Communications and Editorial Manager

Payroll Title: WRITER EDITOR 3 (004017)

Job Code: 004017

Job Open Date: 6/9/26

Application Review Begins: 6/25/26

Department Code (Name): ENGR (DEAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING)

Percentage of Time: 100

Union Code (Name): 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: Grade 21

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $75,000 to $85,000/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $71,600 to $127,400/year.

Work Location: Arts - 0249C

Working Days and Hours: M-F 8-5

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

In consultation with the Marketing and Publications Director for the College of Engineering (COE), the communications and editorial specialist is responsible for copywriting, editing, writing, and distributing written materials for internal and external communications. The individual Conceptualizes, writes and prepares scientific press releases, print and electronic advertisements, news releases and announcements, social media messages, as well as messages written on behalf to he dean or other UCSB administrators or faculty. This person is also responsible for determining the production schedule and outline contents of the colleges publications, whether it is Convergence magazine, brochures, or printed or emailed newsletters. The individual provides the above mentioned professional services for the college and its departments, programs, centers, institutes, faculty, staff, and researchers.

Qualifications:

Required:

• BS/BA in journalism, communication or marketing or related experience
• 4-6 years of experience in written communication or public relations functions.
• 1-3 years Prior experience and demonstrated ability of scientific writing for the lay audience.
• 1-3 years Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, FileMaker Pro and PowerPoint).

Preferred:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and successful work history in writing clearly for news organizations, education institutions, and/or in general marketing publications, web and social media outlets.
• Copywriting and editing expertise.
• Polished presentation and interpersonal skills required.
• Must be a creative problem solver, results oriented, and able to produce high-quality material is a short period of time.
• Must have an overall understanding of communication and marketing strategy and an ability to partner at all levels and collaborate with others across units, departments and colleges.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with faculty and scientists, and as part of a team in which everyone brings their unique strength and talent to the table.
• Must have a passion and vision to produce powerful and exciting stories about engineering and the sciences.
• Experience scheduling, organizing, and producing large-scale printed materials, such as a magazine.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Occasional evening and weekend work hours.

• Satisfactory criminal history background check

• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 50% Communications and Press Releases - Develops written communication for the College of Engineering (COE), which includes press releases, magazines, newsletters, website and other written collateral. Serve as primary copy editor for the department, reviewing and editing written and designed materials. Drives key messages throughout all College of Engineering (CoE) communications. Identifies areas of press interest and matches those with CoE's research, events, etc. Independently and in consultation with faculty and the Marketing and Publications Director, identifies hot topics for press releases and develops content of the release. Supports Marketing and Publications Director in story telling on research topics and provides content to promote research grant applications and successful awards. Works with UCSB Public Information Office (PIO) on articles and press meetings as requested. Develops and maintains excellent working relationships with PIO and keeps them informed of activities within the Engineering and Science Colleges.
• 35% Editor, Newsletters and Magazines (printed or emailed) - In consultation with the Marketing and Publications Director, the Dean of Engineering, and the Dean of Math, Life and Physical Sciences, determines publication schedule and outline content objective in accordance with national standards for a scientific magazine. Writes articles using interviewing, reporting and research techniques including background preparation, to gather timely and informative material for news and features sections; researches backgrounds to have full familiarity with complex, often difficult to understand subjects in science and engineering to present them clearly, accurately, succinctly to lay audience, to produce general interest reading without omitting the scope and meaning of the research. Gathers material from writers skilled in interpreting university research and from faculty members, students and alumni. Works with contract writers to ensure they understand the magazines purpose, to set deadlines, and to evaluate writing content, style, tone, suitability and compatibility. Edits, and when necessary, rewrites assigned articles and columns making judgment as to syntax, style, grammar, clarity, organization and accuracy of contents to conform to Convergence's style, format and purpose. Conducts periodic reader surveys.
• 10% Copy Writing, Web and Social Media Content - Responsible for writing web content, brochures and other marketing materials for the College of Engineering; Edits and produces newsletters, brochures and other collateral marketing pieces; Provides professional services in conceptualization, copy writing, design and production to other College and University departments and programs in the following areas: determining how to use written materials best to achieve program goals writing and editing copy for clarity, accuracy and stylistic consistency and effectiveness, efficient and attractive design; Produces social media material and coordinates with social media production.
• 5% Other - * Perform other special tasks as assigned. * Supports the Marketing and Publications with marketing strategy. * Works with Marketing team members developing written content from department marketing representatives and other CoE department staff.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.
As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 status under state or federal law.

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