PUBLIC INFORMATION REPRESENTATIVE SENIOR

WRITER EDITOR 3 CM (005386)

UCPath Position ID: 40041339

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1002610

Approved Date:

11/4/2026 4:00:59 PM

Date Last Edited:

11/4/2026 4:00:53 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

7/1/2016

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1400O

Organization:

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE                

Division Code:

1460D

Division:

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE                

Department:

383500 - UCLA INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40041339

Position Description ID

171161

UC Payroll Title:

WRITER EDITOR 3 CM (005386)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

CM: Comms, Mktg, & Sales Profs

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:

40062134

Reports to Payroll Title:

CONTRACT ADM 4

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40042568

Department Head Payroll Title:

ADMIN MGR 1

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general guidance of the Director for International Collaboration for the International Institute, oversee communications activities to raise awareness of the Institute's programs and mission and increase financial support. Support the Institute's efforts to build the profile of UCLA overseas ("UCLA International"). Work with Institute leaders and senior Institute faculty, as well as the UCLA Communications and Public Outreach department (Media Relations, Executive Communications, Development Communications, Marketing & Special Events) to develop a strategic communications plan. Disseminate the International Institute's key messages to a range of external audiences, including donors, the general public, and the academic community. Consult with Director and other Institute leaders to determine new ways to market the Institute, develop appropriate messages in conjunction with development staff, develop language and materials for those messages. Collaborate with UCLA media relations representative to secure maximum press coverage, and oversee arrangements for news releases, press packets, interviews, photography or filming. Recommend initiatives and develop stories for placement in business, trade, ethnic and general media, and utilize university media outlets/resources to the fullest (broadcast studio, UCLA Magazine, UCLA Headlines, etc.).

Serve as writer and executive editor for the International Institute website and other Internet and print media publications. Proactively seek out topics for coverage and plan writing assignments. Attend events to provide journalistic coverage about sponsored activities and milestone accomplishments. Supervise and train Center staff and interns to cover smaller events and activities for Center websites. Maintain well-rounded knowledge about current affairs and area studies, as well as development priorities and goals and current best practices in development communications. Work in cooperation with webmaster/designer in the production of web and print publication.

Serve as writer and executive editor for the International Institute website and other Internet and print media publications. Proactively seek out topics for coverage and plan writing assignments. Attend events to provide journalistic coverage about sponsored activities and milestone accomplishments. Supervise and train Center staff and interns to cover smaller events and activities for Center websites. Maintain well-rounded knowledge about current affairs and area studies, as well as development priorities and goals and current best practices in development communications. Work in cooperation with webmaster/designer in the production of web and print publication.

Consult with UCLA International Institute Director event coverage and work priorities. Write faculty profiles. Write press releases and articles about UCLA Global Forums, as well as on occasional international visitors, for websites of UCLA Global and the Vice Provost. 

Type of Supervision Received/Exercised: Exercise high degree of independence to implement goals established in coordination with CFAO and External Affairs. Maximize use of university resources and expertise in marketing, communications and media relations. Work is reviewed in periodic meetings with the CFAO. 

The UCLA International Institute educates students, supports scholarship on the world at UCLA and serves as a campus and community resource.

With a history dating back to 1958, the Institute is the central hub for global and area studies on campus. Its more than 27 centers and programs support innovative multidisciplinary research on specific world regions and pressing global issues. Its rigorous academic programs offer degrees in global studies, international development, global health, international migration and diverse regions and countries of the world.

The UCLA International Institute is directed by a senior management team led by the Vice Provost for International Studies and Global Engagement, two Associate Vice Provosts and two Assistant Vice Provosts.

The Office of the Vice Provost develops and implements UCLA’s global strategy, manages the university’s partnership agreements with foreign educational and research institutions, and represents UCLA to international constituencies and organizations.

PRODUCE ORIGINAL WRITING

1. Write original articles, brochure text, briefing materials, and reports for a variety of purposes. Targeted readers include the university community, the general public, the media, donors and funding agencies. Make sure that the content and style of each piece is appropriate for the target population and suits the objectives of the assignment.

2.Plan writing assignments by staying informed of upcoming events, or milestones in ongoing programs by reading center and Institute websites and announcements, checking online Institute calendar, maintaining regular contact with leading center and program staff.

3.Proactively seek out new initiatives, newsworthy projects, or special achievements about Institute programs and centers to feature in writings. Consult with Executive Director of External Affairs and Institute leaders to prioritize work and determine the appropriate message to convey.

4.Write development-related stories and donor profiles to support development efforts and provide appropriate recognition of International Institute donors.

5.Attend events and conduct interviews to provide journalistic coverage about lectures, conferences and other key activities sponsored by the Institute and its centers. Train student workers and interns to write event and feature articles, post them on Webtools and social media, use PhotoShop to crop and alter photos for Web publication and social media postings.

6. Locate free graphics to highlight Web articles and other postings, including photographs and maps. Research correct use of and citations for Creative Commons licensed photographs, government-owned photographs and maps, and other materials made available for public use by international organizations (e.g., UN). Document the information; train staff and student workers of centers/programs how to find and correctly attribute such graphics.

7. Develop strong relationship with key Institute faculty and staff to utilize their expertise and cultivate their cooperation in granting access to the media for occasional interviews.

8. Conduct research by using the Internet, library, or in-person and telephone interviews to supply background information. Perform fact-checking to verify accuracy of quotations and factual details such as names of organizations, meaning of initials, usage of terminology. Edit pieces written by other staff members, including the development and external affairs staff, intended for both Web and print publication.

9. Maintain well-rounded knowledge about current events, trends in higher education, and in development/communications to appropriately and effectively convey information in writing.

40%

PLAN & MANAGE COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY

1. Develop strategic communications plan, in consultation with Executive Director of External Affairs and Institute leaders, including key messages and where/how to disseminate them. Revise plan as needed to adjust to changing programs and priorities.

2. Work with University Strategic Communications and Media Relations to integrate "UCLA International" and International Institute messages into overall UCLA communications plans and activities.

3. Work with media relations representative to develop and place International Institute stories in targeted online and print publications and broadcast media. Work with Media Relations office and Institute centers to locate and access experts for media stories on global regions and issues. Pitch stories and faculty experts to media outlets.

4. In conjunction with Institute and center leaders, write press releases for targeted major events. Create customized, targeted media distribution lists using online media database (provided through Media Relations department), research relevant  Washington, D.C.-based and local think tanks and add to list. Distribute press release electronically from the International Institute. Enter press release text into Media Relations back-end software and follow-up on its publication on the UCLA Newsroom website.

5. Develop, cost, and implement ways to market the Institute / centers and their activities and thus increase the Institute's profile on campus. Work with part-time student designers to compile printed calendars of events, digital advertisements for ASUCLA screens, and posters, including creating and managing production schedules, overseeing design, liaising with print vendor, and maintaining budgets. Develop and oversee the distribution of printed calendars throughout campus, including forging contacts and securing permission to leave calendars in buildings throughout North and South campus and the UCLA Hospital.

6. Coordinate web site, social media, and newsletter promotions to provide timely publicity for upcoming events. Communicate with event organizers and center staff to obtain event details, photographs, posters, and other promotional materials. Select and adapt text and visuals to engage the intended audience, publish and update event listings through the Institute’s CMS, and prepare, schedule, and publish promotional posts on appropriate Institute social media channels.

7. Arrange for film permits for documentary and other production companies wishing to interview UCLA staff & students.

8. Forge cooperative communications partnerships with other units on campus: IEO, ORL, Dashew Center, Media Relations, Global Public Affairs @ Luskin, Center for World Health, etc., including the posting of events and graphics on their online and social media sites.

9. Develop and maintain distribution list for comprehensive Web calendar, comprised of key actors on and off campus. Develop and maintain comprehensive listservs to distribute the PDF of the printed monthly calendar of featured events to: 1) faculty associated with the Institute and its centers, and 2) deans, chairs and center directors of every school on the UCLA campus.

10. Incorporate development goals into communications plans where possible, e.g., profiling donors and/or the programs resulting from major gifts, featuring research of scholarship/fellowship recipients, etc. Develop clear, motivational copy related to giving to the International Institute.

35%

EDIT AND PUBLISH WRITTEN MATERIALS

1. Provide editorial oversight of the Institute website, taking into account the importance of various events, balanced coverage of multiple programs, and general interest in the topic. Ensure that the website addresses a variety of audiences: faculty, students, the general public, and prospective donors.

2. Use the Institute’s internally developed content management system (Webtools) to create, format, publish, and update articles, event listings, photographs, and other website content. Review content for accuracy, formatting, image quality, and working links before publication. Work closely with IT staff to communicate publishing needs, report technical issues, and test Webtools changes that affect content preparation and publication.

3. Instruct center staff to routinely review content of web pages to look for gaps in coverage and outdated information, particularly pages that have a periodic cycle, such as grant and fellowship offers, and check broken links.

4. Prepare, edit, and publish the Institute’s monthly event calendar, featuring Institute and center news, accomplishments, and upcoming events. Gather contributions, select and prepare images, organize content for the intended audience, and coordinate review and distribution with relevant staff and IT support as needed.

5. Prepare, edit, and publish the Vice Provost’s newsletter each quarter. Coordinate with the Vice Provost’s office and relevant contributors to gather content, highlight global engagement activities and institutional priorities, and complete review and distribution on schedule.

6. Compile and edit monthly internal staff newsletter, including the writing of a "featured staff" story. Work with International Institute Director to coordinate submissions to and distribution of newsletter.

7. Lead the preparation and publication of the Institute’s annual Year in Review report, covering the preceding academic year and published each September in both PDF and web formats. Contact centers to collect information about their activities and accomplishments, and incorporate contributions from academic programs, the Institute, the development and the Vice Provost’s office. Establish submission deadlines, follow up on missing materials, gather supporting photographs and data, and write and edit contributions into a cohesive report. Verify information with contributing units, coordinate leadership review, and work with IT and in-house graphic designer as needed to publish both versions on schedule.

8. Edit writings for stylistic consistency, proofread grammatical and spelling errors, ensure appropriate formatting, communicate with authors and editors to clarify information when necessary.

9. Respond to reader feedback with diplomacy and courtesy and direct inquiries to appropriate Institute contacts.

10. Photograph Institute and center events, speakers, and activities for use in articles, newsletters, event promotion, and other publications. Select and prepare images using Adobe Photoshop or comparable image-editing software, including cropping, resizing, basic color and exposure correction, and file optimization for digital publication. Maintain appropriate captions, photo credits, and usage permissions. Arrange additional photographic coverage by other staff or professional photographers when needed.

11. Work in cooperation with graphic designer in print production on issues about layout, graphic design, binding, illustration, printing and delivery.

12. Create presentation materials for both Vice Provost and Development related events.

13. All produced materials need to follow the university guidelines (security, accessibility etc.)

20%

PERFORM ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS

1. Maintain files on materials for current and past projects, including manuscripts, sound recordings, photographs, related documents, etc. Make and store backups for specific projects on CD-ROM, particularly photographs.

2. Document processes and procedures of the specific job tasks of the Director of Communications position, such as posting articles, publicizing Institute events, preparing press releases, compiling media lists, distributing calendars (Web and printed versions).

3. Be proactive in keeping versions of software up to date and reviewing equipment needs. Maintain camera and various sound recording and transcription equipment. Identify and maintain subscriptions to online AP Style and computer-based transcription program. Teach student workers and interns how to use the camera, sound recording equipment; and transcription software.

4. Perform special assignments given by the Vice Provost and Institute Director and/or participate as a member of an organizational team working for the Vice Provost or Institute Director to achieve goals that will benefit several or all units of the organization.

5%

•

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

in related area and / or experience / training

Required

General knowledge of international and area studies issues.

Required

Demonstrated knowledge of communications practices, including general knowledge of marketing and development communications.

Required

Ability to write clearly in journalistic style with speed and accuracy. Knowledge of conventions in journalistic and academic writing.

Required

Skill in substantive editing, including knowledge of editing conventions and procedures, grammar, spelling, punctuation.

Required

Ability to adhere to schedules and meet production deadlines. Ability to perform multiple tasks and set priorities with little external direction.

Required

Ability to conduct research rapidly and evaluate large volumes of information to apply appropriately in writing.

Required

Strong interpersonal skills to work with Institute leadership and UCLA communications, marketing and media staff.

Required

Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively as a member of a team. Ability to work under demands with numerous interruptions.

Required

Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and experience publishing content through a content management system. Ability to learn the Institute’s internally developed content management system and other job-related publishing tools.

Required

Practical event photography skills and basic proficiency in Adobe Photoshop or comparable image-editing software, including cropping, resizing, color correction, and preparing images for websites, newsletters, and social media.

Required

Ability to adapt written and visual materials for different audiences and digital channels, coordinate contributions from multiple units, and meet monthly, quarterly, and annual publication deadlines.

Required

Knowledge of standard publishing procedures and specifications.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Bunche Hall

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

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

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

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.