Department Description The Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) is a large complex research, teaching, and clinical department that is part of the UC Davis School of Medicine and UC Davis Health. The mission of the Department is to improve the health of the population using approaches based in epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, and behavioral science through research, educational programs, clinical programs, public service, and policy development.
At UC Davis, we are solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we do not just maintain – we improve.
We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here.
As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected.
Job Summary
Final Filing Date
05/26/2023
Salary Range
$ 2,552.00-$4,820.00
Salary Frequency
Bi-weekly
Appointment Type
Career
Number of Positions
1
Percentage of Time
100%
Shift Hour
8 hours
Location
Administrative Support Building (This position has potential to be a hybrid / remote opportunity.)
City
Sacramento
Union Representation
No
Benefits Eligible
Yes
We offer exceptional employment benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid vacations and holidays, excellent retirement savings and investment plans, continuing education, and reduced fee and scholarship programs.
THIS IS NOT AN H1- B OPPORTUNITY
Responsibilities
Under direction of the Program Director and the Chief of Epidemiology in the Department of Public Health Sciences, the Communication and Media Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day management and development of the comprehensive communication strategies for the Division of Epidemiology, the Population Brain Health Lab, and several large, complex Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and brain health research studies under the leadership of Rachel Whitmer, PhD. The Communication and Media Specialist will be a primary contributor to the development and implementation of long and short-term communications plans and projects at both the Division level and program level.
The Communication Specialist 3 is responsible for managing all written, visual, digital, and electronic communications needs including: strategically growing the online digital footprint of the Division of Epidemiology and several research studies and programs through social media channels and website design, creating and editing written promotional materials, producing newsletters, and translating complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging content. The Communication and Media Specialist will use web analytics and search engine optimization to ensure the broadest and most effective reach of online content. Communications will include a wide variety of messaging and content to ensure reach to diverse audiences; target audiences include community stakeholders and organizations, researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, and older adult research participants. The Communication Specialist 3 will liaise with media outlets and internal media teams and may appear or facilitate appearances on radio, TV, newspaper, or other media interviews. All these activities should be coordinated with the larger programs underway for the Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, UC Davis Health, and UC Davis overall.
Programs and research supported by the Communication and Media Specialist includes but is not limited to the Greater Sacramento Women’s Brain Health (GROW) Program, the U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (POINTER), the Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences Study (KHANDLE), LifeAfter90, the Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR), and the Whitmer Lab (population brain health).
This position has potential to be a hybrid / remote opportunity.
Required Qualifications
- A valid California Driver’s License
- BS/BA degree in advertising, communications, marketing, public relations, or equivalent education and combined work experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in professional or journalistic writing/communications in one of the following fields: Alzheimer’s and brain health, biological sciences, public health, or equivalent
- Experience creating clear, effective strategic communication plans, organizing projects, and executing plans with key performance indicators.
- Substantial proven experience successfully producing effective materials and social media content that drives engagement.
- Demonstrated experience with social media and website analytics and SEO strategies.
- Demonstrated experience with web accessibility standards
- 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.
- Knowledge of social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and how to best utilize each channel according to desired target audience reach.
- Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.
- Solid skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans.
- Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target audiences.
- Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret data and scientific research into meaningful content for a public audience.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt materials based on population diversity and literacy levels.
- Independent thinker who can innovate, produce, and execute compelling marketing programs, often on a tight deadline.
- Technical skills navigating content management applications (e.g., Drupal, WordPress, TeamSite) and online communications platforms such as Mailchimp, etc.
- Graphic design skills to create compelling brochures, flyers and other marketing materials with applications such as Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, Photoshop, and/or Illustrator
- Knowledge of social media and website analytics and SEO strategies.
- Knowledge of web accessibility standards
- Excellent written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills – excellent professional relationship management skills
- Outstanding organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strict attention to detail
- Thrive in an environment with tight deadlines, changing priorities, and frequent deliverables
Applicants are encouraged to upload license and certification if required of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience operating digital audio and video recording equipment and experience with digital audio and video editing software.
- Knowledge of digital audio and video recording equipment, experience operating such equipment and experience with digital audio and video editing software.
Special Requirements
- CA Driver’s License
- Must participate in the DMV Pull Notice Program
- Local travel required
- Occasional evening and weekend work as needed
- Overtime may be required to meet deadlines
- This position may be subject to a criminal background investigation, drug screen, Live Scan fingerprinting, medical evaluation clearance, and functional capacity assessment.
- The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a university-approved exception or deferral.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain – we improve.
We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here.
As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.