COMM SPEC 4 (Crisis Communications Manager)

Department Description

Department Purpose

Strategic Communications provides comprehensive and coordinated campus leadership in planning, creating and implementing integrated marketing and communications programs across all media that foster increased awareness, understanding and support of UC Davis' mission, vision, accomplishments and needs among its many internal and external constituencies. It serves as the official voice of UC Davis to regional, state, national and international news media.

Strategic Communications encompasses six units: Visual Communications, News and Media Relations, Web Communications, Social Media, Marketing and Branding, and Executive Communications. Strategic Communications' multimedia storytellers, writers, designers, Web developers, information architects and search-engine experts have a mission to communicate university messages through interactive media. We coordinate these communications across platforms to reach our audiences. Our efforts could be seen on the UC Davis home site, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other sites and channels.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of News and Media Relations, and in collaboration with the Social Media Strategist and general oversight of the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the crisis communications manager is charged with developing and implementing strategic direction, providing critical guidance, and collaborating within the department related to protecting the university's internal and external image and reputation.

The position requires strong leadership ability in developing short-and long-term strategies for dealing with rising and sensitive issues, as well as during a crisis. Confidentiality and discretion are essential.

The work is frequently complicated, with fast and firm deadlines and far-reaching consequences for the university. The position requires excellent communication skills (both written and oral), including the ability to think on one's feet, quickly analyze issues and questions, write on deadline, and respond appropriately. Subject matter at this level is exceedingly complex and decisions must be made in very complicated situations that rely almost solely on experience and instinct. The position requires a broad knowledge of contemporary public relations techniques, political/communications, strategic planning and contemporary communications methods and technologies, as well as vision and strong management skills.

Acts as a key point of internal and external contact for reputation-related issues and relevant PRA requests.

Convenes and works collaboratively with campus counsel, emergency response leaders, senior leadership, and communications specialists to identify, mitigate and/or resolve reputation risks and leads communications efforts in response; often working on multiple issues at once. This includes developing contingency communications plans, playing a key role in drafting internal and external responses, and serving as spokesperson when appropriate.

Proactively identifies and analyzes reputation issues facing the University whether they are national, political, faculty related, employee/alumni related, or systemwide. Keeps abreast of issues and important trends that affect the University, its students and faculty, and higher education in general.

Prepares talking points for issues, as necessary, to support media, campus leaders and campus partners, and UC System-wide inquiries; makes recommendations for the delivery mechanism for message delivery and timing.

Develops overarching reputation and crisis communications response plans and trainings. Seen as a leader on campus, this position will update and train colleagues on the best practices in communications issues management response.

Develops and delivers cogent, impartial reports, analysis and recommendations to leadership on reputation risk management and strategies. Develops strong senior relationships in a highly matrixed environment.

RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

POSITION INFORMATION

Salary Range

$81,000/annually - $160,600/annually - Salary is based on Department budgeted amount and will be commensurate with experience.

No. of Positions

1

Appointment Type

Contract - Possibility of converting to a Career appointment

Percentage of Time

Full-Time, 100%

Shift Hours

Manager will advise

Location

Davis, CA. - Hybrid Opportunity - Work is Onsite & Offsite based on workload and to meet deadlines.

Union Representation

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Apply by Date

April 15th 2023


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• 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://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

• Work flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends to respond to operational needs.
• Occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences and events including occasional overnight travel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• BS/BA degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, journalism or equivalent education and extensive work experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience overseeing various crisis, reputational or public affairs communications programs or teams.
• Advanced experience in writing and editing clear, accurate, compelling and stylistically appropriate content. Demonstrated ability to write for various formats, including production scripts, text-documents, presentation formats (PowerPoint, posters, etc.), Web communications, press releases, talking points, tweets, etc.
• Advanced experience in media relations and knowledge of how crises and issues unfold in the media and on social media. Experience in strategically activating or creating different media including Web, social media, video and other traditional platforms to communicate messages and expand reach with varied audiences.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Strong organizational and time-management skills to coordinate many details of multiple projects simultaneously, keeping everything on schedule and identifying and solving problems as they arise. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with constantly shifting priorities. Must be able to meet tight deadlines and work long hours, when necessary.
• Capable of quickly and accurately gathering information on a wide variety of topics and issues, in order to conduct interviews with experts, prepare press releases or develop talking points for controversial issues. Analytical skills to interpret data and information draw conclusions and determine optimum approaches to effectively support positions for strategic public communications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to represent the university and the Strategic Communications department in a professional manner in the conduct of highly visible work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Master's degree in related field, or equivalent experience/ training.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of and experience working in crisis/issues communications for in Higher Education institutions.
• Strong political acumen and extraordinary sensitivity to the perceptions and concerns of others, with the ability to craft communications that respond to political realities and stakeholder needs.
• Skill and sound judgment to apply state and federal laws, university policies, and professional standards to all institutional communications that represent the university and its various academic and research enterprises.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

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 is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 nondiscrimination policy.

Salary Range

$81,000/annually - $160,600/annually - Salary is based on Department budgeted amount and will be commensurate with experience.

No. of Positions

1

Appointment Type

Contract - Possibility of converting to a Career appointment

Percentage of Time

Full-Time, 100%

Shift Hours

Manager will advise

Location

Davis, CA. - Hybrid Opportunity - Work is Onsite & Offsite based on workload and to meet deadlines.

Union Representation

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Apply by Date

April 15th 2023


To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucdavis/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=7&JobOpeningId=50612&PostingSeq=1

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 nondiscrimination policy.





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