General Information
| Job Description | MEDIA COMM SPEC 3 | Working Title | Senior Public Information Officer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Code | 007462 | Grade | 22 |
| Department Name | University Communications - D01189 | Department Head | |
| Supervisor | Effective Date | 04/16/2018 |
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 senior public information officer will enhance UC Riverside's reputation through reporting and disseminating peer-reviewed research and other news related to UC Riverside's Bourns College of Engineering, School of Business Administration, and its Research and Economic Development unit. The successful candidate will work with faculty and administration to distill complex research into engaging, relatable content aimed at a general audience. You will work as part of a collaborative team of media relations professionals in the University Communications division. This position requires an enthusiastic team player to work under limited supervision and to use discretion and judgment in building relationships, telling UCR's stories, and pitching those stories proactively to national media. Excellent communication, collaborative, and interpersonal skills are essential. Please note: Applicants for this position will need to submit samples of their work/portfolios for review by the selection committee. Cover Letter Required. |
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 a degree related to this public information and writing specialtyi n a subject area related to the public information and writing specialty. | Preferred |
Experience Requirements
| Experience | Requirement |
|---|
License Requirements
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Valid Drivers License | Required |
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 |
| Developing website content on priority topcs such as energy, the environment, engineering, business and economic research. | 15 |
| Work with social media professionals, graphic artists, photographers and videographers to develop multimedia elements to support research stories. Coordinate social media posts for marketing and media relations projects. | 10 |
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 |
| Effective organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with limited oversight. | 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 |
| Writing background that includes engineering and/or renewable energy research, preferably as a Public Information Officer with a university or research facility. Demonstrated skill producing press releases and stories in concert with faculty and researchers. | Preferred |
| 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. | Preferred |
| Proficiency in applying Associated Press Style standards. Working knowledge of media database platforms such as Cision, Meltwater, etc. | Preferred |
| Experience producing compelling, data driven stories. | Preferred |
| Interest and experience in working with university administration and faculty to produce OpEd page submissions. | Preferred |
| Experience in executive communications, including speechwriting. | 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 |