Public Information Representative, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Job Summary 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.
UCSF is one of the world's preeminent health sciences universities. Its renowned biomedical research enterprise, as well as its graduate schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy, are consistently ranked among the top in the nation. Its clinical enterprise, UCSF Health, includes UCSF Medical Center, two community hospitals, two specialty hospitals, and the two UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in Oakland and San Francisco, with a public mission to serve patients from medically underserved populations. UCSF Health, including its hospitals, consistently ranks among the nation's top academic medical institutions for the specialty care it provides. This is an exciting time to be part of UCSF Health, a $7 billion healthcare system that is expanding the delivery of innovative, high-quality and high-value care to people throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
We're looking for a 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.
Most importantly, the ideal candidate is passionate about finding and telling stories about the children and families BCH treats, the clinicians who treat them, and the researchers who strive to improve lives.
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. The PIR will work closely and collaboratively with the broader UCSF Public Affairs team; UCSF Health Marketing; UCSF Health Digital and Social Media team; and colleagues in UCSF's Digital, Brand, and Community and Government Relations units.
Public Affairs includes one team focused on UCSF's research and education missions, the other focused on the clinical enterprise, UCSF Health. Both teams work closely together to advance the strategic goals of the full UCSF enterprise and to promote our commitment to underprivileged communities as part of our public mission.
UCSF Public Affairs is a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment involving substantial multitasking. It also is a fun, dynamic place to work, made up of bright, talented, motivated colleagues who bring a variety of communications skills to their roles and provide significant support to one another - we function as a team. We seek another strong communicator and colleague to join our efforts.
Please note that this is a HYBRID work role with a regular in-person requirement in San Francisco and Oakland. The Office of Communications actively supports UCSF's PRIDE Values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity & Excellence. Candidates representing California's diverse communities are encouraged to apply.
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. The salary range for this position is $75,700 - $160,500 (Annual Rate). To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html 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. It serves as the official voice of UCSF to regional, state, national and international news media. Its Public Affairs team serves as the official voice of UCSF to regional, state, national and international news media. The OC is currently in the midst of significant expansion, adding new capabilities and staff to better serve the growing needs of UCSF's mission and strategic initiatives.
UCSF Public Affairs is dedicated to supporting UCSF's enterprise strategic goals and communicating UCSF's excellence across the breadth of its mission through traditional and evolving news media, as well as our own channels. The team serves as the front line for media and as the primary external communications liaison with UCSF's ~3,900 faculty members, with responsibility for managing those relationships and for guiding them in promoting their work. Public Affairs is a dynamic and collaborative team, made up of bright, talented, motivated colleagues who bring a variety of communications skills to their roles and provide significant support to one another. 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.
- Diplomatic skills, with an ability to work with people at all levels, including managers and faculty, with an ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
- 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 balance independent work with direction from management and deal comfortably with changing scope of practice.
- 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 and 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. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells. 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 - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide. 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. Job Code and Payroll Title 007462 MEDIA COMM SPEC 3 Job Category Marketing / Communications, Professional (Non-Clinical), Professional and Managerial Bargaining Unit 99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit) Location Oakland, CA, San Francisco, CA Campus Mission Bay (SF), Various Work Sites Additional Shift Details Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm, occasional nights and weekends |
University of California - San Francisco Campus and Health
Nov 18, 2024