ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF NEWS & INFORMATION

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF NEWS & INFORMATION

Communications Office

The University of California Hastings College of the Law was founded in 1878 as the law department of the University of California and was the first law school in California. Over the years, it has built a legacy and reputation of being a preeminent institution comprised of renowned faculty committed to the study of legal theory and research, preparing students for careers in the judicial system, public service, and industry.

The College is redefining legal education through an experiential, interdisciplinary and international approach to the law. By integrating rigorous academics with hands-on practice, the College is preparing its graduates to tackle modern legal challenges.

THE ROLE

The Communications Office is responsible for developing and managing a strategic communications program for UC Hastings Law. The primary purpose of this position is to orchestrate the identification, development and dissemination of strategically important news and information about the college to external audiences via hands-on editorial work and media relations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Typical duties and responsibilities consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic communications planning and management (10%)

• Track a wide range of UC Hastings Law people, programs and initiatives to identify news and information of strategic importance
• Develop a system of internal communication channels for surfacing different types of content from a variety of sources by capitalizing on existing tools and establishing new practices
• Analyze the college’s communications needs and identify high-value opportunities aligned with the institutional strategic plan
• Collaborate with Communications Office team members to develop and implement a strategic communications program
• Confer with college leaders and faculty members to identify strategic communications opportunities and provide counsel on a routine basis
• Partner with Communications Office colleagues to develop and implement a system for integrating key messages into all forms of communication to ensure consistency and effectiveness
• Analyze success in achieving objectives and recommend adjustments for optimal performance

Editorial work (75%)

• Write frequent news stories for use on the external website and amplify them via social media or other appropriate vehicles
• Produce a weekly news digest that aggregates UC Hastings media appearances, news stories from the school’s home page, and select scholarly articles and events
• Manage the strategically important project to strengthen the college’s reputation among prospective US News & World Report voters (lawyers/judges and academic peers); define and develop the elements of a year-round communications outreach effort in partnership with team members
• Work closely with the Chief Communications Officer and an external publishing company to produce one magazine per year: guiding the content mix, identifying stories, conferring on design, directing distribution and promoting high journalistic quality
• Manage production of The Judges’ Book, an annual compilation of scholarly articles pertinent to the judiciary; coordinate proofreading and layout of the manuscript, acquire ancillary content, and ensure timely printing and distribution
• Lead editorial projects as needed, defining objectives and audiences, determining approach, assembling and directing creative/production teams, hiring and overseeing vendors, writing and editing copy, estimating and tracking costs, coordinating distribution, and providing quality control

Media relations (15%)

Develop and manage a media relations program that advances the strategic goals of the college

• Create and maintain online resources for journalists, including a user-friendly faculty experts list
• Review commercial media-monitoring feed on a continual basis to track news coverage of UC Hastings; act on findings as appropriate
• Cultivate relationships at key media outlets (print, radio, TV, web; local, regional, national; mass media and trade press)
• Advise school leaders and faculty members on media relations matters
• Collaborate with faculty members to write or place op-eds
• Write press releases and media advisories; create media lists; manage press conferences or press coverage of UC Hastings activities
• Issue results of faculty research on public-policy issues
• Respond to media calls, providing timely and diplomatic responses to inquiries as they arise; refer journalists directly to faculty or staff experts to facilitate interaction; log inquiries and notify interested parties
• Stay current on faculty expertise; college activities and priorities; issues facing law schools and the legal profession; and major issues facing California, the nation, and the world

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field
• Minimum five years of relevant experience, including substantive news writing and media relations roles
• Strongly Preferred: Experience at a law school or in a legal arena

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Writing for journalistic and marketing purposes
• Creative/editorial project management
• Media relations best practices
• Integrated marketing communications principles
• English grammar, syntax and usage; familiarity with AP style
• Major issues facing California, the nation and the world
• Superb writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Versatility in writing for diverse purposes
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• A strong and sophisticated design aesthetic
• Analyze problems and develop effective solutions
• Understand complex concepts and write about them in a crisp and engaging style
• Understand the news value of the college’s various activities and achievements; shape stories for specific audiences and outlets
• Originate concepts for conveying ideas through powerful language, design and imagery
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously; work under tight deadline pressure
• Exercise good judgment in choosing and crafting communications content
• Develop positive relationships with administrators, faculty members and journalists
• Act with initiative and self-confidence
• Work independently as well as in a team; collaborate with people at all levels
• Quickly acquire in-depth knowledge of the college and—if necessary—the legal profession and legal higher education

BENEFITS

Health and Welfare Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts for transportation-related, healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuter Benefits Program

For your Financial Future

• Life Insurance, Disability Insurance and Legal Insurance
• University of California Retirement Plan (a defined benefit plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plans/Pre-tax Retirement Savings Programs

For your Work/Life Balance

• Fourteen paid holidays per year
• Generous vacation and sick leave

This full-time, exempt opportunity offers an annual salary range of $65,000 - $90,000 (commensurate with qualifications) plus an excellent benefits package. To apply: https://uc-hastings.breezy.hr/p/fd6d750993de-associate-director-of-news-information

Failure to provide the information as required on the application form and to include a resume shall immediately disqualify an applicant from employment consideration. This position has been designated as "sensitive" and requires a pre-employment background check. Appointment contracts are on the academic calendar. Annual renewal is subject to grant funding and performance. The position is open until filled.

UC Hastings College of the Law is an Equal Opportunity Employer