Senior Public Information Representative

Job Summary

Please note that this is a hybrid role requiring regular in-person attendance in both San Francisco and Oakland. The position requires onsite work three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategic media relations plans and comprehensive communications campaigns for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.
• Develop proactive media strategies aligned with institutional priorities, brand positioning, and business objectives.
• Identify, prioritize, and advance high-impact storytelling opportunities.
• Ensure media placements and messaging align with UCSF enterprise goals.
• Oversee development of major stories and campaigns to enhance national and regional visibility.
• Independently manage complex, sensitive, and high-profile media issues.
• Develop and execute communications strategies for controversial or high-risk topics.
• Provide strategic counsel to faculty, clinicians, and leadership on media engagement and messaging.
• Prepare spokespeople for interviews and public-facing opportunities.
• Lead development of messaging frameworks and oversee communications materials across platforms.
• Direct and manage media engagement strategies to secure impactful coverage.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key local, regional, and national media.
• Strategically pitch stories and secure placements aligned with institutional priorities.
• Oversee media interactions, including high-profile interviews and on-site coverage.
• Ensure coordination across teams for integrated communications efforts.
• Serve as a key communications resource during crises or emergency situations.
• Participate in on-call rotation as scheduled and needed.
• Contribute to institutional response strategies.
• Provide timely, strategic guidance on media engagement during urgent situations.
• Develop and maintain high-level relationships across the organization and externally.
• Partner with faculty, clinicians, and leadership to identify communications opportunities.
• Build relationships with national and trade media to enhance UCSF’s visibility.
• Anticipate reputational risks and opportunities and proactively develop communications strategies.
• Evaluate and optimize communications effectiveness.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage and campaign performance.
• Use metrics and insights to refine strategies and improve outcomes.
• Report on results and impact to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in media relations, journalism, or strategic communications
• Experience using digital and social media platforms to amplify communications efforts
• Experience managing complex, high-visibility communications initiatives
• Advanced knowledge of media communications, media relations, and strategic communications planning
• Demonstrated success developing and executing communications strategies with measurable outcomes
• Advanced verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Advanced judgment, analytical, and decision-making skills, including navigating sensitive issues
• Ability to advise senior leadership and influence communications strategy
• Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of autonomy

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values. In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html.