Strategic Media Relations Lead

University of California; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California Office of the President is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Media Relations Officer to pitch positive systemwide stories, field media inquiries, and develop strategic communications plans for the UC system and its senior leaders. The role partners across External Relations, campus media, and government affairs to advance priorities and manage high-profile narratives.

This position requires strong copywriting, message strategy, and reporter-relations skills,

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in deadline-driven journalism or communications role.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public policy, or similar field, or equivalent experience.
• Advanced ability to write clear, engaging copy for senior leaders and complex organizations with minimal edits.
• Extensive experience with message strategy and traditional/social media instincts; strong reporter relationships.
• Demonstrated capacity for creative thinking and synthesis of complex information for media outreach.
• Collaborative, proactive, nimble, and capable of working in a small, high-performing team.
• Able to balance multiple short-term deadlines with long-term projects independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build productive partnerships and consensus.

Responsibilities

• Pitch positive systemwide stories and field media inquiries.
• Develop strategic communications plans and related materials for UC and senior leaders.
• Coordinate with External Relations, marketing, and campus media leaders.
• Identify high-impact storytelling opportunities and craft strategic media outreach.
• Cultivate national, state, and local media engagement to strengthen UC’s reputation.
• Develop responses to high-profile and sensitive media inquiries.
• Provide counsel to protect and advance the University's reputation during heightened attention.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Copywriting

Reporter relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public policy, or similar field

Job description

The University of California Office of the President is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Media Relations Officer to pitch positive systemwide stories, field media inquiries, and develop strategic communications plans for the UC system and its senior leaders. The role partners across External Relations, campus media, and government affairs to advance priorities and manage high-profile narratives.

This position requires strong copywriting, message strategy, and reporter-relations skills,