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Location

Merced, CA | United States

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Job description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced 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 for this position is $67,800- $95,300 The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,000- $80,000.

Job Closing Date

Initial applicant review will begin on or around February 15th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Hybrid - 2-3 days in the office per week.

This position is a 2-year contract with the possibility of extension.

This contract appointment is eligible for full UC benefits.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

About the Job

The SJV PRIME+ Communications Manager works with the communications leads at UCSF School of Medicine (SOM) and UCSF Fresno to oversee a comprehensive communications program for the BS to MD pathway. The incumbent provides both broad and specific communication support, ensuring internal and external stakeholders are well-informed about SJV PRIME+ and feel an ongoing connection to it. The Communications Manager will develop and execute internal and external communications plans, deliverables, and marketing brand strategies that inform, engage, and inspire audiences. The incumbent will partner with stakeholders to identify the appropriate communications tactics that will contribute to project goals and further the mission of SJV PRIME+. This includes:

• Working with stakeholders to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications.
• Providing advice and counsel to project leads and stakeholders to inform decision-making.
• Earning trust and credibility with internal audiences to create buy-in and facilitate change.
• Working collaboratively across campuses to create transparency, align messages, and unify efforts.

The incumbent works closely with SJV PRIME+ senior leadership, UCSF SOM, and UCSF Fresno communications leads, and other communications counterparts on messaging strategy, including the selection and development of stories about SJV PRIME+ and students for the media, as well as a broad range of university-based internal and external communications. This includes researching/writing news releases, advisories, and features articles, preparing copy for information material and brochures, and editing copy as needed to conform with established UCSF SOM, UCSF Fresno, and UC Merced publications guidelines. The incumbent must excel at synthesizing complex information into a unified message that is easily understood by various audiences. In addition, the Communications Manager is responsible for working with the owners of the various SJV PRIME+ website(s) to ensure cohesive messaging/branding.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages comprehensive communications program, including written, visual, and electronic communications. Advises and consults with SJV PRIME+ leaders regarding all aspects of communications.

• Works with SJV PRIME+ leadership and communications leads at partner institutions to identify specific communication needs for SJV PRIME+ and develops the content and process for continuous improvement.
• Liaises with other UCM/UCSF communications and campus units (i.e., UCSF School of Medicine, External Relations, Development, Government Relations) to further communications goals and ensures alignment of messages.
• Establishes and manages SJV PRIME+ annual editorial calendar and determines appropriate outlet to convey key messages.
• Works within the parameters of partner institution's brand guidelines to produce various writing projects, including news articles, brochures, newsletters, leadership talking points, web pages, marketing materials and materials for donor cultivation, social media, blogs, and email broadcasts.
• Writes and edits for various purposes and audiences; creates engaging, informative, well organized, clear, and compelling messages.
• Creates written communications on behalf of SJV PRIME+ that establish a consistent voice and narrative, and addresses the needs of the audience.
• Edits and proofreads copy for consistency, organization, and style in consultation with the partner institutions' editorial style guides.
• Creates workflow to facilitate alignment and approval of internal and external messaging and communications collateral from key stakeholders.
• Creates and maintains a repository of communications tools.
• Responsible for promoting and covering various events for internal and external publications (including some during evenings and weekends).

Works with SJV PRIME+ leaders to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans.

• Working with communications leads at partner institutions, helps develop and implement a strategic communications plan to advance the brand, mission, and goals of SJV PRIME+ through both internal and external communications.
• Serves as the internal communications advisor at UC Merced to help drive change and engage stakeholders on the goals and objectives of SJV PRIME+.
• Assesses and optimizes existing internal/external communications channels and programs.
• Explores new and innovative ways to reach stakeholders and deepen understanding and buying for SJV PRIME+.
• Develops communication strategy documents and messaging for SJV PRIME+ and supports efforts to engage audiences broadly at the campus level (i.e., town hall, etc.).
• Creates and maintains stakeholder map and ensures messages are tailored for target audiences(s).
• Provides advice and counsel on all aspects of communications, including strategic planning, effective messaging, problem resolution, and general public relations.
• Responsible for engaging various audiences in digital platforms to increase visibility and participation. '
• Develops and maintains SJV PRIME+ website(s) and oversees consistency in messaging across affiliate websites (i.e., UCM and UCSF Office of Medical Education (OME), UCSF SJV PRIME+, etc.).
• Manages communication and marketing assets/tools such as photo and graphics library, as well as tools for prospective students, social media, and strategic communications.
• Supports development of and provides recommendations for changes to newsletters, outreach materials, presentations, and annual/ad-hoc reports.
• Coordinates publicity for awards, accomplishments, and events, including publication production (digital and print).

Working with UCSF and UC Merced Public Affairs teams, produces and pitches stories for media and news releases.

• Initiates article ideas, conducts research, reports on events, and interviews members of the campus community (including faculty, students, staff, and alumni), and provides photography support.

Other special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Communications English, Public Relations, Marketing or related areas. (Required)
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a communications role, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. An advanced degree is preferred but may not substitute for the required years of experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Fluency in multiple languages. (Preferred)
• Excellent multi-faceted communicator and trusted advisor with strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve communication objectives.
• 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.
• Knowledge of the program or initiative, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education and / or health sciences. (Preferred)
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.
• 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.
• Advanced skills to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications, ranging from developing effective communication strategies to appropriately responding to inquiries regarding sensitive or complex issues or information.
• Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally. (Preferred)
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications. (Preferred)

Background Check

Background check and fingerprinting will be required.

Policy Statement

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit:

Employee Referral Program

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.

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