Job Description

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.
To learn more about UC Irvine, visit .

The Office of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs advances UCI's reputation, mission, priorities and values through an integrated communication approach that includes the following:
• Brand development and management: Cultivating an emotional connection and loyalty to the university by articulating the institution's distinctive qualities, encouraging a positive experience, and developing and protecting the university's identity, marks and graphic assets.
• Community relations: Creating opportunities for local political, community, and business leaders to engage with the university to support the connection between Orange County's dynamic economy and its premiere research institution.
• Executive communications: Strengthening the presence and influence of university leaders - globally, regionally and within the campus - through effective messaging and outreach support.
• Government relations and advocacy: Engaging elected and appointed officials at the federal, state, regional and local levels to promote our research, education, and public service activities.
• Internal communications: Providing outreach assistance and information for UCI's students, faculty and staff.
• Marketing: Developing effective tools and services to convey the university's message, including advertising, presentations, promotional pieces and events.
• Media relations: Establishing mutually beneficial relationships with members of the media - from digital publications and social networks to production studios and news organizations - to support the accurate, appropriate and fair use of university information worldwide.
• Publications and digital properties: Creating books, magazines, newsletters, brochures, websites and other digital content that advance the university's mission.
• Social media management: Creation and deployment of innovative and unique content and stories that resonate with the university's various audiences, building additional affinity. Sharing university and school-based news through various platforms to foster engagement with supporters and friends of the university.
• Visual communications: Producing photography, videography, graphic design and other visual assets that help create compelling stories.

Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Communications & Media Relations, the Communications Officer works with schools, centers and programs with the Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences to identify and generate editorial content and potential external media stories that support the reputation of UC Irvine and UCI Health as a globally renowned university and advance the university’s strategic plan. For the assigned portfolio, the Communications Officer will proactively identify and develop content (press releases, media advisories, feature stories) for internal (owned) and external (earned) media; establish strong relationships with reporters and media representatives; proactively outreach to media outlets regarding coverage of university stories; develop high-level thought-leadership pieces, such as op-eds; work creatively and collaboratively with visual communicators to tell stories in formats beyond the written word (podcasts, photo essays, videos); represent the office in administrative work groups as needed; and work with administrative leaders to create messages and stories that enhance the reputation of the university. This is a highly visible position that works closely with executives and campus leaders, as well as fellow communications staff, to promote the university, manage sensitive issues, and deliver strategic and consistent messaging to important audiences. The current assigned portfolio includes communication activities focused on the schools, centers and programs with the Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences and other support services, and academic programming and personnel.
Additionally, the Communications Officer will work with Health Affairs and UCI Health to position the enterprise as the only academic health system in the region and work in partnership with the communications and public information team at UCI Health. The individual may serve as media relations back-up for UCI Health.

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits .

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $77,000- $108,100 (Annual).

• Thorough knowledge of the concepts and principles of news, media communications and media relations.
• Thorough skills in understanding and effectively utilizing all news / media mediums including broadcast news, the internet, social media and other emerging technologies.
• Thorough knowledge of the location, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs and infrastructure.
• Thorough written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including a strong sense of a good story and understanding of the topics that may be of interest to various publics and will incorporate key location messages. Exceptional writing and editing skills with demonstrated success producing clear, engagi.ng, accurate and well-structured news stories/releases for a general audience. Experience with health and science stories is highly desirable.
• Good judgment, political acumen, and thorough organizational skills.
• Skill to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated skill translating complex material into clear, lively, straightforward prose; demonstrated command of craft and ability to write on diverse technology topics.
• Success proactively identifying a steady flow of news stories and features for placement in the press and on university websites; success building the necessary relationships with experts to stay at the forefront of assigned area; steady success placing experts and pitching stories in the media.
• Ability to effectively counsel senior officials and anticipate and resolve communications crises.
• Ability to work well with people and use skill and sensitivity in internal and external relations.
• Demonstrated skills in developing and implementing short- and long- term communications plans.
• Ability to give effective presentations (e.g. media training).
• A proactive and positive approach to all assignments, with a proven dedication to setting and meeting the highest professional standards.
• Minimum 5-years experience in field with relevant experience.

Preferred:

• May require knowledge of specialty areas such as broadcast news including TV / radio, internet and other emerging technologies.

Special Conditions:

• Must be available after hours and during weekends to provide media support and crisis support for the university.
• Position eligible to work remotely, but must be available to report onsite as needed.

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Employment Misconduct*
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

*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.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page -

The University of California, Irvine 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 or protected veteran status.
For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: .
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: .
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or [email protected].

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