Senior Media Relations & Crisis Communications Lead

UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA is seeking an Associate Director of Media Relations - Issues Management to support high-visibility issues, craft messaging, and coordinate responses across campus leadership and stakeholders. This role blends media relations, crisis communications, and strategic advising to safeguard UCLA's reputation.

The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years of media experience, extensive media contacts, and a strong ability to plan national, regional and local campaigns, while leading a team and

Qualifications

• Experience as a spokesperson for a high-profile institution in a large media market.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills with executive-level presentations.
• Demonstrated reporting and writing skills with strategic thinking on communications.
• Thorough knowledge of current events in institutional operations and higher education.
• 10+ years full-time professional media experience, preferably in new media or TV news.
• Proven national, regional and local media relations planning and placement.
• Extensive media contacts and ability to work with journalists at all levels.
• Demonstrated knowledge of news media operations and protocols.
• Experience in writing op-ed and analysis pieces.
• Leadership abilities and supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop messaging and coordinate responses for sensitive, high-visibility issues.
• Monitor emerging issues and help execute communications strategies.
• Coordinate with campus leaders and stakeholders for crisis communications.
• Advise on communications plans related to campus operations and public safety.

Skills

Spokesperson experience

Crisis communications

Oral and written communications

Media relations strategy

Story placement & writing

Public event anticipation

Higher education knowledge

Media networks & contacts

National/ regional media relations

Leadership & team management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Broadcasting software

Newsroom systems

Job description

UCLA is seeking an Associate Director of Media Relations - Issues Management to support high-visibility issues, craft messaging, and coordinate responses across campus leadership and stakeholders. This role blends media relations, crisis communications, and strategic advising to safeguard UCLA's reputation.

The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years of media experience, extensive media contacts, and a strong ability to plan national, regional and local campaigns, while leading a team and