Digital Comms Strategist and Website Editor - 141804

UC San Diego School of Medicine's Office of Communications is hiring a Digital Communications Strategist & Website Editor to who is skilled at translating complex institutional knowledge into clear, engaging digital content that advances the school's mission. This role will primarily be responsible for managing the school's website, ensuring accuracy, accessibility and a cohesive user experience. In addition to website responsibilities, this role will help contribute to all external digital communications initiatives, maintain consistent content processes and standards, design digital assets to support the school's priorities and provide back up support for social media. Candidates should have strong writing and technical skills, a demonstrated capacity for creativity and innovation and the ability to collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders across all levels of the institution.

Reporting to the Director of Communications for the School of Medicine, the Digital Communications Strategist and Website Editor manages the School of Medicine's primary website, medschool.ucsd.edu, including writing, editing, designing and building webpages within the Hannon Hill Cascade content management system (CMS). Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the digital communications function, applying in-depth professional theory and practice to develop and implement digital strategies where communications expertise is paramount over Information Technology knowledge.

In partnership with the Director of Communications and working closely with School of Medicine, University Communications and Information Technology Services (ITS) colleagues, the Digital Communications Strategist and Website Editor implements and contributes to the development of digital content strategies that align the School of Medicine's web presence with institutional priorities, communications goals and the needs of key audiences. The position identifies opportunities to improve content organization, information architecture, user experience and digital engagement through collaboration with stakeholders and analysis of website performance data. Translates complex information from stakeholders and subject matter experts into compelling, accurate and timely content that highlights academic programs, research enterprises and strategic priorities. Designs and builds webpages, including layouts for non-routine and moderately complex web applications, while improving information architecture, user experience and digital engagement through analytics-informed content strategies.

Ensures digital content meets institutional brand standards, search engine optimization (SEO) requirements and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 through the use of Siteimprove and other remediation tools. Maintains a rigorous content review calendar and collaborates with ITS to address CMS limitations and identify effective solutions. Produces and manages diverse digital media, including web, audio and video, and manages digital signage, including visual design and template creation. Administers the Office of Communications shared inbox and provides consultation and pre-launch reviews for departmental website needs.

As a member of the School of Medicine communications team, the Digital Communications Strategist and Website Editor also provides social media support by capturing photo and video content at milestone events, including White Coat Ceremonies, Match Day and Commencements, and identifying opportunities to extend digital content across channels.

The Digital Communications Strategist and Website Editor serves as a strategic resource and liaison for digital communications across the School of Medicine, providing guidance on web strategy, content development, accessibility, SEO, user experience and digital best practices. Promotes a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and acts in accordance with the principles of community, providing superior customer service to internal and external constituents and thoughtfully incorporating inclusivity and diversity throughout university communications.

Work location: School of Medicine, Medical Education and Telemedicine Building

~ Cover letter required for a complete application.

• Bachelor's degree in related area (communications, marketing, public relations or any writing-intensive discipline) and / or equivalent experience / training.

• 3+ years of relevant digital communications work experience preferred.

• Solid analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance and resolution skills.

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

• Thorough knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs.

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

• Thorough skills to create clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, well-designed, and functional web sites that provide web content consistent with the organization's message and in keeping with management directives and client objectives.

• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of design and user experience, including skill to design in an appealing, lively and relevant way

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Cover letter required for a complete application.