Communications Specialist/Hybrid - 132821

This position will work a hybrid schedule which includes a combination of working both onsite on UC San Diego campus at Student Health Services and remote.

The Student Health and Well-being (SHW) cluster of the UC San Diego, which reports through UC San Diego Health System, plays a leadership role in creating a strong and active wellness culture that enables all students to flourish in body, mind and spirit. This includes promotion and the expansion/development of a student health and well-being center, and the transformation of existing departments, under the oversight of the executive director, into a cohesive, trans-disciplinary source of integrated wellness services for over 45,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The SHW cluster includes the six departments: Student Health Services (SHS), Health Promotion Services (HPS), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), SHW Administrative and Business Operations (ADM), Student Health Analytics and Assessment (SHAA) and Strategic Planning, Innovation, and Research (SPIR).

SHW Strategic Planning, Innovation and Research (SPIR)-which includes the Marketing and Communications unit-is responsible for identifying and prioritizing strategic initiatives, setting and monitoring appropriate goals, and developing and integrating new strategies through cross-functionality within SHW and in collaboration with external stakeholders and campus partners. SPIR also ensures that strategies are both forward-thinking and deeply aligned with the overall University, UC San Diego Health, and Student Health and Well-Being objectives; thus, setting the stage for sustainable success and growth to meet the unique needs of our vibrant and diverse student population, and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for our dedicated workforce. In addition, SPIR facilitates collaborative research that delivers compassionate, innovative, and transformational care that contributes to the academic success and personal development of all students.

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Planning, Innovation and Research (SPIR) and working in collaboration with the Executive Director of Student Health and Well-Being (SHW), this position provides marketing and communication leadership to the SHW Cluster by working with the communications teams from across campus. The incumbent supports advancement of the SHW's communications strategy, particularly in the areas of internal and external communications, marketing, and public relations and may help support other constituents. The Communications Specialist works with others across the SHW Cluster and with the Health System and University Communications offices, Academic Affairs, Advancement, Student Affairs and Campus Life, and organized units and research groups, and helps implement a comprehensive communications program for SHW with moderately complex communications requirements.

The communications program includes written, visual, digital, and electronic communications, including websites, social media, photography, and limited videography. Works with the SPIR Director to develop and execute comprehensive and proactive organizational communication, market branding strategy, and outreach programs. Position includes writing feature stories for campus electronic news; writing and editing content for web, social media, newsletters, brochures, various reports and publications, and information campaigns; managing SHW website and intranet site, and collaborates with the SPIR Director on content for local, national, and international publications and media; drafting talking points and statements for SHW Executive Committee.

The incumbent promotes a culture of equity and respect, and superior customer service provided to internal and external constituents and serves as a strong facilitator and liaison to advance the mission and goals of the SHW.

The incumbent serves as the day-to-day contact on assigned communications projects, maintains the content and coordinates the scheduling and logistics of all communication flows. Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced marketing and communication professional with a full understanding of industry practices and campus policies and procedures; resolves a wide range of issues. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

Independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for a unit or school with moderately complex communications requirements. The communications program usually includes written, visual, digital and electronic communications. Works with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategy. Designs and implements information campaigns.

• Seven years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree in a science related field of study plus three years of experience related to the work to be performed; or a combination of education and experience.

• 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. Strong skills in short-term planning, analysis, problem-solving, and customer service.

• Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills. Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral. Demonstrated ability to clearly and concisely communicate ideas, thoughts, complex problems and position statements. Must possess a strong portfolio of interpersonal skills: ability to interact with tact and diplomacy with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and organizational levels, ability to constructively handle complaints, ability to be flexible, to work collaboratively and to listen well and engender trust.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups to achieve results. Actively cooperates and supports the work of others. Ability to work productively with anyone regardless of background. Empathetic and aware of the impact on others. Strong problem-solving skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.

• Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications. Experience with technical application, graphic design, website and intranet design and management, multiple social media platforms, photography, limited videography, and PowerPoint. Experience developing style guide, logos, professional photography for content development, managing social media, including the development of social media strategic plans.

• Solid skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short term strategic communications plans. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple work assignments, manage complicated long-range projects and proposals, evaluate workload and resources, and deal effectively with changing priorities and meet deadlines.

• Proven ability to function effectively in a diverse, ever-changing, and unpredictable environment. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality in sensitive situations. Ability to use tact, diplomacy and discretion with emphasis on flexibility and professionalism.

• Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education and / or health sciences. Thorough knowledge of the campus and / or medical center products and services.

• Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.

• Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and / or broad general audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to learn to design and implement comprehensive communications plans for single events and major programs; this includes assisting with defining goals, identifying target audiences and creating and implementing action plans and timelines.

• Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Ability to foster UC San Diego Principles of Community.

• Skill in mentoring less experienced staff.

• Ability to use discretion, maintain utmost confidentiality and comply with all requirements in use of computer systems and access to any and all patient, student, employee and University data, in electronic and hard copy formats, in compliance with University, state and federal guidelines, including, but not limited to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• Complete all required training assigned by UCOP, UCSD and SHW on a timely basis.

• Demonstrated ability to actively foster a positive, welcoming climate, and value, include and support all in the UC San Diego community. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion to foster the best possible working and learning environment.

• Demonstrated commitment and ability to acknowledge, advocate and support the efforts to dismantle structural racism and divisive biases based on race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and political beliefs.

• As appropriate, submit incident reports into the UCSD SHW Incident Report System, RL Datix or current system in use, to report near-misses, process problems or patient or employee injury events. Attend required trainings and refreshers for use and proper steps to follow.

• Demonstrated experience and competency with standard business equipment, computer technologies and a variety of software including system and networking software, Microsoft Office suite, email and a variety of web-based programs and browsers, with the willingness and ability to update and increase skills as needed to meet the goals of the unit and the division.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.