Communications Specialist, Writer and Editor - REMOTE

Location: Silicon Valley;Remote
Job ID: 37421

JOB POSTING

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PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A FULLY REMOTE POSITION.

 

NOTIFICATIONS

UC Vaccination Policy: With limited exceptions, COVID-19 vaccinations are required for Covered Individuals under the Policy. Covered Individuals include all employees, students, or trainees who physically access a University facility or program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training.

Covered Individuals do NOT include employees who work 100% remotely with NO expectation that they will physically access any University location or program at ANY time. If 100% remote work ends, the employee is subject to policy.

 

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. NOTE: Materials submitted after the IRD will be forwarded only at the request of the hiring unit. Submit your materials before the IRD to ensure consideration by the hiring unit.

The IRD for this job is: 06-27-2022

 

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

 

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is a public agency supported by 15 members (13 states, one territory and the Bureau of Indian Education). Through the work of thousands of educators, Smarter Balanced created an online assessment system aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), as well as tools for educators to improve teaching and learning. Smarter Balanced is housed at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Silicon Valley Extension.

Our work is guided by the belief that a high-quality assessment system can provide information and tools for teachers and schools to improve instruction and help students succeed - regardless of disability, language, or subgroup. We involve experienced educators, researchers, state and local policymakers, and community groups working together in a transparent and consensus-driven process.

Smarter Balanced staff have a profound commitment to UCSC's Principles of Community including embracing diversity, equity and inclusion.

Communications at Smarter Balanced are aligned to organizational priorities across all teams. State member engagement and support, media relations, digital communications and outreach, innovation, and product initiatives are integrated across all efforts and teams through streamlined messaging and holistic planning. 

Communications activities promote ongoing thought leadership, proactive media and relationship building, partnership growth and increasing opportunities for positioning Smarter Balanced and state members among target audiences by effectively connecting key messaging and brand voice with organizational and state member priorities. 

This approach to communications is: 

• Integrated across teams 
• Multi-channel, multimodal 
• Oriented toward realizing Smarter Balanced's vision and promise 

UCSC Extension provides professional training that reflects the academic rigor of the University of California and the hands-on, roll-up-your-shirtsleeves practicality of Silicon Valley culture. Developed with guidance from key industry leaders and academic experts, our certificate programs match the economic demand of your industry, from engineering to business, education to bioscience. The University of California reviews and approves UCSC Extension courses and programs for academic content, merit and instructor qualifications. Many of our courses may be applied toward degree programs, or may be eligible for professional certificates and licenses.

 

JOB SUMMARY

Reports to the Communications Manager and is responsible for supporting the Consortium's goals by providing high-quality written communication assets that are audience-appropriate, message-aligned, and responsible for working to support information design across a variety of engaging formats.

Proactively identifies communication opportunities. Leads development of written materials that are aligned to the Consortium's communications plan and messaging strategy that  can be incorporated into a variety of communication assets (e.g. video scripts, pamphlets, webpages, etc).  Supports staff and leadership by providing guidance regarding strategic messaging, developing written materials based on high-level information provided by other staff; leads and contributes to agile and efficient editorial processes.  Responsible for implementing a high-quality production process including information gathering from a variety of expert sources, writing, proofing for grammar and editing for clarity and ensuring stringent accessibility requirements are met.

 

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Salary Information: Salary Range: $60,000 - $82,455 / Annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

No. of Positions: 1

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: This is a Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: University Extension, Silicon Valley 

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 004017 (WRITER EDITOR 3)

Travel:  Never or Rarely

 

JOB DUTIES

50% - Operations

• Uses knowledge of education and assessment landscape to develop a variety of high-quality written materials that incorporate visual and multimedia research and policy briefs, persuasive thought-pieces, marketing collateral, digital/web copy, etc. as appropriate to engage a diverse set of audiences. 
• Advises and consults with departmental leadership and staff members regarding all aspects  of organizational messaging and content, including developing strong communications products that effectively deliver the desired message to specific audiences, address policy interpretation, and support problem resolution.
• Ensures all materials and publications meet specific electronic and accessibility requirements.  Remediates documents and presentations as necessary to address stringent accessibility requirements.
• Establishes and maintains schedules and records for the production of communications and written materials.
• Provides on demand support for organizational messaging and external positioning.

50% - Editorial

• Under limited supervision, researches, writes, and / or edits material for a variety of communication products for internal and external audiences that effectively deliver the desired message to a diverse set of audiences. Leads and coordinates the consortium message process.
• Produces articles, press releases, profiles, briefings, blogs, collateral, and / or other written material using knowledge of K-12 education and assessment.
• Coordinates the editorial calendar for organizational messaging to state education agencies and other stakeholders. Ensures that messages are strategic, appropriately tailored to specific and diverse audiences and are delivered within time and budget constraints. 
• As an editor, ensures clarity, organization, accuracy, style, and quality of written work.
• Ensures that publications address sensitive issues appropriately and are free of bias.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, History, Policy, related area or equivalent experience.
• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
• Thorough knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines.
• Demonstrated experience to write clear, lively, engaging and compelling copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and / or the broader public, while ensuring adherence to the consortium's message.
• Thorough knowledge regarding accessibility requirements for documents and the process of accessibility remediation. 
• Thorough knowledge of the consortium, including its mission, goals, achievements, resources, programs, and policies.
• Thorough knowledge of communication within K-12 education. 
• Knowledge of computer applications for publishing, image handling, social media and web production.
• Demonstrated experience to engage in research and fact verification.
• Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening and effective collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated experience in applying analytical and critical thinking skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to apply attention to detail, task management and organizational skills in an operational communications setting.
• Skill to maintain confidentiality.
• Advocates for diversity and inclusivity in support of the UC principles of community and a more effective organization.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge regarding educational assessment.

 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Ability to work remotely from a home office and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to work occasional nights, weekends and/or holidays.
• Ability to travel to support in-person training events (approximately 2-6 team events per year).
• The University of California has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, covered employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exception or deferral, eight (8) weeks from date of hire.

 

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Attach your resume and cover letter when applying for this job opening. Do not attach any documents to 'My Activities'. Visit our How to Apply tutorial for detailed instructions on our applicant process.

 

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.



APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO USE THE UCSC ON-LINE PROCESS
View full job description and access on-line application:
https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucsc/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=11&JobOpeningId=37421&PostingSeq=1

To ensure review of application materials by the hiring unit, they must be submitted on or before the initial review date (IRD) via the Staff Employment Opportunities web site; https://jobs.ucsc.edu. A computer is available at the UC Santa Cruz Staff Human Resources Office located at Scotts Valley Center. The Scotts Valley Center is located at 100 Enterprise Way, Suite E100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. To learn more or to request disability accommodations, call 831-459-2009. Hearing impaired are encouraged to use the California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. UC Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.







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