Job Description

UCLA Strategic Communications (StratComm) brings UCLA's mission and values to life by inspiring positive action as UCLA's lead storytellers, reflecting the multifaceted diversity of our university and surrounding communities. Demonstrating and reinforcing the university's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in all creative work is central to StratComm's success. We believe a workplace culture that values EDI practices is essential to building strong teams, which translates to robust ideas, strategies and creative content that resonate with UCLA's diverse audiences.

Reporting directly to the Chief Media and Executive Communications Officer, the Director of Media Relations (issues management) manages and supervises responses to incoming media queries to UCLA Strategic Communications and social media posts and threads that typically involve sensitive issues concerning campus operations and activities that require strategic media and social media counsel. Working with the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications, the Chief Media and Executive Communications Officer and campus leadership; the Director of Media Relations manages communications issues; directs campus communications efforts related to issues of importance to the campus and its stakeholders; manages media requests on campus issues related to public records requests. The Director of Media Relations leads staff in the management of unsolicited, incoming media inquiries and serves as a team lead for projects that require broad departmental involvement; works closely with campus emergency personnel on media response during a crisis; represents the Chief Media and Executive Communications Officer at meetings and events as needed; and serves as a spokesperson on key communications issues involving UCLA as they unfold, coordinating response procedures and staffing. Working hours may include weekends, evenings and holidays and light travel is required.

Percentage of Time:
100

Shift Start:
8:00 am

Shift End:
5:00 pm

Qualifications for Position

24
Records

Qualifications

Required/Preferred

1. Minimum of 10 years full-time professional media experience, preferably in new media and/or television news.

Required

2. Superior strategic thinking, planning and program design and implementation skills.

Required

3. Excellent oral and written communications skills and ability to make professional presentations to executive-level participants in both group and one-on-one situations.

Required

4. Solid professional judgment.

Required

5. Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact effectively with academic leaders, faculty, staff and external constituents.

Required

6. Demonstrated record of successful national, regional and local media relations planning, implementation and placement.

Required

7. Extensive media contacts at key ethnic, California and national media and ability to work with journalists at all skill levels, including student journalists.

Required

8. Experience as a spokesperson for a high-profile institution in a large media market.

Required

9. Demonstrated reporting and writing skills and ability to identify story placement opportunities and think strategically about communications, including social media applications.

Required

10. Demonstrated knowledge of news media operations and protocols, especially the news gathering process.

Required

11. Experience in writing op-ed and analysis pieces.

Required

12. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with independent news media.

Required

13. Demonstrated ability to anticipate public events that can be used to advance institutional objectives.

Required

14. Leadership abilities that foster learning and excellence among team members. Supervisory skills to manage professional staff, including delegation and prioritization of work, training and evaluation. Experience planning and implementing employee professional development.

Required

15. Excellent organizational and project management skills and proficiency in prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely manner and on deadline.

Required

16. Demonstrated knowledge of software and multi-media applications, including systems that serve as tools for broadcasting news.

Required

17. Thorough knowledge and understanding of current events, issues and developments in the subject areas of institutional operations.

Required

18. Knowledge of other issues facing public institutions of higher education.

Required

19. Ability to get to work reliably and on time and to be present in the workplace during normal working hours.

Required

20. Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Required

21. Experience managing crisis communications, including the development of emergency management and crisis communications plans.

Preferred

22. Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred

23. Working knowledge of the University, its organization and structure, and the roles and responsibilities of various academic and administrative units.

Preferred

24. Working knowledge of UC and UCLA policies, regulations, guidelines, and resources for programming.

Preferred

Additional Posting Information

Bargaining Unit:
99-Policy Covered

Application Deadline:
06-01-2023

External Posting Date:

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