Campus News Writer (COMM SPEC 3 CM

Job Summary

This position oversees a subject-matter portfolio as part of the News and Media Relations unit within Strategic Communications with moderately complex communications requirements. The portfolio includes student and campus life, university initiatives, events and programs, particularly those related to rankings, demographics, admissions and international students and programs. The position staffs campus events as appropriate, assisting with media relations and writing stories for Dateline, UC Davis Magazine and UC Davis News.

The position liaises with program and campus leaders to identify compelling stories of unique university services and programs, as well as stories of students making a positive impact. The position pitches media and responds to non-reputationally sensitive media requests, and works with colleagues on the News and Media Relations unit on reputationally sensitive matters.

September 3, 2026 at 11:59pm

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. At least one year as a news writer, public information officer or professional communicator.
• Experience using writing, editing and proofreading skills to use language accurately and creatively, recognize and use correct English grammar, spell and punctuate correctly, and understand, use and translate academic and technical terminology and concepts into lay terms.
• Knowledge of all aspects of communications, including writing, social media, web publication and event planning. Experience working in a diverse communications environment that includes print and digital media, and written and interactive content intended to reach and engage diverse audiences.
• Knowledge and experience applying journalistic forms, styles, standards, deadlines, techniques and audiences
• Excellent skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans. Skill in organizing tasks and meeting deadlines. Ability to work effectively under stringent deadline requirements by producing clearly written, accurate and organized materials in short periods of time.
• Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and / or broad general audiences.
• Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally. Writing experience demonstrating keen storytelling that crosses print, video and photography media and emotionally appeals to varied audiences.

• Experience in a campus news or communications setting
• Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education.
• Familiarity and experience in promoting campus activities through social media channels on a regular basis and digitally engaging with audiences in contemporary ways.
• Ability to use metrics to inform approaches to communication with diverse audiences and to incorporate data into decision making.

• 70% - Generates News and Feature Stories
• 20% - Provides Media Relations Support to the Campus
• 10% - Provides Support to Campus Publications

Strategic Communications provides comprehensive and coordinated campus leadership in developing, planning, creating and implementing strategic communications programs based on the department's goals and objectives. The department works across all media to foster increased awareness, understanding and support of UC Davis' mission, vision, accomplishments, impacts 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 Undergraduate Admissions Communications. Strategic Communications' multimedia storytellers, writers, social media practitioners,…