This position oversees a subject-matter portfolio as part of the News and Media Relations unit within Strategic Communications with moderately complex communications requirements. The portfolio includes student and campus life, university initiatives, events and programs, particularly those related to rankings, demographics, admissions and international students and programs. The position staffs campus events as appropriate, assisting with media relations and writing stories for Dateline, UC Davis Magazine and UC Davis News. The position liaises with program and campus leaders to identify compelling stories of unique university services and programs, as well as stories of students making a positive impact. The position pitches media and responds to non-reputationally sensitive media requests, and works with colleagues on the News and Media Relations unit on reputationally sensitive matters.
Apply By Date
September 3, 2026 at 11:59pm
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
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Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. At least one year as a news writer, public information officer or professional communicator.
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Experience using writing, editing and proofreading skills to use language accurately and creatively, recognize and use correct English grammar, spell and punctuate correctly, and understand, use and translate academic and technical terminology and concepts into lay terms.
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Knowledge of all aspects of communications, including writing, social media, web publication and event planning. Experience working in a diverse communications environment that includes print and digital media, and written and interactive content intended to reach and engage diverse audiences.
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Knowledge and experience applying journalistic forms, styles, standards, deadlines, techniques and audiences
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Excellent skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans. Skill in organizing tasks and meeting deadlines. Ability to work effectively under stringent deadline requirements by producing clearly written, accurate and organized materials in short periods of time.
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Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and / or broad general audiences.
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Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally. Writing experience demonstrating keen storytelling that crosses print, video and photography media and emotionally appeals to varied audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience in a campus news or communications setting
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Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education.
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Familiarity and experience in promoting campus activities through social media channels on a regular basis and digitally engaging with audiences in contemporary ways.
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Ability to use metrics to inform approaches to communication with diverse audiences and to incorporate data into decision making.
Key Responsibilities
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70% - Generates News and Feature Stories
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20% - Provides Media Relations Support to the Campus
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10% - Provides Support to Campus Publications
Department Overview
Strategic Communications provides comprehensive and coordinated campus leadership in developing, planning, creating and implementing strategic communications programs based on the department's goals and objectives. The department works across all media to foster increased awareness, understanding and support of UC Davis' mission, vision, accomplishments, impacts and needs among its many internal and external constituencies. It serves as the official voice of UC Davis to regional, state, national and international news media. Strategic Communications encompasses six units: Visual Communications, News and Media Relations, Web Communications, Social Media, Marketing and Undergraduate Admissions Communications. Strategic Communications' multimedia storytellers, writers, social media practitioners, designers, web developers, information architects and search engine experts have a mission to communicate university messages through interactive media. We coordinate these communications across platforms to reach our audiences. Our efforts can be seen on the ucdavis.edu, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, YouTube and other sites and channels. Unit Specific.
POSITION INFORMATION
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Salary or Pay Range: $77,100/yr. - $139,900/yr. (subject to department budgeted maximum)
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Salary Frequency: Annual
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Salary Grade: 100
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UC Job Title: COMM SPEC 3 CM
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UC Job Code: 005371
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Appointment Type: Staff: Career
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Percentage of Time: 100%
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Shift (Work Schedule): Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
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Location: Davis, CA
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Union Representation:
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Benefits Eligible: Yes
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This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
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High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
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UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
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Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
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Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
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Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
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Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
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Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
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On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
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Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
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Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
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Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
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Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
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Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
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Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
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Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
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Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
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Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
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Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
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Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
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Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
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Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
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Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
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UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
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Work flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends to respond to operational needs. Occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences and events including occasional overnight travel.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
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This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
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This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
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.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
