Full Job Description
The Content and Communications Strategist independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for a unit or school with moderately complex communications requirements. The communications program usually includes written, visual, digital and electronic communications. Works with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategy. Designs and implements information campaigns.
They support the day-to-day operations and production needs of the Department of Surgery Office of Communications. They assist with drafting, preparing, organizing, and distributing communications materials across digital, print, social media, web, and multimedia platforms in support of departmental priorities and initiatives.
Under the guidance of the Director of Communications, the strategist coordinates communications workflows, supports content development and publication, assists with event communications coverage, maintains communications archives and systems, and helps manage routine departmental communications requests. They work collaboratively with faculty, trainees, administrators, and departmental staff to gather information, coordinate materials, and support communications-related projects.
The role requires strong writing, organizational, and project coordination skills, attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced academic medical environment. They're expected to exercise sound judgment in managing routine communications tasks while referring sensitive, reputational, media-related, or strategic communications matters to the Director of Communications.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
List key functions and the estimated percentage of time spent performing each of the responsibilities. Indicate which responsibilities are considered "Essential" to the successful performance of the job as defined by the EEOC: "Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. You should carefully examine each job to determine which functions or tasks are essential to performance."
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
(To be completed by Supervisor)
35
Yes
Works with DoS leadership and key stakeholders to create, develop, and implement long- and short-term strategic communications plans and / or projects.
Content Development + Editorial Support
347 Drafts and prepares departmental communications materials including announcements, newsletters, event coverage, presentations, web copy, and faculty-related content.
347 Provide proofreading, formatting, editing, and preparing materials for publication and distribution.
347 Coordinates editorial timelines, content submissions, and approvals for communications projects.
347 Ensures communications materials align with departmental formatting, messaging, and brand standards.
347 Determines appropriate formatting, scheduling, and distribution methods for routine communications materials.
347 Work in resolving workflow or scheduling conflicts related to communications production timelines and departmental requests.
25
Yes
Manages comprehensive communications programs, including written, visual, digital, and electronic communications.
Responsible for assisting with the development and distribution of written, visual, digital, and electronic communications that support departmental initiatives, faculty activities, events, education, research, and institutional priorities.
Coordinates communications workflows, supports content development and publication,
Under the guidance of the Director of Communications, manage routine departmental communications requests.
Support communications workflows across departmental platforms.
Ensures communications materials are accurate, timely, organized, and aligned with UCSF brand and editorial standards.
Digital + Social Media Support
347 Assists with maintaining departmental social media platforms and scheduling approved content.
347 Supports website updates and digital publishing workflows.
Monitors basic engagement metrics and assists with compiling analytics reports.
347 Helps organize and maintain digital communications assets and archives.
20
Yes
Advises and consults with departmental / college administration regarding all aspects of communications including developing strong communications strategies that effectively deliver the desired message, policy interpretation, and problem resolution.
Administrative + Operational Communications Support
347 Coordinates communications-related requests, deadlines, and project tracking.
347 Maintains communications calendars, contact lists, archives, and organizational files.
347 Assists with distribution of departmental communications and internal announcements.
347 Supports day-to-day operational and production needs of the Office of Communications.
347 Works collaboratively with faculty, trainees, administrators, and departmental staff to gather information, coordinate materials, and support communications-related projects.
10
Yes
Ensures production of high quality products that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints.
Event + Multimedia Coordination
347 Provide communications support for departmental events, lectures, ceremonies, and institutional programs.
Coordinates photography, video, and multimedia needs as assigned.
347 Organize and maintain photo libraries, consent documentation, and media assets.
10
Yes
General Departmental Communications Support
347 Provides additional communications and project support as assigned by departmental communications leadership.
347 Assists with special projects, institutional initiatives, and departmental communications priorities as needed.
Identifies specific communications needs and develops the content and process for organizational improvements.
347 Identifies process inefficiencies related to communications organization, asset management, or content coordination and recommends operational improvements.
100%
(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
347 Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
347 Minimum 3 years of relevant experience.
347 Knowledge of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications.
347 Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.
347 Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education and / or health sciences.
347 Solid skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short term strategic communications plans.
347 Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and / or broad general audiences.
347 Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.
347 Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.
347 Demonstrated experience with Drupal website development.
347 Demonstrated experience with social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).