The UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program (VPRP) is a unit of the School of Medicine and an internationally recognized leader in research on the public health approach to violence, in coordination with the University of California Firearm Violence Research Center (CA FVRC).
This position requires an outstanding digital communications professional with a bachelor’s or master’s degree or commensurate experience in digital media, journalism, communications, health and science communication, or a related field to design and implement a digital communications strategy for a multi-disciplinary research program focused on the causes, consequences, and prevention of violence.
VPRP was founded more than 30 years ago. VPRP’s continuing mission is to develop and disseminate the scientific evidence on which informed violence prevention policy and practice are based. VPRP is a multidisciplinary, collaborative program with multiple independent investigators. At any given time, VPRP is conducting and planning a large array of projects relating to violence prevention and health equity. VPRP’s status as a reliable source for rigorous research and its location in Sacramento increase the program’s ability to translate findings into practice and public policy. VPRP investigators also form the core of CA FVRC, a major multiyear initiative for firearm violence research authorized and funded by the State of California and located at UC Davis. VPRP’s education and engagement team translates and communicates VPRP’s core knowledge and research findings for public audiences, making research accessible, meaningful, and actionable for violence prevention stakeholders and the public.
Job Summary
We offer exceptional employment benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid vacations and holidays, excellent retirement savings and investment plans, continuing education, and reduced fee and scholarship programs.
THIS IS NOT AN H1- B OPPORTUNITY
Responsibilities
The Digital Communications Specialist works as a member of the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program’s (VPRP) education and engagement team under the supervision of VPRP’s director of education and communication. They are responsible for the development and dissemination of a digital educational communications strategy and materials based on VPRP core knowledge and research.
Once strategies are established in collaboration with Public Affairs and Marketing and VPRP’s general communications specialist, activities include managing the digital media strategy for VPRP, including the VPRP website, social media, and other digital resources such as webinars and podcasts; growing and managing VPRP’s social media channels; developing, managing and maintaining website content and layout and digital resources, ensuring search engine optimization and alignment with the latest accessibility standards; leading graphic design of graphics, data visualization, data briefs and visual abstracts, fact sheets, reports, and other communications products; consistently tracking and analyzing metrics and implementing changes to improve digital strategy; working with researchers, team members, and independently researching topics to ensure quality and accuracy of all digital communications materials and appropriateness for target audiences and channels; providing technical support for the production of blogs and newsletters; providing support and training to the VPRP team on strategic digital communications for public health and social/policy change; coordinating and implementing strategy in partnership with written and media communications assets, as well as external stakeholders as necessary, to ensure maximum impact; and other duties as assigned.
This is a part time position.
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience in digital media, journalism, communications, health/science communications, or a related field.
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Experience drafting and designing clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, and functional web resources (including but not limited to websites, visuals and graphics, and social media) that provide content consistent with the organization’s message and objectives in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences.
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Experience and knowledge of working with digital design tools (Venngage, Canva), web production, accessibility, and SEO optimization (SiteImprove) and digital content management/planning tools (e.g. Airtable).
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Knowledge of principles, techniques, and best practices in public health and/or science communication, and/or communication for social/policy change.
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Knowledge of all aspects of digital communications with experience creating and implementing short- and long-term strategic communications plans, including growing, managing, and optimizing impact of digital content and platforms in alignment with web accessibility standards, including social media and website analytics and SEO strategies.
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Ability to design and implement innovative digital dissemination strategies.
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Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to communicate scientific information clearly and accurately for both professional and lay audiences.
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Knowledge of social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, Mastodon, etc.) and how best to utilize each channel.
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Ability to track website and social media analytics and advise clients to make necessary adjustments in order to meet stated objectives.
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Strong analytical and critical thinking skills and outstanding attention to detail, including research, proofreading/editing, and fact verification skills.
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Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with a diverse team, making significant creative contributions.
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Excellent organizational skills and ability to coordinate several projects concurrently involving several sources of oversight, maintain detail orientation and prioritize, and alter priorities as circumstances require.
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Willingness to be a team player and assist with other duties as assigned.
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Applicants are encouraged to upload license and certification if required of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
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Master’s degree or commensurate experience in digital media, journalism, communications, health/science communications, or a related field.
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Experience and working knowledge of violence prevention, research translation, and/or public health research, policy, practice, and communication.
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Experience applying judgment and discretion in rapid response situations or when working with highly sensitive and confidential information.
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Experience monitoring news and social media channels for content and reputation management in alignment with organizational objectives.
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Experience and knowledge in project management.
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Knowledge of web accessibility standards.
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Basic HTML knowledge.
Special Requirements
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Due to physical distancing measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, this position will begin remotely.
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Position requires ability to navigate the challenges of remote onboarding.
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Preference is that the appointee would have the ability to participate in periodic in-person meetings in the office in Sacramento.
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Be willing to work extra hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet project or proposal deadlines.
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Be willing to work on projects in fields that are perceived as controversial.
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This position may be subject to a criminal background investigation, drug screen, Live Scan fingerprinting, medical evaluation clearance, and functional capacity assessment.
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The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve.
We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here.
As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.