Associate Director of Media Relations (Issues Management)

MEDIA COMM SPEC 5 CM (006409)

UCPath Position ID: 40728375

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1107600

Approved Date:

9/3/2026 11:06:13 AM

Date Last Edited:

9/3/2026 11:06:08 AM

Last Action Effective Date:

11/1/2023

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

8010O

Organization:

VICE CHANCELLOR-STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Division Code:

8510D

Division:

COMMUNICATIONS                         

Department:

775500 - MEDIA RELATIONS

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40728375

Position Description ID

169217

UC Payroll Title:

MEDIA COMM SPEC 5 CM (006409)

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

41215516

Reports to Payroll Title:

MEDIA COMM MGR 2

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40231796

Department Head Payroll Title:

VC StratComm

DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent establishes procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives in a broad area of work. Only the final results of work done are typically reviewed. Incumbent typically develops procedures within the limits of established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Media Relations – Issues Management, the Associate Director of Media Relations – Issues Management supports UCLA Strategic Communications' response to sensitive, high-visibility and time-sensitive issues involving campus operations, student affairs, public safety, litigation, academic units, external stakeholders and media interest.

The role helps  manage incoming media inquiries, develops accurate and concise response materials, coordinates closely with campus partners and Legal as needed, monitors emerging issues across traditional and digital channels, and helps ensure responses are timely, disciplined and aligned with UCLA's institutional priorities. The Associate Director serves as a project lead on assigned issues, supports crisis and event-related communications, and helps maintain clear protocols for routing, approvals and media response.

UCLA Strategic Communications (StratComm) brings UCLA's mission and values to life by inspiring positive action as UCLA's lead storytellers, reflecting the multifaceted diversity of our university and surrounding communities. Demonstrating and reinforcing the university's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in all creative work is central to StratComm's success. We believe a workplace culture that values EDI practices is essential to building strong teams, which translates to robust ideas, strategies and creative content that resonate with UCLA's diverse audiences.

Strategic Media Counsel

1. Oversees and manages all unsolicited incoming media inquiries, assigning them to appropriate staff, providing guidance and supervision where needed to make sure appropriate campus leadership is consulted, media deadlines are recognized and that all responses to media are designed to prioritize the University's best interests and preserve its image. 

2. Provides strategic media counsel and support to the Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications, the Chief Media and Executive Communications Officer and campus leadership.

3. Helps manage communications issues of importance to University stakeholders.

4. Works with the Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications and the Executive Director of Media Relations – Issues Management to direct campus communications efforts related to issues of importance to the campus and its stakeholders with particular attention to media relations efforts.

5. Creates media plans related to issues and events of importance to the campus.

6. Provides timely, accurate and effective response to national or influential regional media issues involving the University.

7. Manages media requests on issues related to public records requests. (E) 8. Plans and manages media interviews, press conferences, press credentialing, and editorial visits for University leadership, including the Chancellors' office.

9. Serves as the University spokesman when appropriate.

10. Provides media consulting and technical services to other units of the University, as appropriate and as assigned by the Executive Director of Media Relations – Issues Management.

11. Provides strategic media support to university programs and activities, including the development of aggressive local media support programs, talking points, and strategic overview materials.

12. Assists the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications and Executive Director of Media Relations – Issues Management in preparing internal communications from the Chancellor and the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost to internal audiences and external audiences including media briefings.

75%

Senior Media Relations Officer

1. Serves as lead media relations representative on complex media issues, working with campus leaders to develop messages and serving as point person with external media.

2. Provides timely, accurate and effective response to internal and external media inquiries and requests.

3. Places commentary in mainstream and niche media by administrative or academic leaders on current-event topics that support the University's public and/or advancement objectives on topics and projects as assigned.

4. Identifies potential issues and initiates media placement of comment or appearances by administrative and academic experts to proactively address.

5. Coordinates media interviews for senior administrative leadership and faculty. 

6. Stays abreast of current events, issues and developments in all subject areas.

7. Cultivates contacts at key media outlets that support the University's public objectives and/or advancement.

8. Anticipates public events (holidays and observances, elections, reports and studies, judicial rulings, etc.) and coordinate the public, development and/or government and community relations objectives.

9. Conceives and manages the production and distribution of press kits, fact sheets, talking points, expert directories, and other support documents for University developments of national significance.

25%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

from a four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred

Experience as a spokesperson for a high-profile institution in a large media market.

Required

Experience managing crisis communications, including the development of emergency management and crisis communications plans.

Preferred

Excellent oral and written communications skills and ability to make professional presentations to executive-level participants in both group and one-on-one situations.

Required

Demonstrated reporting and writing skills and ability to identify story placement opportunities and think strategically about communications, including social media applications.

Required

Demonstrated ability to anticipate public events that can be used to advance institutional objectives.

Required

Thorough knowledge and understanding of current events, issues and developments in the subject areas of institutional operations.

Required

Knowledge of other issues facing public institutions of higher education.

Required

10+ years

full-time professional media experience, preferably in new media and/or television news.

Required

Demonstrated record of successful national, regional and local media relations planning, implementation and placement.

Required

Extensive media contacts at key ethnic, California and national media and ability to work with journalists at all skill levels, including student journalists.

Required

Demonstrated knowledge of news media operations and protocols, especially the news gathering process.

Required

Experience in writing op-ed and analysis pieces.

Required

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with independent news media.

Required

Superior strategic thinking, planning and program design and implementation skills.

Required

Solid professional judgment.

Required

Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact effectively with academic leaders, faculty, staff and external constituents.

Required

Leadership abilities that foster learning and excellence among team members. Supervisory skills to manage professional staff, including delegation and prioritization of work, training and evaluation. Experience planning and implementing employee professional development.

Required

Excellent organizational and project management skills and proficiency in prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely manner and on deadline.

Required

Demonstrated knowledge of software and multi-media applications, including systems that serve as tools for broadcasting news.

Required

Ability to get to work reliably and on time and to be present in the workplace during normal working hours.

Required

Ability to work evenings, weekends, and after hours as needed.

Required

Working knowledge of the University, its organization and structure, and the roles and responsibilities of various academic and administrative units.

Preferred

Working knowledge of UC and UCLA policies, regulations, guidelines, and resources for programming.

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

JWAC, 2nd floor

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

Communication skills

X

Numerical Skills

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.