Public Information Representative, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
UC San Francisco (UCSF) Public Affairs seeks an experienced communicator and team player with a can-do attitude and an interest in/understanding of health and science to join our team as a Public Information Representative (PIR). The individual in this role will promote the mission and work of UCSF at a time of significant expansion, with an emphasis on Benioff Children's Hospitals and our pediatric enterprise.
We're looking for an experienced writer and enthusiastic, hard worker who can use their creativity and skill in communications to highlight world-class clinical care and research at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals (BCH), advancing our reputation and brand through the news media and UCSF's own digital platforms.
The Public Information Representative (PIR) will search out and report on newsworthy topics that align with our strategic priorities, conduct interviews, pitch stories to the media, answer media queries, set up press interviews, prepare faculty and staff for media interviews, escort media during on-campus interviews, and arrange for photography, video or graphics to accompany owned stories, news releases and social media.
The PIR must be nimble and adept in various forms of writing, including news releases, web stories, fact sheets, media pitches, talking points, video scripts and social media posts that translate medical or scientific innovations into language for the general public. They should enjoy collaborating with Communications colleagues to identify opportunities for producing video, podcasts and infographics, and will contribute to those projects as a subject matter expert.
The ideal candidate has public relations experience in a health care setting, understands current business challenges and sensitivities in clinical care, and demonstrates knowledge of best practices in strategic and sensitive communications. They have experience working with news media and possess strong writing skills, preferably from past employment or education in journalism, and an interest in learning more about all types of journalism - broadcast, radio, print and digital.
Key qualifications and experience we're looking for:
- An understanding of health communications, with the ability to distill complex medicine and science into clear language for a variety of audiences
- Strong writing, editing, and project management skills
- Familiarity with news and social media and the field of media relations
- Experience in and/or an eagerness to learn about hospital and health communications
- 3+ years of related work, with experience reporting on health and/or the biomedical sciences, preferably in a clinical setting
- An ability to learn quickly and adapt to fast-changing opportunities and challenges
- Strong judgment and advanced analytical, interpersonal, and decision-making skills
- A flexible, "can-do" attitude and collaborative team spirit
- A record of substantial media placement and relationships with health journalists (preferred)
- Native-level language proficiency in Spanish or Chinese is a plus.
The PIR reports to, and works closely with, the Assistant Director, Pediatric Health, UCSF Public Affairs, and is part of the Public Affairs team within UCSF's Office of Communications. Public Affairs is charged with managing strategic media communications for UCSF, which includes UCSF Health.
Please note that this is a HYBRID work role with a regular in-person requirement in San Francisco and Oakland.
The salary range for this position is $75,700 - $160,500 (Annual Rate).
Department Description:
As UCSF's enterprise communications team, the Office of Communications (OC) provides comprehensive and coordinated leadership in planning, creating and implementing integrated strategies across all media to foster increased awareness and support of UCSF's mission, vision, accomplishments and strategic priorities among its diverse internal and external constituencies.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in related area and 3+ years of related work experience; and/or equivalent experience/training.
- Experience using social media and the web in general as a distribution channel for promotion of news.
- Demonstrated experience in journalism and/or communications, preferably with a focus on health/science or in a patient-care setting.
- Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, concepts, and technical requirements in news, media communications and media relations.
- Thorough verbal and written and interpersonal skills, with the ability to craft clearly written, compelling news releases, web stories and other communications materials for reporters and general lay readers.
- Organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects at one time, while meeting demanding deadlines.
- Ability to initiate and perform work independently and as a flexible team player.
- Ability to rapidly identify, build and pitch a compelling story, based on medical and/or scientific facts or data, to premier media outlets.
- Capacity to learn quickly.
- Discretion in handling confidential issues.
- Flexibility to adapt to fast-changing news and communications opportunities and challenges.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree or higher in related area and/or equivalent experience.
- Established network of high-profile local, regional and national media contacts.
About UCSF:
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care.
Pride Values:
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
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