Communications Specialist 4

HR will send you an invitation by email to disclose any final investigation(s) of substantiated findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment, as defined by UC policy, that they made while employed by a UC campus or location, prior to the start of employment with UC Davis. If you have any questions about the process, please contact your recruiter. EEO/AA Statement The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, and we actively work to create a workplace that respects and values all individuals. As part of this commitment, we seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Our efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion are broad and encompass all aspects of our operations, from recruiting and hiring to ongoing employee development and support. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct View information about your rights as an applicant and employee: https://www.ucop.edu/ethics-compliance-audit-services/_files/WhistleblowerPosters/poster-applicant-rights-english.pdf UC Davis Health System is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. UC Davis Health is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. We embrace diversity in people and ideas. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of mutual respect, where all individuals feel valued and can thrive. UC Davis Health is a drug-free workplace. We conduct pre-employment drug screening and periodic screening as required by our drug-free workplace policy. UC Davis Health requires all employees to comply with our vaccination policies, including receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, unless granted a religious or medical exemption. UC Davis Health is a Mandatory Reporting environment. This means that all employees are required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. UC Davis Health is a drug-free workplace. We conduct pre-employment drug screening and periodic screening as required by our drug-free workplace policy. UC Davis Health is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. We embrace diversity in people and ideas. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of mutual respect, where all individuals feel valued and can thrive. UC Davis Health is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. UC Davis Health is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. We embrace diversity in people and ideas. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of mutual respect, where all individuals feel valued and can thrive. UC Davis Health is a drug-free workplace. We conduct pre-employment drug screening and periodic screening as required by our drug-free workplace policy. UC Davis Health requires all employees to comply with our vaccination policies, including receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, unless granted a religious or medical exemption. UC Davis Health is a Mandatory Reporting environment. This means that all employees are required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. UC Davis Health is a drug-free workplace. We conduct pre-employment drug screening and periodic screening as required by our drug-free workplace policy. UC Davis Health is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. We embrace diversity in people and ideas. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of mutual respect, where all individuals feel valued and can thrive. UC Davis Health is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. UC Davis Health is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. We embrace diversity in people and ideas. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of mutual respect, where all individuals feel valued and can thrive. How to Apply To apply, please visit the UC Davis Health Careers page and search for the job posting by title or job number. You will need to create an account and complete the online application. Please upload your resume, cover letter, and any other required documents. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the UC Davis Health Talent Acquisition team at hs-hr@ucdavis.edu. UC Davis Health is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Thank you for your interest in UC Davis Health!

The Department of Public Affairs and Marketing plans, manages, and implements strategic communications (such as news, public relations, marketing, internal and external communications) for UC Davis Health. Communications are aimed at a wide range of key constituencies, including the news media; UC administration; UC Davis faculty, staff and students; government/regulatory leaders; external physicians; business leaders; patients and health care consumers; and the general public.

About the Role

The Senior Public Information Officer serves as an expert resource and develops and manages high-profile organizational communications for UC Davis Health. This role strategically positions the university within the local community, region, and beyond by:

• Developing communications plans for service lines and other entities at UC Davis Health
• Preparing articles and press releases for the media and UC Davis Health website
• Gathering and disseminating timely information to internal and external audiences
• Acting as on-call media spokesperson
• Planning and overseeing press events
• Researching and writing briefing materials
• Contributing to UC Davis Health social media channels

This position supports all health system communications channels, including public relations, media relations, social media, internal and executive communications, marketing, digital communications, and creative services. The role requires strategic thinking in partnership with public affairs, compliance, government relations, legal team members, and others to keep patients at the center of all communications and maintain excellence in patient care, clinical training, patient education, and the health sciences.

This position covers the research and clinical enterprise at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and related departments as assigned.

Responsibilities

• 70% - Creative Strategies and Positioning: Develop strategic communications plans, identify audiences, and manage issues in alignment with institutional goals. Craft communications that respond to political realities and stakeholder needs while maintaining compliance with HIPAA and other privacy regulations.
• 30% - Creative Content Development: Write clear, accurate, and compelling content for various formats, including press releases, talking points, web communications, scripts, and presentation materials. Produce persuasive and engaging content for diverse audiences, including lay audiences for medical or scientific topics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science, communications, journalism, English, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in journalism, public relations, or communications-related field.
• Significant experience using a variety of media platforms (web, social media, video, and traditional platforms) to communicate messages and expand reach with varied audiences.
• Demonstrated experience writing medical, science, or other complex content for lay audiences.
• Demonstrated skill in strategic message development, audience identification, and issues-management.
• Extensive news media or media relations expertise and experience training others.
• Strong political acumen and understanding of public perception.
• Working knowledge of AP style, with willingness to learn and integrate custom UC Davis Health style variations.
• Ability to closely follow HIPAA and other privacy regulations.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and the ability to accept direction and edits.
• Thorough knowledge of the English language and its proper usage for diverse audiences and goals.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to write for various print formats, such as production scripts, text documents, presentation formats (PowerPoint, posters), web communications, and press releases.
• Familiarity with or ability to learn Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to quickly and accurately gather information on a wide variety of topics, conduct interviews with experts, and develop talking points for controversial issues.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and information, draw conclusions, and determine best approaches for strategic public communications.
• Ability to be creative, resourceful, and generate innovative ideas while thinking strategically and establishing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to represent the health system professionally in highly visible work.
• Ability to gain extensive knowledge of UC Davis Health System’s faculty, staff, trainees, clinical, research, education, and outreach programs, as well as organizational structure and policies.
• Skill and sound judgment to apply state and federal laws, university policies, and professional standards to all institutional communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in science, communications, journalism, English, or a related field.
• Video production knowledge and expertise to produce high-quality, accurate, and professional communications.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in developing communications for an academic health center or a medical specialty.
• Experience in producing persuasive, engaging videos that capture intended themes and goals while incorporating key strategic messages.

Pay

Salary range: $7,891.67 - $14,775.00 per month (budgeted pay range: $10,416.67 - $11,416.67).

Schedule

• Full-time (100% time).
• Shift: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Hybrid work arrangement (mix of on-site and remote work).
• Occasional evenings, weekends, or overtime may be required to meet operational needs.

Benefits

• High-quality, low-cost medical plans for you and your family.
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family.
• Extensive leave benefits, including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, and Paid Holidays.
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program.
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities.
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources, including on-site Employee Assistance Program with free mental health services.
• Supplemental insurance, including additional life, short/long-term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified