Senior Communications Specialist

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 (). Conditions of Employment: The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment: Background Check and Live Scan Employment Misconduct* Legal Right to work in the United States Vaccination Policies Smoking and Tobacco Policy Drug Free Environment *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. The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements. California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act E-Verify Pre-Placement Health Evaluation Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php Closing Statement: 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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu. Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship Must be able to provide proof of work authorization 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. 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 (). Conditions of Employment: The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment: Background Check and Live Scan Employment Misconduct* Legal Right to work in the United States Vaccination Policies Smoking and Tobacco Policy Drug Free Environment *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. The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements. California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act E-Verify Pre-Placement Health Evaluation Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php Closing Statement: 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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.