DIRECTOR OF NEWS AND MEDIA RELATIONS
UC Davis
DIRECTOR OF NEWS AND MEDIA RELATIONS
Salary: $6,858.33-$16,558.33/MO
Final Filing Date: 03-08-2018
Under general direction of the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the Director of News and Media Relations is responsible for planning and overseeing people, programs and policies that support the goals and objectives of the University regarding public relations. Advances the University's local, regional and national visibility and creates an integrated and effective collegiate communications program utilizing a broad spectrum of media including new media technologies.
Manages a staff of media relations and internal communications writers and the University's reputation in terms of publicity and media.
The Director develops proactive and reactive strategies for promoting UC Davis' teaching, research and public service activities. The Director develops relationships with national and regional print and broadcast media, including with writers, editors, and correspondents to demonstrate the impact and value of UC Davis to the diverse audiences reached by these media outlets.
The Director plays a key role in issues management and crisis communications and works closely with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer on issues arising on a variety of topics.
This position also serves as the public spokesperson for UC Davis.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, news media (emphasis on writing) or related field or a combination of education and experience.
• Five plus years of experience leading a comprehensive media relations strategy for an organization, at least three of which must have included in-depth implementation of social and emerging media strategies.
• Experience managing crisis communications and serving as a spokesperson during challenging events. Evidence of working on the senior leadership team to develop strategies for approaching media and informing internal audiences of crisis and issues events.
• Proven skill to proactively manage media relations in a complex media market and to work in collaboration with senior leaders to develop approaches that protect the reputation of the organization as well as communicate the facts clearly and with integrity.
• Experience working in public relations in an educational environment or science and technology based organization.
• Knowledge and skill with a complete understanding of the subject matter to interpret science and innovation research to diverse audiences and manage a team that covers a variety of disciplines ranging from arts to sciences to health and business.
• Experience creating internal communications strategies designed to build community and create pride and informed dialogue.
• Writing and editing skills to use language accurately, grammatically and creatively to produce clear, well organized materials that reflect the high standards and professionalism of a high level communications office; practiced understanding of AP style.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to communicate clearly and professionally, and to develop and sustain collegial working relationships with others from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Experience using social and online media best practices to help advance an institution's reputation.
• Experience using online video, audio and engagement technologies to further build relationships with various audiences and enhance a story's value.
• Skills to pitch news stories and interpret research for a general audience with demonstrable results.
• Proven team leadership and decision-making skills to organize problem-solving sessions and guide a team toward effective solutions.
• Supervisory experience in hiring, training, coaching, motivating, assigning and reviewing work; establishing goals, assessing performance; and providing feedback and addressing complaints and corrective action.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, new media (emphasis on writing) or related field.
• Management skills to lead diverse teams in using new technologies and nontraditional approaches to media relations and internal communications.
• Experience applying communication strategies in a University setting.
• Experience setting goals and objectives, developing quantifiable measurements, motivating and managing others, and prioritizing workload to meet strict deadlines and budgets in an environment of multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Experience in areas of strategic planning, policy development and organizational problem solving.
• Experience in tracking, reporting and analyzing metrics.
To view full job description and submit an on-line application visit UC Davis Career Opportunities at
http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=122427
Requisition number #03020877
The University of California, Davis is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer