Senior Communications Specialist

University of California Irvine
Senior Communications Specialist

Req ID: 146877
Payroll Job Title: 007477-COMM SPEC 3
Location: Irvine, California
Organization: UCI Campus
Division: Henry Samueli School of Engr
Department: Engr DO Communications
Reports to Title: 000408-COMM MGR 1
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range Minimum: USD $79,200.00/Yr.
Salary Range Maximum: USD $143,400.00/Yr.

Who We Are

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

Founded in 1965, the Samueli School of Engineering educates more than 4,600 students (3,728 undergraduates and 961 graduates) with an integrative approach that blends fundamentals, research and hands-on experience. The School's aim is to unleash innovation, create opportunities and inspire ingenuity. The School's faculty members are leaders in their disciplines who have achieved worldwide recognition for their research and dedicated teaching. The School includes six academic departments. Under the leadership of the Dean, the School pursues research that is timely, socially responsible and cutting edge, and works in partnership with industry, state, and federal agencies to promote the transfer of research to applications that benefit society. Current research thrusts include Communications and Information Technology, Energy and Sustainability, Human Health, and Advanced Manufacturing and Materials.

The Samueli School's communication unit provides marketing, news and feature writing, media relations, photography, and event planning and logistics services for the school. The team supports the dean's office units, the academic departments and is responsible for the school's award-winning annual magazine, printed and online communications, the website and social media channels.

Your Role on the Team

Under the general supervision of the Director of Communications, the Senior Communications Specialist collaborates with the Director, communications team and school clientele in the development and implementation of strategic communications plans for the Samueli School of Engineering. The position oversees the school's websites and supports internal and external electronic communications campaigns, including writing and editing content, and creative input. The position serves as managing editor and primary writer; managing content vendors; and collaborating with department clients. The position requires the ability to translate complex technical language into readable and compelling copy for a variety of audiences and channels. Responsibilities also include content creation, copywriting and editing, public relations and marketing support, and collaboration with department clients. The position supervises student employees, delegating and editing assignments and coaching students on the approach and process of completing projects.

What It Takes to be Successful

Required:

• Knowledge of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications. Possess effective and strong journalistic writing skills.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex technical language into readable and compelling copy for a variety of audiences and channels.
• Possess strong technical web/digital media skills
• Knowledge and understanding of technical website applications to effectively direct staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.
• Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education and / or health sciences.
• Solid skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short term strategic communications plans.
• Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and / or broad general audiences.
• Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills. Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working environments within the University, and School as well as external constituencies
• Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, research, compose and edit copy for publications, press releases, web sites and other electronic media.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• 4-6 yearsExperience in various aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective application

Total Rewards

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $80,000- $93,000 ().