Research Communications Specialist, News and Media Relations (COMM SPEC 4 CM)

This position is located within the News and Media Relations unit within Strategic Communications. It is responsible for identifying, generating, and promoting UC Davis stories in the Mathematical and physical sciences, College of Letters and Science (divisions of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences), and graduate and professional schools in law, education and business, using traditional and contemporary compelling storytelling through news and feature writing, video, social media and other methods. This position liaises with campus faculty, staff, students and administrators and with local, regional and national news media to achieve this goal. This position also is responsible for providing advice and consultation to campus constituencies on communications strategy, message development and issues management. This position serves as a communications liaison between UC Davis and the media, various public agencies, universities, organizations and the general public.

Apply By Date

September 10, 2026 at 11:59pm

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience AND at least three years of experience in news writing or media relations.
• Skills in recognizing and developing news and feature stories and in communicating them effectively (including recognizing and using correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation) in appropriate styles (including AP style) for radio, television and print media. Knowledge of newswriting conventions, content management systems, journalistic formats, styles, standards, deadlines, techniques and audiences. Ability to communicate articulately, verbally and in writing.
• Familiarity and experience in promoting research and other activities through social media channels on a regular basis and digitally engaging with audiences in contemporary ways.
• Skills in analyzing situations and giving sound professional judgment on challenges dealing with public opinion and media relations. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Skills in message development, audience identification and issues management.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with various public agencies, universities and organizations around the country. Interpersonal skills in working with a variety of people to gather needed information, solve problems and produce news materials for impactful audiences.
• Skill in organizing tasks and meeting deadlines. Ability to work effectively under stringent deadline requirements by producing clearly written, accurate and organized materials in short periods of time.
• Ability to energetically pursue and maintain personal media contacts on a regular basis, to be responsive to requests for information, and to effectively promote campus programs and market story ideas. Ability to plan and execute media events, both in person and virtually. Skills in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with print and broadcast editors, producers, writers and reporters. Ability to synthesize and use metrics to evaluate effectiveness of approaches and to iterate as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in communicating research or other technical topics to general audiences.
• Knowledge of the academic and research enterprises and skills in deciphering technical research information and findings, placing them in context and communicating them to the news media and a general audience.
• Knowledge of computer and webbased operations and the ability to learn to operate new electronic databases and use the web for generating and distributing information. Ability to develop content for the web and other platforms.
• Understanding of the role of web navigation, visual representation and multimedia. Ability to take photographs and short videos with a digital camera.
• Knowledge of campus policies and sensitivity to legal issues

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Generates News Stories
• 35% - Provides Media Relations Support to the Campus
• 15% - Assist Campus in Communication Strategy and Planning
• 10% - Supports Other Units Publications

Department Overview

University Communications encompasses the Public Affairs, Campus Communications and Strategic Initiatives, and Marketing units and serves campus leadership through planning, coordinating and implementing communication programs. These communications efforts foster increased awareness, understanding and support of UC Davis' mission, vision, accomplishments and needs among its many internal and external constituencies. University Communications is comprised of a staff of 27 FTE and an annual budget of $3 million. It serves as the official voice of UC Davis to regional, state, national and international news media.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $94,700/yr. - $177,300/yr. (Dept. budgeted range: $94,700/yr. - $112,000/yr. Commensurate with experience)
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: 101
• UC Job Title: COMM SPEC 4 CM
• UC Job Code: 006401
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 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.
• Work flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends to respond to operational needs.
• Occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences and events including occasional overnight travel.

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

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