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

About the Role

This position is located within the News and Media Relations unit of Strategic Communications at UC Davis. The role is responsible for identifying, generating, and promoting stories from 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. The position uses traditional and contemporary storytelling methods, including news and feature writing, video, social media, and other platforms to engage audiences.

The role serves as a communications liaison between UC Davis and media outlets, public agencies, universities, organizations, and the general public. It also provides advice and consultation to campus constituencies on communications strategy, message development, and issues management.

Responsibilities

• 40% - Generates News Stories: Develop and promote compelling stories in assigned areas using news writing, video, social media, and other methods.
• 35% - Provides Media Relations Support to the Campus: Liaise with faculty, staff, students, administrators, and external media to promote UC Davis stories and initiatives.
• 15% - Assists Campus in Communication Strategy and Planning: Provide strategic communications advice, including message development and issues management.
• 10% - Supports Other Units' Publications: Contribute to broader communications efforts across University Communications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
• At least three years of experience in news writing or media relations.
• Skills in recognizing and developing news and feature stories, including proficiency in AP style, grammar, spelling, and punctuation for various media formats (print, radio, television).
• Knowledge of newswriting conventions, content management systems, journalistic formats, and audience engagement techniques.
• Ability to communicate articulately in writing and verbally, including synthesizing complex information for general audiences.
• Experience promoting research and activities through social media and digital engagement.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including media professionals, public agencies, and campus constituents.
• Ability to work under deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and produce accurate, organized materials quickly.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining media contacts, pitching story ideas, and planning/executing media events (in-person and virtual).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment in media relations and public opinion challenges.
• Familiarity with metrics to evaluate and iterate on communications effectiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience communicating research or technical topics to general audiences.
• Knowledge of academic and research enterprises, including deciphering technical research for media and public consumption.
• Proficiency in web-based operations, content development for digital platforms, and multimedia storytelling (e.g., photography, videography).
• Understanding of web navigation, visual representation, and multimedia integration.
• Knowledge of campus policies and sensitivity to legal issues in communications.

Pay

Salary range: $94,700/yr. - $112,000/yr. (Department budgeted range; final salary commensurate with experience).

Schedule

• Full-time (100% time).
• Shift: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Hybrid work arrangement (mix of on-site and remote work).
• Occasional evenings, weekends, and travel (including overnight) to attend meetings, conferences, or events.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans (UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family).
• Retirement plans, including pension and retirement savings options.
• Supplemental insurance (life, disability, pet, legal, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity).
• Paid leave: holidays, vacation, sick time, pregnancy/parental leave, family care/bonding leave, and adoption assistance.
• Lactation support program and family care discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health services.
• Continuing education allowance and staff education reimbursement program.
• Professional development courses and learning opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility and student loan debt counseling.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Physical:
  • Standing, walking, sitting (frequent, up to 6 hours).
  • Lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs (occasional).
  • Keyboard use/repetitive motion (frequent, 3 to 6 hours).
  • Bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, twisting, reaching overhead (occasional, up to 3 hours).
• Mental:
  • Sustained attention, complex problem-solving, and ability to organize/prioritize (frequent, 3 to 6 hours).
  • Communication skills, numerical skills, and constant interaction (frequent, 3 to 6 hours).
  • Customer/patient contact and managing multiple concurrent tasks (frequent, 3 to 6 hours).
• Environmental:
  • Smoke and tobacco-free campus (including e-cigarettes).
  • No exposure to chemicals, dust, gases, loud noise, extreme temperatures, or uneven surfaces.

This position is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check, drug screening, and compliance with mandated reporter policies under CANRA and UC policy.