Sr. Writer/Speechwriter (WRITER EDITOR 4 CM)

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Davis seeks a senior Writer/Editor to partner with the Chancellor's Office, researching, writing and editing high‑level communications and thought leadership for national, state and regional audiences. This role shapes complex ideas into accessible narratives and supports executive presentations, public statements and talking points.

Under the Executive Communications strategy, the writer translates academic policy and institutional data into persuasive materials, leads select speeches, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience in communications for a large, complex institution.
• Experience researching, writing, editing complex, high‑level communications across multiple formats (speeches, op-eds, thought leadership, executive presentations).
• Experience independently researching and analyzing complex issues and translating findings into clear communications for diverse audiences.
• Advanced research, analytical, critical-thinking and fact-verification skills to develop evidence-based arguments.
• Interpersonal and client relationship skills to develop collaborative partnerships with political acumen.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to write for C‑Suite/higher education leaders and place op-eds in top outlets.

Responsibilities

• Executive Editorial & Thought Leadership development (high-visibility communications).
• Speechwriting for the Chancellor and senior leaders.
• Research, analysis and editorial strategy to identify compelling arguments and narratives.

Skills

Executive writing

Strategic communications

Speechwriting

Research & analysis

Audience tailoring

Political acumen

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in communications

Tools

Generative AI

Job description

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Writer/Editor serves as a senior executive writer and strategic communications partner responsible for researching, developing and executing high-level communications on behalf of the Chancellor of UC Davis. The position develops complex, highly visible and often sensitive communications that advance the Chancellor's strategic priorities and thought leadership with influential internal and external audiences. Primary responsibilities include researching, conceptualizing, writing and editing opinion news editorials, speeches, long‑form thought leadership pieces, executive presentations, public statements, talking points and other strategic communications. The position conducts substantive research and analysis of complex issues affecting UC Davis and higher education, including public policy, research, innovation, student success, workforce development and other emerging issues, to identify compelling arguments, evidence, stories and opportunities for Chancellor communications. The position translates complex academic research, institutional data, public policy and societal issues into accessible and persuasive communications tailored to targeted national, statewide and regional audiences ranging from students, faculty and staff to donors, policymakers, higher education leaders, business and community leaders and the broader public. Working within the Chancellor's strategic messaging framework and Executive Communications editorial strategy, the position proactively identifies opportunities to advance Chancellor May's thought leadership and UC Davis' institutional priorities through regional, statewide and national communication. The position also serves as a senior speechwriter for the Chancellor, leading development of select high‑profile and strategically significant speeches and presentations. The position develops, edits, or contributes to relevant materials for the UC Office of the President, in coordination with the Office of the Chancellor. Work requires advanced research, analytical and critical‑thinking skills; exceptional writing and editorial judgement; political acumen; discretion; and the ability to independently navigate complex or sensitive issues for highly influential audiences.

Apply By Date: October 20, 2026

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience in communications (public relations, media relations, public affairs, marketing, writing, journalism, etc.) for a large, complex institution.
• Demonstrated professional experience researching, writing, editing complex, high‑level communications and developing persuasive communications across multiple formats, including speeches, opinion editorials, thought leadership pieces, executive presentations and other strategic communications for senior executives, institutional leaders and/or other public-facing leaders.
• Demonstrated experience independently researching and analyzing complex issues, synthesizing information for multiple authoritative sources and translating findings into clear and compelling communications for diverse audiences.
• Advanced research, analytical, critical‑thinking and fact‑verification skills, including the ability to evaluate multiple and potentially conflicting sources, indemnify credible evidence and develop persuasive, intellectually defensible arguments on complex issues to develop original concepts, narratives and evidence‑based arguments aligned with organizational priorities, audience needs and the external communications environment
• Interpersonal and client relationship skills to develop collaborative and productive partnerships to provide high‑quality service using political acumen and extraordinary sensitivity to the perceptions and concerns of others to craft communications that respond to political realities and stakeholder needs.
• Critical thinking skills to generate innovative ideas, think strategically, originate action and establish priorities, and be creative and resourceful in achieving objectives using organizational and time‑management skills to coordinate many details of multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment with constantly shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
• Advanced skill in developing written and spoken communications that authentically reflect an executive's voice, leadership perspective and strategic priorities across diverse audiences and formats. Proven track record of writing for a C‑Suite/higher ed leader, developing op‑eds that get placed in top‑tier national and/or state news outlets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with speechwriting for high‑level executives, senior leaders, and/or public figures. Presentation design skills to tell stories using data, charts, design and other storytelling techniques.
• Knowledge of the University, its mission, campuses, policies and achievements.
• Experience effectively and responsibly using generative AI and other emerging technologies to support research development, synthesize complex institutional data and information and inform strategic communications
• Analytical skills to interpret data and information, draw conclusions, and display data in such a way as to effectively support the positions taken in strategic public communications.
• Skill to work independently with minimal supervision to accomplish high‑profile tasks and to meet multiple and concurrent deadlines

Key Responsibilities

• 45% - Executive Editorial & Thought Leadership
• 35% - Speechwriting
• 20% - Research, Analysis and Editorial Strategy

Department Overview

Strategic Communications provides comprehensive and coordinated campus leadership in developing, planning, creating and implementing strategic communications programs based on the department's goals and objectives. The department works across all media to foster increased awareness, understanding and support of UC Davis' mission, vision, accomplishments, impacts and needs among its many internal and external constituencies. It serves as the official voice of UC Davis to regional, state, national and international news media.

Strategic Communications encompasses six units: Visual Communications, News and Media Relations, Web Communications, Social Media, Marketing and Undergraduate Admissions Communications. Strategic Communications' multimedia storytellers, writers, social media practitioners, designers, web developers, information architects and search‑engine experts have a mission to communicate university messages through interactive media. We coordinate these communications across platforms to reach our audiences. Our efforts can be seen on the ucdavis.edu, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, YouTube and other sites and channels. Unit Specific.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $85,500.00 - $157,300.00/yr. (Department budgeted salary range: $85,500 - $110,000/yr. Commensurate with experience.)
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: WRITER EDITOR 4 CM
• UC Job Code: 005387
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M - F 8 AM - 5 PM
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: Yes - CM
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on‑site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well‑being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On‑site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e‑cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Provide own transportation to off‑site events and meetings. Work flexible schedule including occasional evenings/nights and weekends to meet staffing needs.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks