General Information


Job Description COMM SPEC 3 Working Title Media Communications Specialist
Job Code 007477 Grade 22
Department Name Support Services - D02055 Department Head Michael Clemons
Supervisor Michael Clemons Effective Date 07/11/2022
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
Independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for a unit or school with moderately complex communications requirements. The communications program usually includes written, visual, digital and electronic communications. Works with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategy. Designs and implements information campaigns.

Department Custom Scope
Under the direction of the Associate Director, Marketing and within the Campus Business Services department, the Media Communications Specialist manages the non-print/digital elements of a broad "omnichannel" marketing program for Auxiliary Services. Working with other internal campus partners such as writers, designers, technical staff, external experts and a range of university clients, this position will update and maintain the digital assets, including websites, public-facing display screens (R'Talk), e-mail communication, and R'Space/R'Web ads. The Media Communications Specialist will assist Auxiliary Services department staff with social media strategies and content. The incumbent will also pursue new digital communication channels on campus and in the surrounding community. This position serves Auxiliary Services clients, including (but not limited to) Housing, Dining & Hospitality Services, Transportation Services, Early Childhood Services, Campus Business Services, and Auxiliary Budget & Finance, along with other university departments who contract for services. The position works collaboratively with other UCR department marketing programs. The Media Communications Specialist will assist in the evaluation and research for projects related to effective marketing programs and processes; brand development, new media design, photography and strategic planning. This position must have knowledge of, adhere to, and enforce University, and department policies, protocol and marketing trends.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education Requirements
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Required

Experience Requirements
Experience Requirement
4 - 7 years of related experience. Required
Experience with both Mac and Microsoft platforms using Adobe Creative Suite design software (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and other graphics applications, web applications, and interactive-development tools (e.g. Acrobat, Flash and HTML). Required
Experience navigating and posting to social media sites including, but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Tumblr, Flickr and Pinterest. Required
Experience in graphic design, marketing and/or web design and development. Required
Experience as a photographer, including lighting, composition, retouching, photo-illustration, photo-manipulation and photo editing. Preferred
Experience working with website Content Management Systems (such as Drupal or WordPress), web authoring and development tools and working knowledge of web coding schemes, including HTML5 and CCS. Preferred
Experience creating and editing short videos and animated graphics, using such software as Adobe Premiere and Adobe AfterEffects. Preferred

License Requirements

Certification Requirements
Certification Requirement

Educational Condition Requirements
Condition Requirement

Key Responsibilities

Description % Time
Manages comprehensive communications programs, including written, visual, digital, and electronic communications.
  • In conjunction with individual Auxiliary Services units, this position will: Create, manage and maintain the content of Auxiliary Services websites, ensuring that all published material is accurate, visually compelling, easy to navigate, and up-to-date at all times. Initiate marketing programs across multiple digital platforms to maximize customer engagement and increase revenues. Coordinate the development and deployment of cross-promotional communication and marketing programs. Design graphics (static and animated) for use on websites, email, mobile devices and other digital distribution channels. Assist individual Auxiliary Services units to help them manage their own social media and digital communication platforms, providing assets and technical assistance, as needed. Act as a liaison with other campus marketing and communications groups to ensure message consistency. Implement systems to deploy and manage real-time digital presence for special Auxiliary Services and on-campus events. Create static and dynamic images for digital content by taking photos and/or video.
45
Advises and consults with departmental/college administration regarding all aspects of communications including developing strong communications strategies that effectively deliver the desired message, policy interpretation, and problem resolution.
  • Work with appropriate campus partners (e.g. ITS, University Communications, etc.) to maintain brand guidelines and overall campus marketing direction and goals. Maintain awareness of design and communication trends and developments, including advances in design software, display technology and media options on campus, throughout Higher Education and in the world at large. Suggest changes in current or future operations that could lead to organizational improvements. Works with Auxiliary Services staff and campus stakeholders on strategies and initiatives related to Auxiliary websites. Monitor websites from comparable institutions as well as industry vendors to spot trends that could help units achieve their communication goals.
15
Ensures production of high quality products that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints.
  • Use analytical tools, such as Google Analytics, to develop reports and make recommendations to increase effectiveness of web, email and social media performance. Research and implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve results for Auxiliary Services websites. Regularly scan and monitor websites for accessibility and compliance scores. Proactively review websites for broken links and repair.
15
Identifies specific communications needs and develops the content and process for organizational improvements.
  • Initiate deployment of current and newly developed assets to internal and external customers via digital platforms. Convert video formats and optimize video assets for use on the web, email, mobile devices and/or custom players. Resize, edit and/or optimize marketing materials for various digital platforms, including web, digital displays, email and social media.
15
Works with management and clients to create, develop, and implement long and short term strategic communications plans and/or projects.
  • Create digital communication campaigns across platforms and suggest new approaches to clients. Create a standard library of brand elements (fonts, colors, logos) within Adobe Creative Cloud and/or Dropbox for Teams, and push out to all staff. Develop and implement a standard and easily retrievable file system for all produced work to encompass files currently stored on our departmental file server ("LOCKER") to replace current ad-hoc structure. Create and maintain job files, image data banks and portfolios for print, web, mobile and social media use.
10

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge/Skill/Ability Requirement
Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally. Required
Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills. Required
Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and/or broad general audiences. Required
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. Required
Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications. Required
Ability to work in a deadline-oriented environment; to display self-discipline to organize, plan and prioritize and meet goals given by deadlines; manage multiple projects at the same time while maintaining high quality. Required
Knowledge of printing process and related production activities, including file preparation and output, prepress and print requirements. Required
Knowledge of layout principles and aesthetic design concepts. Required
Knowledge of current social media platforms and strategies. Required
Knowledge of the organization, 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
Solid skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short term strategic communications plans. Preferred
Knowledge of basic photography and videography using DSLR camera. Preferred

Special Requirements & Conditions
Special Condition Requirement
Hired candidate must successfully pass a background check through the U.S. Department of Justice. Required

Other Special Requirements & Conditions

Level of Supervision Received
General Supervision

Environment

Working Environment
Campus

Other Requirements

Items Used
  • Standard Office Equipment
  • Web Coding Software
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Print Production Tools
  • Scanner
  • Content Management Software
  • Apple and Microsoft OS
  • DSLR camera

Physical Requirements
  • Bend : Occasionally
  • Sit : Constantly
  • Squat : Occasionally
  • Stand : Frequently
  • Crawl : Occasionally
  • Walk : Occasionally
  • Climb : Occasionally

Mental Requirements
  • Read/Comprehend : Constantly
  • Write : Frequently
  • Perform Calculations : Occasionally
  • Communicate Orally : Frequently
  • Reason & Analyze : Constantly

Environmental Requirements
  • Is exposed to excessive noise : No
  • Is around moving machinery : No
  • Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity : No
  • Drives motorized equipment : No
  • Works in confined quarters : No
  • Dust : No
  • Fumes : No

Critical Position

Is Critical Position: No

More Information

General Campus Information

University of California, Riverside
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Riverside, CA 92521
Tel: (951) 827-1012

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Department Information

Human Resources
1160 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92521

Fax: (951) 827-6493
E-mail: jobshelp@ucr.edu

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