Senior Publicist

: Reporting to the Assistant Dean/CAO, the Senior Publicist will serve as the TFT internal and external communications leader for the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT). The role involves crafting and driving external communications for the School, TFT departments, TFT Professional Programs, and across campus to spotlight UCLA TFT's achievements in core endeavors identified by the School's leadership. The Senior Publicist will also be responsible for proactively pitching and promoting story ideas to external media, in addition to writing content for UCLA-owned news channels. A significant aspect of the role will be highlighting faculty research and creative activities that are published in premier peer-reviewed journals or exhibited in acknowledged venues. The goal is to identify, write, and place UCLA stories in mainstream media, showcasing the School's leadership and societal impact through research and artistic contributions. Furthermore, the Senior Publicist will build and nurture effective working relationships with writers, editors, and producers across online, broadcast, and print media. Tracking and analyzing data and metrics to gauge the reach and effectiveness of pitches and content is also vital. These functions will be executed in close collaboration with faculty and units within UCLA TFT, ensuring seamless communication and continuity. Duties are performed onsite during regular office hours, with potential for a FlexWork schedule. Working hours might extend to weekends, evenings, and holidays and may occasionally involve light travel. Percentage of Time: 100 Shift Start: 9:00 am Shift End: 6:00 pm Qualifications for Position 19 Records Qualifications Required/Preferred 1. Outstanding written and oral communications skills. Required 2. Solid professional judgment. Required 3. Demonstrated record of successful national, regional and local media relations planning, implementation and story placements. Required 4. Minimum of 10 years full-time professional experience in news media or public relations, preferably in work related to arts, entertainment and/or higher education. Required 5. Demonstrated reporting and writing skills and ability to identify story placement opportunities and think strategically about communications. Required 6. Demonstrated understanding of media analytics and metrics to identify strategies for sustained, repeatable placement success. Required 7. Ability to work cooperatively with other individuals and departments, including senior leadership, faculty and media relations and communications colleagues. Required 8. Demonstrated ability to anticipate public events that can be used to advance institutional objectives. Required 9. Demonstrated ability to successfully coordinate multiple ongoing tasks and responsibilities simultaneously. Required 10. Demonstrated ability to meet strict deadlines and respond effectively to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Required 11. Demonstrated experience with web, social media and digital technology. Required 12. Demonstrated record of implementing new technologies and new communication tools. Preferred 13. Thorough knowledge and understanding of current events, issues and developments in arts, entertainment and higher education. Required 14. Knowledge of other issues facing publicly assisted institutions of higher education. Required 15. Ability to work independently and set priorities while exercising flexibility, initiative and self-motivation. Required 16. Ability to work nights and weekends, when needed Required 17. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Preferred 18. Extensive media contacts at key ethnic, California and national news outlets and ability to work with journalists at all skill levels, including student journalists. Preferred 19. Arts and Entertainment agency experience. Preferred Additional Posting Information Bargaining Unit: 99-Policy Covered Application Deadline: 01-03-2024 External Posting Date: