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 | Johnny Cruz |
| Supervisor | John Warren | Effective Date | 10/17/2022 |
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
| 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
| *This position is eligible for hybrid accommodations* 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 School of Business, School of Education, School of Public Policy, and other colleges, schools, and units as needed. This position has the potential to be a hybrid position. The successful candidate will work with faculty and administration to distill complex research into engaging, relatable content aimed at a general audience. The position also involves writing feature stories and producing other non-research content. You will work as part of a collaborative team of media relations professionals in the University Communications department. 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 local, regional, and 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 and a cover letter is required. Additionally, the budgeted amount for this position is up to $80,000. |
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 specialty in a subject area related to the public information and writing specialty. | Preferred |
Experience Requirements
| Experience | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 4 - 7 years of related experience. | Required |
| Minimum of 4 years professional writing for newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, web, higher education, research facility, government or non-profit organizations. | Preferred |
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 |
Builds and maintains good working relationships at all organizational levels and with external media representatives.
|
30 |
As assigned, handles breaking news situations, including developing strategies for dealing with sensitive and/or controversial issues.
|
15 |
| Works 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 |
| Develops website content on priority topics such as energy, the environment, engineering, business and economic research. | 5 |
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
| Knowledge/Skill/Ability | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Skill to maintain confidentiality. | 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 |
| 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 |
| May require knowledge of specialty areas such as broadcast news including TV/radio, internet and other emerging technologies. | Required |
| Thorough knowledge of the location, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs and infrastructure. | Preferred |
| Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative, friendly and professional working relationships. | Preferred |
| Experience producing compelling, data-driven stories. | Preferred |
| Demonstrated knowledge of academic and research enterprises. | Preferred |
| Experience in executive communications, including speechwriting. | 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 |
| Writing background that includes engineering and/or renewable energy research, preferably as a Public Information Officer with a university or research facility. Demonstrated skill in producing press releases and stories in concert with faculty and researchers. | Preferred |
| Interest and experience in working with university administration and faculty to produce OpEd page submissions. | Preferred |
| Skill and experience in identifying and relating to contemporary issues in light of accomplishments by university faculty and research entities. | Preferred |
| Proficiency in applying Associated Press Style standards. Working knowledge of media database platforms such as Cision, Meltwater, etc. | Preferred |
| Demonstrated extensive and progressively responsible experience in writing/marketing, journalism, or related experience. | Preferred |
Special Requirements & Conditions
| Special Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Travel Outside of Normal Business Hours | Required |
| Travel | Required |
Other Special Requirements & Conditions
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Level of Supervision Received
| General Supervision |
Environment
Working Environment
| Hybrid work arrangements will be considered. |
Other Requirements
Items Used
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Physical Requirements
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Mental Requirements
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Environmental Requirements
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Critical Position
| Is Critical Position: Yes |