Position description

UCLA Strategic Communications increases awareness, understanding and support of UCLA’s vision, mission, and accomplishments among its many constituencies. A major focus of this department is the formulation and implementation of strategic communications initiatives, plans and events.

Reporting to the Director of Executive Communications, the Executive Speechwriter develops executive speeches, op-eds, videos, university statements, correspondence, and presentations for senior executive leaders of UCLA reaching the wide spectrum of audiences from global to local. The Executive Speechwriter orchestrates strategic opportunities for the Chancellor and the Executive Vice Chancellor/Provost to engage internal and external audiences, creating communications that bring to life these leaders’ vision for the University and inspire action. In addition to supporting the Chancellor and Executive Vice Chancellor/Provost, the incumbent provides executive communications support to vice chancellors and other leadership, including but not limited to drafting, editing and coordinating broader campus messages on certain topics. Key qualifications for this position include the ability to write for the spoken word and written mediums alike, an ability to translate leaders’ high-level priorities into specific ideas and concepts, an understanding of how to tailor messages for different audiences, understanding of the Los Angeles civic and higher education thought leadership landscapes, strong research skills, a collaborative mindset, and attention to detail. This person will be required to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Duties are performed onsite during normal office working hours. Working hours may include weekends, evenings and holidays and may require light travel.

Qualifications

1. Minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience writing either speeches for executives in higher education, government, or business; or writing opinion pieces or columns for a major newspaper or other top-tier publication.

Required

2. Demonstrated ability to use communications strategies to move public opinion, encourage stakeholder involvement and support, increase donor support, and establish brand preference.

Required

3. Demonstrated experience in ensuring that communications align with broader strategic branding efforts.

Required

4. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with high-level academic and administrative leadership and senior departmental staff to identify communication needs and to conceive and execute programs and services to meet such needs.

Required

5. Ability to translate leaders’ high-level priorities into specific ideas and concepts, an understanding of tailoring messages for different audiences.

Required

6. Demonstrated ability to research, collect and organize data and material from diverse sources; able to translate complex material.

Required

7. Demonstrated interest in and commitment to serving in an environment that prizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Required

8. Demonstrated ability to articulate goals, strategies, tactics, and benchmarks. Comprehensive, current knowledge of technology with the ability to fully utilize the capabilities of new media.

Required

9. Proven track record of effective speeches written for executives.

Required

10. Ability to successfully manage multiple ongoing tasks and responsibilities of varying degrees of complexity simultaneously. Demonstrated experience in writing on deadline.

Required

11. Demonstrated skill in actively and constructively participating in a complex organization, recognizing the need for a high degree of collaboration.

Required

12. A strong strategic orientation, commitment to excellence, and attention to detail. Ability to handle all information with sensitivity, discretion and solid judgment.

Required

13. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build cooperative, effective relationships with administrators and staff within a diverse environment.

Required

14. Ability to write for the spoken word and written mediums alike and knowledge of distinctions between writing for the eye and for the ear.

Required

15.Basic knowledge of public relations practices and procedures.

Required

16.Working knowledge of the operation of the print and broadcast media.

Required

17. Background in complex, global environment and industries.

Preferred

18. Knowledge of the Los Angeles civic community and/or higher education thought leadership landscapes.

Preferred

19. Experience with presentation coaching.

Preferred

20. Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in history, writing, social sciences, education, international relations or business.

Preferred

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

Preferred

22. Knowledge of the history, policies and practices of the University of California system and UCLA.

Preferred

Application instruction