Strategic Media Relations Lead

University of California Office of the President

San Francisco (CA)

On-site

USD 132,000 - 150,000

Full time

5 days ago
Be an early applicant
Application generator

Stand out for this role — generate a tailored resume and cover letter in about a minute.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) seeks a strategic, experienced communications and media relations professional to pitch systemwide stories, respond to inquiries, and craft plans and materials for UC and its senior leaders. This on-site role partners with ER&C and campus media teams to elevate UC’s reputation.

The Senior Media Relations Officer will identify opportunities, manage proactive outreach, coordinate assets, and guide senior leaders on media engagement across

Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years in deadline‑driven journalism or communications role (such as media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, etc.), preferably in a large, complex organization.
  • A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public policy, or similar relevant field, or equivalent work experience/training.
  • Advanced ability to write clear, engaging, compelling, and effective copy appropriate to target audiences, including writing on behalf of senior leaders and complex organizations, with minimal editing and feedback necessary.
  • Extensive experience with message strategy creation and implementation, solid traditional and social media instincts, and a proven track record of developing relationships with reporters.
  • Demonstrated capacity for creative thinking and synthesis of complex information; able to generate fresh ideas for media outreach approaches that reflect University objectives.

Responsibilities

  • Identifies high‑impact university stories for the news media in consultation with the Strategic and Critical Communications team.
  • Writes and edits press releases, fact sheets, and other materials needed for pitching stories; collaborates on social media, creative, and digital assets to support pitches.
  • Secures strong, positive story placements to enhance understanding of UC and its contributions.
  • Tracks and reports on these efforts to senior leadership.
  • Collaborates across the External Relations & Communications Division to maximize media opportunities for digital, social media, and advocacy purposes.

Skills

Media relations
Deadline-driven
Writing skills
Interpersonal skills
Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) seeks a strategic, experienced communications and media relations professional to pitch systemwide stories, respond to inquiries, and craft plans and materials for UC and its senior leaders. This on-site role partners with ER&C and campus media teams to elevate UC’s reputation.

The Senior Media Relations Officer will identify opportunities, manage proactive outreach, coordinate assets, and guide senior leaders on media engagement across

Get your free, confidential resume review.

or drag and drop your file here.

Similar jobs

Similar jobs worth comparing

Strategic Media Relations Lead
Strategic Media Relations Lead

University of California • Oakland (CA)

On-site
USD 132,000 - 150,000
Strategic Media Relations Lead
Strategic Media Relations Lead

University of California Office of the President • Oakland (CA)

On-site
USD 132,000 - 150,000
Senior Media Relations Leader — Higher Education Impact
Senior Media Relations Leader — Higher Education Impact

SUNY COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY - UNIVERSITY EYE CENTER • Oakland (CA)

On-site
USD 132,000 - 150,000
Senior Media Relations Officer
Senior Media Relations Officer

University of California • Oakland (CA)

On-site
USD 132,000 - 150,000
SENIOR MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER
SENIOR MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER

University of California Office of the President • Oakland (CA)

On-site
USD 132,000 - 150,000
SENIOR MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER
SENIOR MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER

SUNY COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY - UNIVERSITY EYE CENTER • Oakland (CA)

On-site
USD 132,000 - 150,000
SENIOR MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER
SENIOR MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER

University of California Office of the President • San Francisco (CA)

On-site
USD 132,000 - 150,000
Senior Media Relations Lead for Issues & Crisis Management
Senior Media Relations Lead for Issues & Crisis Management

University of California, Los Angeles • Los Angeles (CA)

On-site
USD 140,000 - 190,000
Senior Writer & Media Relations Lead
Senior Writer & Media Relations Lead

The Regents of the University of California on behalf of their Los Angeles Campus • Los Angeles (CA)

On-site
USD 90,000 - 130,000
Strategic Media Relations & Senior Writer
Strategic Media Relations & Senior Writer

University of California Los Angeles • Los Angeles (CA)

On-site
USD 90,000 - 120,000