Communications Specialist - Writer Editor

JOB POSTING

This position works remotely requiring a telecommuting agreement and adherence to the UCSC Telecommuting/Remote Work Guidelines. The employee shall be available in a full-time capacity during assigned telecommuting work hours (specific hours to be discussed with supervisor). While telecommuting/remote working, the employee is responsible for ensuring a worksite environment suitable for accomplishing their regular job duties during scheduled hours of work and, if applicable, arranging for dependent care just as they would if they were working at the regular UCSC worksite.

NO VISA SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION.

How To Apply

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 04-02-2025

About Uc Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

Department Overview

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is a public agency supported by 12 members (states and territories). Through the work of thousands of educators, Smarter Balanced created an online assessment system aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), as well as tools for educators to improve teaching and learning. Smarter Balanced is housed at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Silicon Valley Extension.

Our work is guided by the belief that a high-quality assessment system can provide information and tools for teachers and schools to improve instruction and help students succeed - regardless of disability, language, or subgroup. We involve experienced educators, researchers, state and local policymakers, and community groups working together in a transparent and consensus-driven process.

Smarter Balanced staff have a profound commitment to UCSC's Principles of Community including embracing diversity, equity and inclusion.

UCSC Extension provides professional training that reflects the academic rigor of the University of California and the hands-on, roll-up-your-shirtsleeves practicality of Silicon Valley culture. Developed with guidance from key industry leaders and academic experts, our certificate programs match the economic demand of your industry, from engineering to business, education to bioscience. The University of California reviews and approves UCSC Extension courses and programs for academic content, merit and instructor qualifications. Many of our courses may be applied toward degree programs, or may be eligible for professional certificates and licenses.

More information can be found at https://smarterbalanced.org

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist - Writer Editor is responsible for supporting the Consortium's goals by producing high-quality content and written communication assets (e.g. video scripts, pamphlets, webpages, etc) that are audience-appropriate and aligned with Smarter Balanced's brand, messaging, and communication plan.

The incumbent collaborates with teams within Smarter Balanced to identify communication opportunities and support consistent information design and content across a variety of engaging formats. This involves leading and contributing to the editorial and production processes, including sourcing information, writing, proofing for grammar and editing for clarity, and ensuring stringent accessibility requirements are met.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $77,000 - $92,550/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day
  
  

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Remote

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 007477 (COMM SPEC 3) - Grade 22

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

Job Duties

65% - Content Creation

• Using education and assessment industry-related knowledge and best practices for communications, produces articles, press releases, profiles, briefings, blogs, and a full range of other collateral materials.
• As an editor, ensures clarity, organization, accuracy, style, and quality of work.
• Provides on-demand support for organizational messaging and external positioning which aligns with the brand and strategic priorities for the organization.
• Integrates visual, audio and multimedia elements, policy content, persuasive thought-pieces, and digital/web copy into the consortium's messaging.
• Independently researches and selects sources for interviews, and ensures the accuracy of written pieces; obtains copyright permissions.
  
  

35% - Process Development and Implementation

• Advises and consults with departmental leadership and staff members regarding all aspects of organizational messaging and content, including developing strong communications products that effectively deliver the desired message to specific audiences, address policy interpretation, and support problem resolution.
• Coordinates advertising placement and schedules for the organization.
• Establishes and maintains project plans, schedules, and records for the production of communications and written materials.
• Ensures all materials and publications meet specific electronic and accessibility requirements. Remediates documents and presentations as necessary to address stringent accessibility requirements.
• Coordinates the editorial calendar for organizational messaging to state education agencies and other stakeholders. Ensures that messages are strategic, appropriately tailored to specific and diverse audiences, and are delivered within time and budget constraints.
• Ensures that publications address sensitive issues appropriately and are free of bias.
• Leads and coordinates the consortium messaging process; researches and synthesizes information; writes, and / or edits material for a variety of communication products for internal and external audiences that effectively deliver the desired message to a diverse set of audiences.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, History, Policy, related area or equivalent experience.
• Experience writing clear, lively, engaging, and compelling copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and / or the broader public, while ensuring adherence to the consortium's message.
• Experience engaging in research and fact verification.
• Experience synthesizing existing copy and/or formulating new copy in response to RFPs.
• Experience applying analytical and critical thinking skills in a fast-paced work environment.
• Experience ensuring organizational practices, services, and behaviors support and promote diversity among staff.
• Knowledge of applicable editorial style and publication guidelines.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of accessibility requirements for documents and the process of accessibility remediation.
• Knowledge of the assessment and education industry, including state departments of education.
• Knowledge of computer applications for publishing, image handling, social media, and web production.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills, including active listening and effective collaboration skills.
• Excellent writing skills for creating and editing multimedia message content, in short and long format.
• Thorough analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Thorough attention to detail, project management, confidentiality, and organizational skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Smarter Balanced organization, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies.
  
  

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• This is a fully remote position, and the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel nationally.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
  
  

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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
  
  

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://compliance.ucsc.edu/campus-safety-compliance/annual-reports/.

This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination