UC San Diego Health is expanding its award-winning communications team and is looking for an experienced writer and media relations professional.

The incumbent will have an extensive background in media relations and writing with a focus on issues management and crisis response. The diverse project portfolio will also include stories that position the health system in academic medicine, community service, health equity and as a top employer.

The new team member will join an accomplished, highly productive team that functions as a newsroom, developing timely and meaningful stories about the health system that make a difference in the lives of patients, their families and our community.

This writing intensive position includes the development of press releases, articles, talking points, media statements, expert pitches and op-eds, and interaction and interview coordination with local, national and international media. Successful candidate has proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and has experience in translating complex information to a lay audience.

The role will support a variety of needs that arise within the hospital system, will interact with different stakeholders and use critical thinking to develop and manage comprehensive communications plans that support the mission of the hospital system and elevate the reputation of UC San Diego Health.

The incumbent should be able to manage delicate interactions with patients or situations involving challenging or sensitive health circumstances.

The incumbent must maintain high standards of editorial quality in developing and publishing information on a variety of media channels and platforms. Strong copy-editing skills are required.

The incumbent for this job has superb interpersonal communication skills and will work collaboratively with all teams in the Marketing and Communications Department, as well as hospital leadership and executive teams.

This position serves on an on-call rotation and participates in Hospital Command Center activity, as needed.

• Nine (9) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus five (5) years of experience as a journalist or public information officer.

• Experience and proven success in principles, practices, concepts, and technical requirements in news, media communications and media relations.

• Crisis communications/issues management experience.

• Extensive writing and media relations experience.

• Journalist experience.

• Print journalist experience.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.