Job Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Innovation and Economic Development Officer of the Innovation and Economic Development Office (IEDO), the Communications Manager coordinates and leads communication efforts for key initiatives, transformative projects, and strategic priority areas for the IEDO.

The Communications Manager does not have any supervisorial responsibilities or direct reports but interacts with unit leadership within the IEDO and works collaboratively with the department and other campus colleagues to ensure the success, effectiveness, and timely execution of projects. This position will be at the center of driving impactful communications that spotlight the university's transformative initiatives. May initiate and manage contract activities for specific projects and deliverables.

Executive Program Communications Support

The Communications Manager will be responsible for coordinating communication efforts in support of the Aggie Square, Venture Catalyst and the Health Ventures Office -key teams that represent The future of innovation and entrepreneurship at the university. The position will coordinate within the IEDO, with other campus colleagues, and external partners reporting outcomes of projects. Strong writing and editing skills are required to support executive communication needs and ensure clarity and consistency of voice across various communication platforms, including newsletter, email, outreach, and website copy. This position influences how the university communicates its biggest breakthroughs. The Communications Manager is responsible for working with the Office of Strategic Communications to stay informed about ongoing and potentially new Chancellor-initiated and university-wide initiatives, tracking progress and timelines, and reporting these to IEDO leadership.

Public Relations

The Communications Manager will have significant writing and editing responsibilities and will coordinate any media relations work through the University's News & Media Relations team. This role offers the exciting opportunity to shape the public image of the university's innovation efforts by helping to identify and plan for proactive opportunities, including high-impact or high-profile events, activities, or achievements beyond the scope of regular research and university news. This could also involve writing stories for the website and social media. This position will be telling stories that showcase cutting-edge research, innovation and entrepreneurial breakthroughs that have the potential to change lives. Some tasks may involve collaborating directly with faculty, students, and others to identify stories and ensure quality and accuracy. Other tasks may involve drafting media talking points and responses from inquiries, in coordination with Strategic Communications. The Communications Manager will work closely with Strategic Communications for executive communications and coordinate other project management as requested by the Chief Innovation and Economic Development Officer of the IEDO. Experience in general response correspondence and/or crisis communications will be beneficial. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative team, helping to elevate the university's role as a leader in innovation and economic development on a regional, national, and global stage.

Apply By Date

November 15, 2024 at 11:59pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience in communications, journalism, public relations, science communications or related field.
At least 5 years' experience writing and editing, with published stories covering a range of topics and styles, such as news writing, feature writing, blogging, etc.
Demonstrated experience performing a broad range of communications activities, including creating strategic communications plans, identifying audiences, crafting targeted messages, creating and measuring objectives, selecting appropriate media and assessing and reporting success.
Experience using writing, editing and proofreading skills to compose with clarity, accuracy, and appropriate style; translating technical jargon and issues into stories, articles, reports, presentations, press releases, and other forms; crisis or issues communications; writing for various communications channels and media, both print and electronic; reviewing materials written by others; and oral presentation.
Knowledge and proven experience working with a wide variety of physical and digital media and a knowledge of messaging including web, social media and media relations skills to include media pitching, crisis communications and measuring impact of media produced.
Proven record of ability to work with broad constituencies in a positive, collaborative and productive manner to obtain results and timely project completion.
Demonstrated experience to clearly and professionally articulate and advance organizational goals and objectives, develop communication pieces, reports and talking points, prepare and deliver oral presentations, and facilitate the sharing and understanding of information.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education or similar environments where collaboration, team building, inclusiveness, and working cooperatively are highly valued.
Experience supporting executive communications efforts, including writing correspondence, talking points, or other executive messaging.
Experience with publishing stories or news articles about a variety of topics, with a proven ability to translate complex language into compelling reading for non-scientific/non-academic audiences.
Experience in strategic and operational planning, analysis and program evaluation to examine work processes, systems and organizational structures for development or revision to accommodate change requirements.
Experience with publishing stories or news articles about a variety of topics, with a proven ability to translate complex language into compelling reading for non-scientific/non- academic audiences.
Experience in strategic and operational planning, analysis and program evaluation to examine work processes, systems and organizational structures for development or revision to accommodate change requirements.
Experience in organization where collaboration, team building, inclusiveness, and working cooperatively are highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

60% - Strategic Implementation and Coordination of IEDO Content
40% - Strategic Planning and Measurement

Department Overview

The Innovation and Economic Development Office (IEDO) will manage large and complex programs that impact broad constituencies, with strategic focus for innovation and economic development matters for UC Davis and UC Davis Health, across all internal and external partners, including responsibilities for industry, community engagement and communications. This office leads the UC Davis initiative for the new Aggie Square innovation district, in Sacramento. This office will convene Davis- and Sacramento-based University contributors to promote cross-campus communication regarding innovation infrastructure and economic development. This office serves as the primary University liaison to local, regional, city, and nonprofit economic development entities.

POSITION INFORMATION

Salary or Pay Range: $92,000/yr. - $172,000/yr.
Salary Frequency: Monthly
Salary Grade: Grade 24
UC Job Title: COMM SPEC 4
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Staff: Career
Percentage of Time: 100%
Shift Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Location: Sacramento, CA - Aggie Square
Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Hybrid/Remote/Onsite: This position is 100% on-site

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 rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands

Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

Potential for travel overnight and/or out-of-state for meetings, training, conferences, etc.
Able to be flexible and comfortable managing sensitive and complex matters in an environment of constant change.
The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC Community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdasvispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

Special Requirements

This is a critical position, as defined by UC policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check(s), including but not limited to criminal record history background check(s)

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis 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: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don’t meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere

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Communications Manager (COMM SPEC 4)