DIGITAL COMM SPEC 3 (Executive Social Media Specialist)

Department Purpose

Strategic Communications provides comprehensive and coordinated campus leadership in planning, creating and implementing integrated marketing and communications programs across all media that foster increased awareness, understanding and support of UC Davis’ mission, vision, accomplishments 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 Branding, and Executive Communications. Strategic Communications’ multimedia storytellers, 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 could be seen on the UC Davis home site, Discord, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and other sites and channels.

Job Summary            

Under general direction of the Director of Social Media, develop, coordinate and support a presence for the Chancellor on website and social media channels (which may include a blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and similar vehicles). Track incoming feedback and messages and create reports that track metrics. Support strategic projects and planning. Work closely with the Office of the Chancellor and other key stakeholders to ensure cohesion between the Chancellor’s communications and presentations.

Please note: Subject to a department specific budgeted amount.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sit at computer for extended periods of time.
• Lift objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

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.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

• Work flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends to respond to operational needs.
• Travel to events, both on and off campus, as needed to capture content for Chancellor’s social media channels.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Minimum Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, English, public relations, journalism or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

• Proven track record of dedicated social media experience of 3 to 5 years for a large scale organization and/or executive leader.

• Experience meeting tight deadlines and balancing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, with minimal supervision, and coordinating the work of contributors with attention to detail, while completing projects with excellence.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Writing, editing and proofreading skills, including proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence construction and formatting styles to clearly and effectively communicate ideas and information across a variety of digital and social media platforms.

• Knowledge and experience with all aspects of social media communications including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications to create, develop, and implement long and short-term strategic communication plans. A firm understanding of social media channels and digital platforms and their respective participants (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, YouTube, etc.), and how to best utilize each channel.

• Technical skills in digital audio and video recording equipment, experience operating such equipment and experience with digital audio and video editing software to produce quality videos.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen and skill in troubleshooting and applying proactive and positive solutions while building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders.

Preferred:

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of creating culturally conscious and identity-based social media content. Proficient in digital accessibility and inclusivity, including knowledge of web accessibility standards, particularly WCAG 2.0.

• Strong understanding of applying judgment and discretion when working with highly sensitive and confidential information.

• Knowledge of graphic design best practices and principles for both print and web projects.

• Technical skills in analyzing and reporting performance of various social media channels, monitoring conversation trends, assessing opportunities for, and threats to, the advancement of an executive’s reputation and making necessary adjustments and optimizations in order to meet stated objectives.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve.

We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. 

As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected .

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.