Senior Communications Specialist

University of California - San Francisco
United States, California, San Francisco
Feb 01, 2025
Senior Communications Specialist Development Full Time 83639BR Job Summary Initial application review begins March 17, 2025 Are you a persuasive writer who can translate complex science into meaningful content for a lay audience? Can you track down that elusive scientist, craft your copy and hit your deadlines? The Senior Communications Specialist is a lead development writer for UCSF's fundraising team, with a strong emphasis on neuroscience writing. Under the supervision of the Director of Marketing and Communications, and in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Donor Relations, the incumbent will develop relationships with many of the world's leading researchers and clinicians; they will conduct interviews, carry out background research, and gather information to write stewardship reports for the neurosciences team and other programs, stories for UCSF Magazine, gift stories for UCSF News; concept papers, case statements, brochures; and sometimes write and manage digital and video content. They will play a key role in determining best practices for the Advancement Communications team across a wide variety of writing projects. Above all, this position requires an experienced, versatile, and dependable writer, equally committed to the craft of powerful storytelling as well as scientific accuracy. This position will have the opportunity to oversee the work of freelancers and the ability to provide strategic communications support to other writers on the team and leadership when needed. The incumbent will be responsible for writing communications that engage and retain UCSF donors at all levels. This position requires strong project management skills, the ability to work on multiple projects with competing deadlines, using project management software, and the ability to effectively translate medical terminology into compelling, donor-friendly narratives that demonstrate the impact of the donor's philanthropy, and the innovative research conducted at UCSF. Utilizing the UCSF and UDAR style guides and other reference materials, the incumbent will ensure that the campus's highest standards of quality and accuracy are met. Taking into consideration the various forms of communication, purpose and audience for each, the incumbent will ensure that concepts are expressed appropriately and in the proper context, bearing in mind the strategy and objectives of the communication. The incumbent's work will impact the success of UCSF's fundraising, stewardship, and events programs by building relationships with and securing support from the campus's external audiences. As a Senior Communications Specialist, in your first three months, you'll forge productive relationships within the Advancement Communications team, familiarize yourself with UDAR and our software (Salesforce, WorkFront, Box, Slack, and Paperflite among others), and begin stewardship projects with our fundraising teams, including our neurosciences fundraisers. Within six months, you'll be managing a portfolio of assignments, meeting regularly with faculty and fundraisers, and learning all about the groundbreaking science happening only at UCSF, while stewarding nine-figure gifts to our innovative UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience. Within a year, you'll be delivering on your project portfolio, picking up a diverse array of writing opportunities, and leveraging your partnerships to brainstorm and create new ways to engage our prospects and steward our donors. Please click here to view some of the kinds of communications projects this role will deliver: https://secureshare.ucsf.edu/collections/6786ed23073dff32439d932c?utm_source=Paperflite%20Link 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 $100,800 - $151,200 (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 The UCSF Foundation and the Office of University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) are responsible for fostering and strengthening the campus outreach efforts to UCSF constituents and for garnering private support for the campus and the Medical Center. In raising private support, UDAR identifies, qualifies, solicits and stewards donors for the schools, medical centers, departments and programs on campus; accepts and administers all private gifts to the university through The Regents or the UCSF Foundation; and manages all alumni relations activities, campus support group activities and campus events. The UDAR office staffs the UCSF Foundation. The office is also responsible for the design and implementation of fundraising campaigns for UCSF Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. 5+ years of experience (post BA/BS) Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation and advanced skills to write clear, lively, engaging, compelling and effective copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and the broader public Knowledge of computer applications for publishing, image handling, and / or web production. Advanced skill in taking initiative to creatively identify and pitch story ideas to senior management and clients Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening and effective collaboration skills Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills Preferred Qualifications Advanced knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines Advanced, in-depth knowledge of the location, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies Knowledge of fundraising processes and the application of writing skills to a development program Advanced knowledge of issues in higher education, a specialized academic discipline or field and / or health sciences Advanced research and fact verification skills 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. Organization Campus Job Code and Payroll Title 004018 WRITER EDITOR 4 Job Category Marketing / Communications, Philanthropy, Professional (Non-Clinical) Bargaining Unit 99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit) Employee Class Career Percentage 100% Location San Francisco, CA Campus Embarcadero Street (SF) Work Style Hybrid Shift Days Shift Length 8 Hours Additional Shift Details M-F, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM PST