Senior Public Information Officer - News and Media Relations

The Department of Public Affairs and Marketing plans, manages, and implements strategic communications (such as news, public relations, marketing, internal and external communications) for UC Davis Health. Communications are aimed at a wide range of key constituencies, such as the news media; UC administration; UC Davis faculty, staff and students; government/regulatory leaders; external physicians; business leaders; patients and health care consumers; and the general public. The Senior Public Information Officer position performs as an expert resource and develops and manages high-profile organizational communications for UC Davis Health. This professional helps to strategically position the university within the local community, region and beyond by developing communications plans for service lines and other entities at UC Davis Health, preparing articles and press releases for the media and UC Davis Health website, gathering and disseminating timely information to internal and external audiences, acting as on-call media spokesperson, planning and overseeing press events, researching and writing briefing materials, and contributing to UC Davis Health social media channels. This position is a lead resource and supports all health system communications channels in a department whose functions include public relations, media relations, social media, internal and executive communications, marketing, digital communications and creative services. This position needs to think strategically, in partnership with public affairs, compliance, government relations, legal team members and others to keep patients at the center of all communications, to outline operational changes that may be needed to better communicate the health system's positions, and to help maintain our commitment to excellence in patient care, clinical training, patient education and the health sciences. This position works with individuals ranging from top University of California leadership and health system administrators to key faculty and staff, as well as prominent elected officials and community leaders and with patients and community members on social media channels.

This position will cover the research and clinical enterprise at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and related departments as assigned.

Apply By Date: 5/15/2026 by 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in science, communications, journalism, English or related field.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in journalism, public relations or communications-related field.
• Significant experience using a variety of media platforms, such as web, social media, video and traditional platforms to communicate messages and expand reach with varied audiences.
• Demonstrated experience writing medical, science, or other complex content for lay audiences.
• Demonstrated skill in strategic message development, audience identification and issues-management in alignment with an organization's institutional goals.
• Extensive news media or media relations expertise and skills dissemination experience for training others.
• Strong political acumen and understanding of public perception, with the ability to craft communications that respond to political realities and stakeholder needs.
• Working knowledge of AP style, with willingness to learn and integrate custom UC Davis Health style variations.
• Ability to closely follow HIPAA and other privacy regulations and related documentation requirements.
• Solid oral and interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy.
• Must have ability to accept direction and edits and to exercise tact and sensitivity when working with colleagues and key stakeholders.
• Must be able to write clear, accurate, compelling and stylistically appropriate content.
• Thorough knowledge of the English language and its proper usage, in both oral and written communications and for a variety of goals and diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to coordinate many details of multiple projects simultaneously, keeping everything on schedule and identifying and solving problems as they arise.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with constantly shifting priorities.
• Must be able to meet tight deadlines and work long hours, when necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to write for various print formats, such as production scripts, text-documents, presentation formats (PowerPoint, posters, etc.), web communications, press releases, talking points, etc.
• Familiarity with or ability to learn Microsoft Office Suite
• Capable of quickly and accurately gathering information on a wide variety of topics and issues, in order to conduct interviews with experts, prepare press releases or develop talking points for controversial issues.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and information, draw conclusions and determine best approaches to effectively support positions for strategic public communications.
• Ability to be creative and resourceful in achieving objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to generate innovative ideas, think strategically and establish priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to represent the health system and Public Affairs in a professional manner in the conduct of highly visible work.
• Ability to gain extensive knowledge and understanding of UC Davis Health System's faculty, staff and trainees; clinical, research, education and outreach programs; organizational structure and policies and procedures.
• Skill and sound judgment to apply state and federal laws, university policies and professional standards to all institutional communications that represent the health system and its various academic, clinical and research enterprises.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in science, communications, journalism, English or related field.
• Video production knowledge and expertise that enables the department to produce high-quality communications that are accurate, professional and meet all institutional and leadership needs.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in developing communications for an academic health center.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in developing communications for an assigned area of medical specialty.
• Experience in producing persuasive, engaging videos that capture the appropriate and intended themes and goals of the health system, while consistently incorporating key strategic messages.

Key Responsibilities

• 70% - Creative Strategies and Positioning
• 30% - Creative Content Development

Department Overview

The Department of Public Affairs and Marketing plans, manages and implements strategic communications (such as news, public relations, marketing, internal and external communications) for UC Davis Health. Communications are aimed at a wide range of key constituencies such as the news media; UC administration; UC Davis faculty, staff and students; government/regulatory leaders; external physicians and medical science researchers; business leaders; patients and health care consumers; and the general public.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $7,891.67 - $14,775.00
• Budgeted Pay Range: $10,416.67 - $11,416.67
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 24
• UC Job Title: COMM SPEC 4
• UC Job Code: 005887
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): 8am-5pm
• Location: Broadway Building (HSP072)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Need to occasionally drive a personal car to meetings, events, etc. as required by job duties; mileage reimbursement. Ability to adjust schedule and work evenings or weekends when circumstances dictate. Must be able to work occasional overtime/flex schedule (evenings/weekends) to meet operational needs. Must be able to travel to locations in Sacramento and Davis for occasional meetings, training, etc.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks