Communication Specialist 3

Under direction of the Program Director in the Department of Public Health Sciences, the Communication Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day management and development of the comprehensive communication strategies for several large, complex Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and brain health research studies under the leadership of Rachel Whitmer, PhD. The Specialist may also support the Division of Epidemiology and the Population Brain Health Lab. This role will support the development and implementation of communications plans and projects at the program level, and should be familiar with IRB requirements for research communications.
The incumbent is responsible for managing written, visual, digital, and electronic communications needs under Dr. Whitmer including: strategically growing the online digital footprint of 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 collaborate with the Department of Public Affairs and Marketing to lead the use of 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, and diverse adult research participants. The incumbent may liaise with media outlets and internal media teams and may appear or facilitate appearances on radio, TV, newspaper, or other media interviews. Activities may 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).
Position is a hybrid / remote opportunity.

Apply By Date

(3/29/2024 at 11:59pm);

Minimum Qualifications

• California Drivers License
• BS/BA degree in advertising, communications, marketing, public relations, or equivalent education and work experience
• Experience creating clear, effective communications, and organizing projects.
• Experience successfully producing effective outreach and recruitment materials that drive engagement.
• Experience in communications in one of the following fields: Alzheimer’s and brain health, biological sciences, public health, or equivalent
• Knowledge of social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
• 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.
• Ability to interpret data and scientific research into meaningful content for a public audience.
• Ability to adapt materials based on population diversity and literacy levels.
• Independent thinker who is able to innovate, produce and execute compelling marketing programs, often on a tight deadline.
• Graphic design skills to create compelling brochures, flyers and other marketing materials with applications such as Canva and Adobe Creative applications.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating digital audio and video recording equipment and experience with digital audio and video editing software.
• Experience with social media and website analytics and SEO strategies.
• Knowledge of digital audio and video recording equipment, experience operating such equipment and experience with digital audio and video editing software.
• Knowledge of 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.
• Technical skills navigating content management applications (e.g. Drupal, Wordpress, Teamsite) and online communications platforms (e.g. Mailchip, Constant Contact).

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.

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $2,770.11-$5,022.99
• Salary Frequency: Biweekly
• Salary Grade: 22
• Payroll Title: COMM SPEC 3
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift Hours: 08
• Location: Alhambra Cannery
• Union Representation: N/A
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Hybrid/Remote/On-Site: Hybrid

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis Health 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 our handy Benefits Summary 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.
• Paid time off for professional development 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
• UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Special Requirements

• Occasional evening and weekend work as needed.
• Must participate in the DMV Pull Program
• Local travel required
• This position is a critical position and subject to a background check and drug screen. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history, identity checks and drug screen.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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, Davis 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, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit:https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.

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

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don’t meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere