Job Description

Please note that this is a HYBRID work role with a regular in-person requirement in San Francisco and Oakland

UC San Francisco (UCSF) Public Affairs seeks a seasoned health and science communicator and collaborative team member to join our team as a Senior Public Information Representative (SPIR) supporting UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals (BCH).

The SPIR plays a key strategic role in advancing BCH's reputation and visibility by developing and leading proactive media relations strategies and comprehensive communications campaigns. This individual identifies high-impact storytelling opportunities aligned with institutional priorities and ensures consistent, strategic positioning across earned and owned media channels.

The SPIR serves as a trusted advisor to faculty, clinicians, and senior leadership, providing counsel on media engagement, message development, and reputational risk. This includes preparing spokespeople for media interactions and advising on communications approaches for complex or sensitive issues.

This role requires a high degree of independence and judgment. The SPIR anticipates emerging issues, evaluates reputational opportunities and risks, and develops proactive communications strategies to address them. The individual collaborates across UCSF Public Affairs, Marketing, Health Communications, and other internal teams to align messaging and maximize impact.

The SPIR communicates through a range of formats, including news releases, feature stories, media pitches, talking points, and multimedia content, translating complex medical and scientific information into clear, compelling language for diverse audiences.

Department Summary:

As UCSF's enterprise communications team, the Office of Communications (OC) provides comprehensive and coordinated leadership in planning, creating, and implementing integrated strategies across all media to foster increased awareness and support of UCSF's mission, vision, accomplishments and strategic priorities among its diverse internal and external constituencies. Its Public Affairs team serves as the official voice of UCSF to regional, state, national, and international news media.

UCSF Public Affairs is dedicated to supporting UCSF's enterprise strategic goals and communicating UCSF's excellence across the breadth of its mission through traditional and evolving news media, as well as our own channels. The team serves as the front line for media and as the primary external communications liaison with UCSF's ~3,900 faculty members, with responsibility for managing those relationships and for guiding them in promoting their work. Public Affairs is a dynamic and collaborative team, made up of bright, talented, motivated colleagues who bring a variety of communications skills to their roles and provide significant support to one another.

Responsibilities

of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)
35
Yes

Strategic Media Leadership
Lead the development and execution of strategic media relations plans and comprehensive communications campaigns for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals.

• Develop proactive media strategies aligned with institutional priorities, brand positioning, and business objectives
• Identify, prioritize, and advance high-impact storytelling opportunities
• Ensure media placements and messaging align with UCSF enterprise goals
• Oversee development of major stories and campaigns to enhance national and regional visibility

25Yes
Complex and Sensitive Communications
Independently manage complex, sensitive, and high-profile media issues.

• Develop and execute communications strategies for controversial or high-risk topics
• Provide strategic counsel to faculty, clinicians, and leadership on media engagement and messaging
• Prepare spokespeople for interviews and public-facing opportunities
• Lead development of messaging frameworks and oversee communications materials across platforms

20Yes
Media Relations and Execution
Direct and manage media engagement strategies to secure impactful coverage.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with key local, regional, and national media
• Strategically pitch stories and secure placements aligned with institutional priorities
• Oversee media interactions, including high-profile interviews and on-site coverage
• Ensure coordination across teams for integrated communications efforts

5Yes
Crisis & On-Call Communications
Serve as a key communications resource during crises or emergency situations.

• Participate in on-call rotation as scheduled and needed
• Contribute to institutional response strategies
• Provide timely, strategic guidance on media engagement during urgent situations

5Yes
Stakeholder Relationships
Develop and maintain high-level relationships across the organization and externally.

• Partner with faculty, clinicians, and leadership to identify communications opportunities
• Build relationships with national and trade media to enhance UCSF's visibility
• Anticipate reputational risks and opportunities and proactively develop communications strategies

5Yes
Analytics & Reporting
Evaluate and optimize communications effectiveness.

• Monitor and analyze media coverage and campaign performance
• Use metrics and insights to refine strategies and improve outcomes
• Report on results and impact to stakeholders

5Yes
Confidentiality
Maintains strict confidentiality in times of crises.

• May be called upon to serve with others in the Office of Communications in providing emergency response communications during times of crises.

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:

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in media relations, journalism, or strategic communications
• Experience using digital and social media platforms to amplify communications efforts
• Experience managing complex, high-visibility communications initiatives
• Advanced knowledge of media communications, media relations, and strategic communications planning
• Demonstrated success developing and executing communications strategies with measurable outcomes
• Advanced verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Advanced judgment, analytical, and decision-making skills, including navigating sensitive issues
• Ability to advise senior leadership and influence communications strategy
• Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of autonomy

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent experience
• Established network of national and regional media contacts

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html