Communications Specialist / Community Laison (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $72,200 - $88,300.

This postion is not approved for a hybrid or remote arrangement. Work modality is 100% on-campus (or event location).

Initial applicant review will take place on or about November 24, 2025. Posting will remain open through selection.

Finalists will be required to submit writing sample(s).

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

With oversight from the Vice Chancellor in the Division of Equity, Justice, and Inclusive Excellence (EJIE), the Communications Specialist & Community Liaison (CSCL) oversees a comprehensive communications program that supports internal communications and external relations for the division. The CSCL plays a vital role in ensuring that the general public and academic community are well informed about the division's events and activities. The goal is to increase community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and ongoing connections to the campus. The role combines strategic communications, community engagement, and event planning responsibilities.

The CSCL contributes to the campus public relations program in close coordination with University Communications and External Relations and serves as the contact point for all division-related communications, including social media, online platforms, and managing and disseminating online, print, and web publications and publicity. The position also helps implement the university's marketing and communications strategies, emphasizing new media, while facilitating and overseeing traditional programming and publicity, including the promotion, logistics, and scheduling of events.

Working closely with University Communications, the CSCL is responsible for selecting and developing all content, as well as a broad range of university-based internal and external communications and outreach. This includes researching/writing news releases, advisories, and feature articles, preparing copy for information materials and brochures, and editing copy as needed to conform with established UC Merced publications guidelines.

The CSCL must excel at synthesizing complex topics, including key areas of strategic vision and planning for the Division, which include: 1) education, 2) climate, 3) culture, and 4) community. The CSCL is responsible for developing and disseminating content in various formats, including articles, reports, and sound bites that are easily understood by multiple audiences. Additionally, they are responsible for developing and cultivating productive relationships with university and community partners on campus and off, to enhance EJIE's reach and impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Communications and Content Development

• Working closely with University Communications and External Relations, develops communications plans and strategies to support Division objectives and priorities.

• Produces various writing projects, including reports, brochures, newsletters, web pages, marketing materials, social media, blogs and email broadcasts.

• Coordinates publicity for awards, accomplishments and events, including publication production (print and web).

• Promotes and covers various events for internal and external publication (including some during evenings and weekends).

• Pitches story ideas for the media and news releases to campus communications.

• Initiates article ideas, conducts research, reports on events, and interviews members of the campus community (faculty, students, staff and alumni).

• Writes and edits for publications; creates engaging, informative, well-organized and clear copy.

• Edits and proofreads copy for consistency, organization and style in consultation with the campus editorial style guide.

• Coordinates messaging across platforms and different units to ensure consistency in messaging.

• Implements crisis communications protocols and messaging during sensitive situations.

Community Engagement & External Relations

• Represents the division on community boards and at community events.

• Responsible for developing and cultivating productive relationships with university and community partners to enhance the division's reach and impact.

• Partners with national, state, and local agencies and organizations; university departments; educational institutions, businesses, and industries; museums and galleries; artists and educators; and other non-profit and community organizations.

• Engages in effective communication and meaningful collaboration with university and community partners.

• Identifies and cultivates strategic partnership opportunities that align with the division's priorities and community needs in collaboration with External Relations' Philanthropy and Strategic Partners team.

• Coordinates, alongside External Relations, the division's participation in community-driven initiatives, committees, and working groups.

• Organize community listening sessions and focus groups to gather input on EJIE services and programming.

Web & Digital Media Management

• Responsible for developing, maintaining, and updating division-related website content, including consulting and working closely with the Office of Information Technology.

• Manages and coordinates digital projects including web feature stories and coordination with other team members.

• Designs strategies to ensure marketing and outreach of programs to drive exposure and attendance.

• Develops outreach tools, including website management, PR, and media materials.

• Helps implement new media initiatives such as social networking sites and blogs.

• Coordinates with team members on the creation of web versions of selected publications.

• Creates and maintains a digital assess management system for photos, videos, and design files.

Additional Responsibilities

• Advises and consults with division leadership regarding all aspects of communications.

• Assists with fundraising events related to division's programming and strategic planning, in consultation with External Relations and Philanthropic and Strategic Partnerships.

• Manages and coordinates projects that include printed publications and web projects.

• Provides communications training and support for division administration and represents the division at conferences and networking events.

• Other special projects as assigned include but are not limited to contributing to division events, generally.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related people-oriented field; and

• 3 - Three years of successful and significant related experience in the public or private sector in marketing, events management, communications, fundraising, external relations, or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred but may not be substitute for the required years of experience. (required).

• Exceptional writing and editing skills in the English language, with extensive knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation.

• Demonstrated ability to write engaging text and excellent proofreading skills.

• Demonstrated ability to write and edit copy ranging from news and feature articles to brochure copy.

• Ability to develop and execute article ideas from concept through completion.

• Experience in successfully producing effective promotional materials, including news releases and publications.

• Strong understanding of public relations techniques and experience successfully employing them.

• Strong office and computer skills including proficiency in word processing and web-based communications.

• Proficiency with PC platform, Word, and web browsers; familiarity with use of AI in higher education settings.

• Familiarity with blogs, social networking sites, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, and Photoshop.

• Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and coordinate several projects simultaneously.

• Detail-oriented and able to work rapidly and accurately under deadline pressure.

• Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others and adapt quickly to shifting priorities.

• Ability to effectively work with invited guests, donors, government officials and university VIPs.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/