salary or Pay Range: $77,100/yr. - $139,900/yr. (subject to department budgeted maximum)
Salary Frequency: Annual
Salary Grade: 100
UC Job Title: COMM SPEC 3 CM
UC Job Code: 005371
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Staff: Career
Percentage of Time: 100%
Shift (Work Schedule): Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Location: Davis, CA
Union Representation:
Benefits Eligible: Yes
This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Work flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends to respond to operational needs. Occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences and events including occasional overnight travel.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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University of California, Davis

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