Sr. Writer​/Speechwriter; Writer EDITOR CM

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Writer/Editor serves as a senior executive writer and strategic communications partner responsible for researching, developing and executing high-level communications on behalf of the Chancellor of UC Davis.

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Writer/Editor serves as a senior executive writer and strategic communications partner responsible for researching, developing and executing high-level communications on behalf of the Chancellor of UC Davis. The position develops complex, highly visible and often sensitive communications that advance the Chancellor’s strategic priorities and thought leadership with influential internal and external audiences.

Primary responsibilities include researching, conceptualizing, writing and editing opinion news editorials, speeches, long-form thought leadership pieces, executive presentations, public statements, talking points and other strategic communications. The position conducts substantive research and analysis of complex issues affecting UC Davis and higher education, including public policy, research, innovation, student success, workforce development and other emerging issues, to identify compelling arguments, evidence, stories and opportunities for Chancellor communications.

The position translates complex academic research, institutional data, public policy and societal issues into accessible and persuasive communications tailored to targeted national, statewide and regional audiences ranging from students, faculty and staff to donors, policymakers, higher education leaders, business and community leaders and the broader public. Working within the Chancellor’s strategic messaging framework and Executive Communications editorial strategy, the position proactively identifies opportunities to advance Chancellor May’s thought leadership and UC Davis’ institutional priorities through regional, statewide and national communication.

The position also serves as a senior speechwriter for the Chancellor, leading development of select high-profile and strategically significant speeches and presentations. The position develops, edits, or contributes to relevant materials for the UC Office of the President, in coordination with the Office of the Chancellor. Work requires advanced research, analytical and critical-thinking skills; exceptional writing and editorial judgement; political acumen;

discretion; and the ability to independently navigate complex or sensitive issues for highly influential audiences.

October 20, 2026

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience in communications (public relations, media relations, public affairs, marketing, writing, journalism, etc.) for a large, complex institution.
• Demonstrated professional experience researching, writing, editing complex, high-level communications and developing persuasive communications across multiple formats, including speeches, opinion editorials, thought leadership pieces, executive presentations and other strategic communications for senior executives, institutional leaders and/or other public-facing leaders.
• Demonstrated experience independently researching and analyzing complex issues, synthesizing information for multiple authoritative sources and translating findings into clear and compelling communications for diverse audiences.
• Advanced research, analytical, critical-thinking and fact- verification skills, including the ability to evaluate multiple and potentially conflicting sources, indemnify credible evidence and…