General Information
| Job Description | MEDIA COMM SPEC 3 | Working Title | Senior Public Information Officer (Two (2) Positions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Code | 007462 | Grade | 22 |
| Department Name | Strategic Communications - D01189 | Department Head | |
| Supervisor | Effective Date | 08/28/2017 |
Position(s) Directly Supervised
| Job Code | Title | FTE |
|---|
Generic Scope
| Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems / issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. |
Custom Scope
| Provides analysis and information on complex results or activities, searches out and writes stories, conducts interviews, sets up press conferences, and arranges for photography, video, or graphics to accompany news releases. Work is of moderate complexity / difficulty and may include planning and implementing limited media campaigns. |
Department Custom Scope
| The incumbent is responsible for creating messages, developing copy and providing communications counsel to UCR's faculty and administration for the purpose of enhancing UCR's reputation through marketing and media relations. Works as part of a team of communications professionals, including design, video and Web-based functions to develop and maintain an effective integrated marketing program for internal and external campus audiences. This position serves as the general media relations contact for assigned areas and academic disciplines to promote key initiatives, respond to requests for information, gather and analyze information and pitch influential reporters. |
Education & Experience Requirements
Education Requirements
| Degree | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. | Required |
| Major in journalism, communications, business or in a subject area related to the public information and writing specialty. | Preferred |
Experience Requirements
| Experience | Requirement |
|---|
License Requirements
Certification Requirements
| Certification | Requirement |
|---|
Educational Condition Requirements
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|
Key Responsibilities
| Description | % Time |
|---|---|
Under minimal supervision, provides analysis and information on complex results or activities, searches out and writes stories, conducts interviews, sets up press conferences, and arranges for photography, video, or graphics to accompany news releases.
|
40 |
As assigned, handles breaking news situations, including developing strategies for dealing with sensitive and/or controversial issues.
|
15 |
Builds and maintains good working relationships at all organizational levels and with external media representatives.
|
20 |
| Provide counsel and advice to Deans, faculty, staff and students on public information policies, media relations and opinion writing, and assists them in disseminating appropriate information when dealing with media outlets. Work with faculty and staff to develop Opinion page submissions. Cultivate media relationships to place the stories in media outlets. Conduct interviews with faculty and staff. Serve as contributing writer for the quarterly campus magazine and for the faculty-staff newspaper. Research and write speeches, brochure copy, website materials, fact sheets and other information and promotional literature. | 25 |
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
| Knowledge/Skill/Ability | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Thorough knowledge of the concepts and principles of news, media communications and media relations. | Required |
| Thorough skills in understanding and effectively utilizing all news/media mediums including broadcast news, the internet, social media and other emerging technologies. | Required |
| Thorough knowledge of the location, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs and infrastructure. | Required |
| May require knowledge of specialty areas such as broadcast news including TV/radio, internet and other emerging technologies. | Required |
| Thorough written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including a strong sense of a good story and understanding of the topics that may be of interest to various publics and will incorporate key location messages. | Required |
| Good judgment, political acumen, and thorough organizational skills. | Required |
| Skill to maintain confidentiality. | Required |
| Skill in organizing tasks, documents and materials with efficiency and accuracy. Ability to meet multiple deadlines and manage priorities effectively. | Required |
| Demonstrated skill in independently composing written communication materials, for a variety of audiences, using correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, composition, text editing, and proofreading skills. Demonstrated skill in writing concise, logical, grammatically correct, analytical or narrative communication/messages. | Required |
| Demonstrated experience in writing news and feature articles. | Required |
| Demonstrated skill in making oral and written presentations through various media formats to a wide variety of audiences to provide information, instructions, or explain subjects of interest. | Preferred |
| Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative, friendly and professional working relationships. | Preferred |
| Skill and experience in identifying and relating to contemporary issues in light of accomplishments by university faculty and research entities. | Preferred |
| Demonstrated extensive and progressively responsible experience in writing/marketing, journalism or related experience. | Preferred |
| Demonstrated knowledge of academic and research enterprises, including health issues. | Preferred |
| Working knowledge of media database platforms such as Cision, Meltwater, etc. | Preferred |
| Proficiency in applying Associated Press Style standards. | Preferred |
Special Requirements & Conditions
| Special Condition | Requirement |
|---|
Other Special Requirements & Conditions
|
Level of Supervision Received
| GeneralSupervision |
Environment
Working Environment
| Campus |
Other Requirements
Items Used
|
Physical Requirements
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Mental Requirements
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Environmental Requirements
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Critical Position
| Is Critical Position: No |