UC San Diego Department of Neurological Surgery is among the leading neurosurgical centers in the country. The Department offers challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of state-of-the-art clinical services, advanced educational programs, and cutting-edge research. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

With limited technical supervision, the Communications Officer will report to the Department Business Officer of Neurological Surgery. Incumbent will be part of a growing Communications team. Position responsibilities span the depth and breadth of a comprehensive communications program for a growing Department and a future Neurological Institute.

The Communications Officer is responsible for the production management and editing of publications for faculty and academics for the Department of Neurological Surgery. Utilizes extensive computer skills with PC and Macintosh computer systems for the preparation and completion of professional and scientific documents for publication. Collaborates with researchers on scientific publications, including but not limited to, research, interviewing, data collection, data analysis, and organizing and developing content. Management and production of the quarterly newsletters and annual report (print and digital) for the Department of Neurological Surgery to include developing overall design, planning content based on departmental initiatives, events, and issues of importance.

Writes content for the Department of Neurological Surgery websites to showcase and generate awareness of departmental research and educational activities. Independently exercises judgement for stylistic consistency and grammatical accuracy. Requires interviewing a variety of staff to include Academic Leadership, Faculty, and other administrative employees. Responsible for initiating and expanding the scope of information presented and, in conjunction with the Executive Director, maintaining a detailed Editorial Calendar and Planning Timelines. This position uses independent judgment on the design and organizational structure and content for the Department's communications needs. Creates and implements original content for videos, print stories, philanthropic collateral, etc...

Develops and maintains professional presentations related to department-wide employee communications; creates and expands templates for presentations, expanding overall branding. Develops content and manages distribution of organization-wide emails. Supports successful execution of communications plans; tracks, manages, and communicates progress against timelines and goals. Establishes and maintains reports to show progress of projects to management, oversees the successful completion of all assigned tasks, assumes the initiative, and provides support to the Chair and Executive Director.

Manages content on all relevant social media platforms; including platform expansion for both Faculty/residents/staff and for the Department as a whole.

Performs other related functions as required. Independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for a unit with moderately complex communications requirements. The communications program usually includes written, visual, digital, and electronic communications. Works with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategy. Designs and implements information campaigns.

• Seven (7) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus three (3) years of related experience/training.

• Knowledge of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications.

• Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.

• Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education and/or health sciences.

• Solid skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans.

• Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and/or broad general audiences.

• Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening, and political acumen skills.

• Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.

• Demonstrated experience working in a scientific/medical research environment.

• Requires a flexible schedule.

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

• Social media and/or publishing experience a plus.