Communications Specialist IV

Independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for a unit or school with a large, complex communications program requiring a wide variety of communications media, including written, visual, digital and electronic, and associated technical applications. Works with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategy for a highly visible program.

Comprehensive Communications and Editorial Management

Manages complex comprehensive communications programs, including written, visual, digital, and electronic communications, for large, highly visible organizations.

Editorial for Newsletters, Social Media, Website, and Annual Report

• Manages various internal projects to ensure that all department communications promote a consistent, positive public image.
• Participate in range of activities to keep the department’s stakeholders informed and engaged, including writing and editing content for newsletters, video, annual report, blogs and articles for internal/external website, press releases, announcements, social media posts, etc.
• Conceptualize and develop new print and digital communication tools, content, and processes to meet evolving department needs.
• Ensure that all communications adhere to UCSF’s brand identity and editorial standards.

Strategic Communications

Provides advice and counsel to departmental or college administration on all aspects of communications, including strategic planning, effective messaging, and problem resolution.

Works with departmental, college or division administration to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short term strategic communications plans.

Communication Lead for UCSF Health Radiology

• Create, develop, and implement long and short-term strategic communication plans, projects, and editorial calendar for UCSF Health Radiology in consultation with leadership.
• Proactively identify, research, and report on UCSF Health Radiology news, key initiatives, and observances for all communications channels.
• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with UCSF Health Radiology leaders and subject matter experts to identify communication opportunities, gather information and resources, and ensure alignment of editorial content with strategic objectives.

Content and Creative Implementation

• Project management to ensure timely production of high-quality products that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints.
• Manages comprehensive communications programs, including written, visual, and electronic communications.
• Communicate, interact, and coordinate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Attention to detail, with the ability to work under pressure to meet tight communication deadlines.
• Collaborate with the Department’s Events team and other groups on special projects.

Department Websites

Ensures production of high quality products that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints.

Produces a variety of communication pieces in a variety of venues including written, visual, digital, and electronic communications.

• Manage design and content of the department’s public website with external vendor and Communications team to ensure visibility of department experts, programs, and resources.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure new design and functionality effectively meet the communication and operational needs of each division and mission area.
• Develop and implement plan for ongoing content management and updates to ensure relevant, timely, and engaging content and photography, with updates occurring on a quarterly basis.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive style guide for the department website, ensuring consistency in tone, voice, branding, and visual presentation across all web content.

Project Management

• Oversee all Principal Investigator lab microsites and Center for Intelligent Imaging website to ensure timely production of high-quality products, in collaboration with Research Admin team and department communications team.
• Involved in all stages of department website and microsite production – conception/initiation, planning, execution, and monitoring, and project close.
• Manages professional photography for department print and digital projects, in collaboration with Communications Director, Research Admin team, and Clinical Division administrators.

Strategy and Analytics

Identifies specific communications needs and develops the content and process for organizational improvements.

Works with management to build an organizational brand and create tools for positioning the organization strategically with the organization's clients.

• Analyze website analytics and performance data in collaboration with external vendor to identify opportunities and implement strategic recommendations for optimized SEO/LLM/GEO search, enhanced visibility, and improved user experience.
• Assist with collection of social media analytics, and provide data analysis and recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with department staff on digital accessibility.
• Produce communications campaign reports, monthly analytics, and annual reports.
• Provide analytic and writing support to Director of Communication as needed.
• Participate in ad-hoc projects that are assigned by the Director of Communication, Administrative Directors, or Faculty Members.
  

• Minimum 5 years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and the most appropriate and effective applications.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of technical applications to direct professional technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.
• Advanced knowledge of the organization, including its mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure; strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education and/or health sciences.
• Advanced skills in creating, developing, and implementing long- and short-term strategic communication plans.
• Advanced skills to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications, ranging from developing effective communication strategies to appropriately responding appropriately to inquiries about sensitive or complex issues or information.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, active listening, and political acumen skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• Thorough knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.