Senior Media Relations Officer

University of California Office of the President

Senior Media Relations Officer

The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) seeks a strategic and experienced communications and media relations professional to serve as its next Senior Media Relations Officer. Reporting to the Senior Director, Strategic and Critical Communications, the Senior Media Relations Officer for the UCOP, the university's systemwide headquarters, is responsible for pitching positive systemwide stories, fielding media inquiries, and developing strategic communications plans and other materials for the University of California (UC) and its senior leaders, including press releases, statements, op-eds, FAQs, talking points, and press briefings.

This key team member will partner closely with External Relations and Communications colleagues across marketing, communications, and federal and state government relations, as well as campus media leaders to develop and execute proactive communications strategies that advance university and presidential priorities. The position will identify high-impact storytelling opportunities, craft and support strategic media outreach, coordinate multimedia assets, and cultivate national, state, and local media engagement to strengthen UC's reputation, reinforce its leadership on critical issues, and highlight the University's impact across California, the nation, and the world. The role will also help manage emerging issues, develop strategic communications responses to high-profile and sensitive media inquiries, and provide counsel that protects and advances the University's reputation during periods of heightened public attention.

Qualifications

UCOP seeks a dynamic and highly motivated professional with advanced strategic communications experience and impeccable writing skills who thrives on working on high-profile issues and in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated solid media instincts and a proven track record of cultivating strong relationships with reporters, including managing issues, proactive placement of stories, and pitching institutional leaders and expertise to journalists. Experience working in a large, complex organization is critical. 

• Minimum 5 years in deadline-driven journalism or communications role (such as media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, etc.), preferably in a large, complex organization.
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public policy, or similar relevant field, or equivalent work experience/training.
• Advanced ability to write clear, engaging, compelling, and effective copy appropriate to target audiences, including writing on behalf of senior leaders and complex organizations, with minimal editing and feedback necessary.
• Extensive experience with message strategy creation and implementation, solid traditional and social media instincts, and a proven track record of developing relationships with reporters.
• Have demonstrated capacity for creative thinking and synthesis of complex information; able to generate fresh ideas for media outreach approaches that reflect University objectives.
• Collaborative, proactive, nimble, and enjoys rolling up their sleeves and working as part of a small, high-performing team in a fast-paced environment.
• Adept at synthesizing various viewpoints and incorporating constructive feedback into final communications.
• Ability to juggle multiple short-term deadlines alongside long-term projects, combining speed, accuracy, and excellence in everyday performance; demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision to accomplish high-profile tasks and meet concurrent deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal and client relationship skills to develop productive partnerships and build consensus. Ego-free, service-oriented approach and experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Have a passion for mission-driven, meaningful work and familiarity with issues and trends in higher education.
• Demonstrates the highest levels of reliability, trustworthiness, and integrity.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills; solid political acumen and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• Experience with digital platforms, including creatively leveraging their reach to achieve strategic communications goals.
• Knowledge of the University of California, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs, policies, and structure (preferred).

The budgeted salary range for Senior Media Relations Officer position is $132,000-$150,000. The University of California Office of the President is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position, and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging.

The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA at least two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (‘anchor days’).

The full position description can be viewed here.

TO APPLY

The University of California Office of the President has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Craig Smith, Managing Partner, and Alyssa Perez, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be sent by email to alyssa.perez@opuspartners.net.

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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