Reporting to the Director of Strategic Communications, the Communications Manager has the sole and primarily responsibility for reporting, writing, editing, and proofreading of news, press releases, marketing copy, emails, and other internal and external communications for UCLA Extension. Additionally, they will be the editorial director - leading and managing the planning and execution of news stories for the UCLA Extension newsroom, newsletter, and magazine. They will directly supervise an editorial and magazine student worker. As an exceptional and innovative storyteller, the Communications Manager holds the pivotal responsibility of safeguarding and enhancing the UCLA Extension's reputation both locally and globally among internal and external stakeholders. Leveraging industry expertise in editorial communications, this role involves identifying, researching, planning, developing, and crafting compelling narratives and authoring press releases that elevate the UCLA Extension brand and its initiatives. The Manager will strategically disseminate these stories across newsletters, social media, print/magazine, and web platforms, ensuring cohesive and impactful official messaging. Additionally, the Manager has oversight of newsletter production and editorial logistics, as well as leverage data and analytics to drive informed decision-making and content creation for the newsroom website. Serving as the editorial director of the semi-annual UCLA Extension Magazine, the Manager will steer its vision and editorial integrity to further elevate and strengthen the UCLA Extension brand and reputation in the community. As a trusted representative of UCLA Extension, the Manager will forge and maintain robust relationships with campus partners, academic departments, and media representatives, ensuring broad and impactful reach for the institution's brand, programs, and initiatives. Additionally, in a leadership role, they will serve as back-up to the Director of Strategic Communications, making communications decisions and be the "go-to" person for urgent communications when needed. They will be called upon for crafting and composing official messaging - internally and externally - and engaging with the media when necessary. Acting as a trusted representative for the organization and senior leadership, they will lead strategic communications planning and oversee the composition and management of crisis communications and executive communications, internally and externally. They will author, edit, and/or review emails, memos, and official statements for senior executive leadership, such as: power points, speeches, and presentation/talking points.
Salary & Compensation
- UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
- 5 - 7 years Minimum of progressively responsible professional experience in public relations, communications, or news writing; reporting and writing news features and press releases and pitching stories to media. (Required)
- Possess expert professional-level writing and editing skills; Exceptional storytelling and demonstrated ability to produce clear and compelling presentations. (Required)
- Advanced 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; possess effective communication skills to initiate and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with academic and staff employees, media contacts, and the public; ability to interact with others in a direct, cooperative, and tactful manner and with a professional demeanor. (Required)
- Expert knowledge of the concepts and principles of news, media communications and media relations; must have applied expert-level knowledge and experience in Associated Press style guidelines commonly used in editorial communications industry. (Required)
- Advanced knowledge and highly experienced in editorial production such as newsrooms and magazines. (Required)
- Highly collaborative style with experience developing and implementing communications strategies successfully; possessing skills in negotiating and exchanging ideas, information, and opinions with others to formulate solutions or to arrive jointly at decisions. (Required)
- Advanced research and analytical skills. (Required)
- Advanced skills and expertise in understanding and effectively utilizing all news / media mediums including broadcast news, the internet, social media and other emerging technologies. (Required)
- Outstanding organizational and analytical skills to manage multiple projects and perform efficiently and courteously in a fast-paced environment with a fluctuating workload, conflicting and competing priorities, and frequent distractions and interruptions. Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on multiple tasks and projects with attention to detail and in a timely manner. (Required)
- Highly skilled in managing time and meeting multiple deadlines as it relates to editorial calendars and curating newsletters. (Required)
- Ability to exercise independent and sound judgement; possess strong political acumen, advanced organizational skills, and skill to maintain strict confidentiality; ability to prioritize tasks and achieve a high level of productivity and quality; Higher education experience is preferred. (Required)
- Demonstrated proficiency and capabilities with personal computers and software, and the Web (inclusive of social media). Working knowledge of standard computer office applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint or other productivity software. (Required)
- Additional experience in marketing copywriting, speech writing, social media, magazine writing, photography, video editing, or other related field. (Preferred)
Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
- Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, marketing, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is required. (Required)
Special Conditions for Employment
- Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
- Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
- Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.
- Must be able to work evenings and weekend hours for news and event coverage. (Required)
Schedule
Schedule Varies
Union/Policy Covered
99-Policy Covered
Complete Position Description
https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Media%20Communications%20Specialist%203%20(40984178)
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Campus Requisition #:
8330
UC Payroll Title:
MEDIA COMM SPEC 3
Department:
UNEX-MARKETING
Appointment Type:
2 - Staff: Career
Anticipated Hiring Pay Scale:
$77,858 - $91,598 Annually
- Full Salary Range:
USD $78,500.00/Yr. - USD $163,600.00/Yr.
Onsite | Remote | Hybrid Type:
Hybrid
Department Location:
1145 Gayley Avenue UCLA Extension
Full or Part Time:
Full Time