Description

UC Davis

Manager, Strategic and Critical Communications

Salary or Pay Range: $94,700/yr. - $177,300/yr. (subject to department budgeted maximum)

This position is a confidential employee. Under the direction of the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the Manager, Strategic and Critical Communications 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. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• 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. 
• 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.
• 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

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

Key Responsibilities

• 70% - Crisis Response and Management
• 20% - Monitoring and Reporting
• 10% - Training and Planning

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment 
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

To view full job description and submit an on-line application visit UC Davis Career Opportunities at:

http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=318944

Job ID# 84782

The University of California, Davis is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer