SJV PRIME + Communications Manager (Hybrid)

Apply for Job Job ID 73586
Location Merced
Full/Part Time Full Time
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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 $86,300 - $161,300. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $97,500 - $110,000.

Job Closing Date

This position is approved for a hybrid work modality. However, flexibility will be required to accommodate business needs.

This is a full-time, renewaable contract position, eligible for full UC Benefits.

First Applicant Review will take place on or around 11/5/2024 and posting may close any time after that.

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

UC Merced has enjoyed rapid growth and expansion since its founding in 2005 and is now positioning itself to deliver medical education in the San Joaquin Valley by partnering with UCSF, inclusive of its regional campus in Fresno, to launch an 8-year Baccalaureate/MD program. The San Joaquin Valley (SJV) BS/MD program (SJV PRIME+) will leverage the power of three UC campuses to increase the size and diversity of the physician workforce that will be representative of the community they will serve. SJV PRIME+ is a multi-campus BS/MD program designed to expand high-quality medical education in the San Joaquin Valley. The program will recruit, educate, and support future physicians to serve the communities of the San Joaquin Valley. The eight-year program will take place entirely in the San Joaquin Valley with the goal of increasing the likelihood that graduates enter residency programs in the region and remain locally to practice and care for Valley community members. As part of the SJV PRIME+ program, UC Merced has established the Department of Medical Education (DOME). The goal of the DOME is to establish, advance and support efforts in medical education and health career promotion for baccalaureate and medical students at UC Merced. The SJV PRIME+ Communications Manager works with the communications leads at UCSF School of Medicine (SOM) and its regional campus at Fresno to develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for the SJV PRIME+ BS/MD program and the UCM DOME.

The incumbent will work with integrated and diverse teams across the UCM and UCSF/UCSF Fresno Office of Communications to execute outcome-driven communications that reach key audiences. This position requires an experienced communications strategist and hands-on proactive collaborator, with impeccable attention to detail and commitment to excellence who thrives on creating integrated, omnichannel communications. In this inaugural position, you will enhance awareness and support for SJV PRIME+/DOME focusing on internal and external communications by developing new strategies, methods, and platforms.

The Communications Manager will also be instrumental in creating and reshaping new and existing internal and external communications channels. This high-profile position requires a well-rounded understanding of health, science, and higher education, with an ability to maintain the highest standards of accuracy, precision, excellent judgment, flexibility, ingenuity, persistence, and an ability to actively participate in a highly collaborative team environment.
Key Responsibilities:

1. Manages complex, comprehensive communications programs for SJV PRIME+ and the UCM Department of Medical Education (DOME). Provides advice and counsel to leaders and colleagues on all aspects of communications, including strategic planning, effective messaging, and problem resolution. Manages complex, comprehensive communications programs for SJV PRIME+ and the UCM Department of Medical Education (DOME). Provides advice and counsel to leaders and colleagues on all aspects of communications, including strategic planning, effective messaging, and problem resolution. Creates, develops, and implements comprehensive long- and short-term internal and external strategic communications plans. Design, develop, and modify internal and external communications channels. Collaborates with communications teams across the UCM campus and SJV PRIME+ program (UCSF and UCSF Fresno) to ensure consistent and compelling messaging. Convenes meetings to align content with strategic priorities. Maintains an editorial calendar for internally and externally focused communications platforms. Plans meetings with key stakeholders for projects and management of a master calendar for content creation, related workflows, and management of resources for larger projects. Builds highly productive relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of the organization and program on communications strategies that involve highly complex or sensitive subject matter or information. Ensures the production of high-quality products that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints. Works with SJV PRIME+ and DOME leadership to build a program brand and create tools for strategically positioning the program. Manage SJV PRIME+ and DOME websites' editorial content to ensure cohesive messaging/branding. Develops a process for continuous quality improvement on all communications methods and platforms. Recommends upgrades based on website analysis and industry best practices. Identify specific communications needs and develops content/desired message effectively. Produces a variety of communication pieces in a variety of venues, including written, visual, digital, and electronic communications. Creates and implement an integrated content strategy for internal and external communications for SJV PRIME+ and the DOME to position the program strategically with key audiences. Coordinates and partners with units across the campus and program to accomplish established goals. Curates, writes, and edits content for internal and external communications channels and responds to requests for content, coverage, and changes to design. Collaborates with a cross-functional team to develop, launch, and maintain a unified, trusted, and secure digital platform to communicate to SJV PRIME+'s internal and external communities
2. Works with UC Merced and UCSF/UCSF Fresno Public Affairs teams, produces and pitches stories for media and news releases. Serves as first-line editor for all news content published on digital channels, including text, graphics, and video. Oversees the production of videos and other special multimedia projects. Supervises the editorial work of freelance writers, photographers, videographers, and designers. Develops a dashboard for reporting metrics to program leadership and participate in discussions to analyze and evaluate results on a frequent basis.

*LI-RM1

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degreefrom an accredited university in a related area or equivalent experience / training; and
• Five years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in communications, or a combination of education, training, and experience (required).
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including developing, driving, and delivering effective and engaging content for internal/external audiences.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding 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.
• Advanced skills to create, develop, and implement long and short term strategic communication plans. Thorough knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.
• 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.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• Experience developing and maintaining clear, informative, accurate, and actionable content for websites, social platforms, and other digital channels consistent with the organization's priorities and in keeping with management directives and client objectives.
• Experience using third-party email marketing platforms such as Constant Contact or MailChimp.
• Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills, with ability to interact at the most senior levels of an organization.
• Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced environment, effectively prioritizing and managing multiple projects at once, while setting and meeting deadlines. Must demonstrate flexibility and creativity under pressure.
• Experience working in complex, decentralized organizations, such as an academic medical center, medical school, major research university, or corporate environment;
• Advanced knowledge of the organization, including its mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure; strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education and / or health sciences.

Background Check

Background check 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

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: