Digital Communications Specialist 3–5 CM

Job Summary

Involves developing digital communications when communications knowledge, rather than Information Technology knowledge, is paramount. Includes website design and development, or producing communications or instruction using the web, audio, video, and other digital media, which may involve content creation, designing, production and/or programming.

Job Title	Digital Communications Specialist 3 CM	Digital Communications Specialist 4 CM	Digital Communications Specialist 5 CM
Job Code	5372	6403	6404
Bargaining Unit	CM	CM	CM
FLSA	Exempt	Exempt	Exempt
Generic Scope	Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems / issues of diverse scope and determines solutions.	Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues / problems without precedent and / or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.	Recognized organization-wide expert. Has significant impact and influence on organizational policy and program development. Regularly leads projects of critical importance to the organization; these projects carry substantial consequences of success or failure. May direct programs with organization-wide impact that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources. Significant barriers to entry exist at this level.
Custom Scope	Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced digital communications professional to produce design and layout for a variety of non-routine and moderately complex web site applications; ensure search engine optimization; and develop social media platforms. Demonstrates a full understanding of industry practices and organization policies and procedures. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Typically, the bargaining unit job code should be used for work covered by this title. However, if the position is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) due to one of the following reasons—(1) Confidential status, where duties normally require access to confidential information that significantly influences the development of management’s bargaining or grievance positions; (2) employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees; or (3) Supervisory status, where duties include supervising employees as a regular part of the job—then the position should be listed under the generic title without the “CM” ending.	Works independently to develop and maintain complex web sites and develop, enhance, and maintain a variety of digital properties with a broad audience and / or with a high consequence of error. Mentors less experienced staff. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Typically, the bargaining unit job code should be used for work covered by this title. However, if the position is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) due to one of the following reasons—(1) Confidential status, where duties normally require access to confidential information that significantly influences the development of management’s bargaining or grievance positions; (2) employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees; or (3) Supervisory status, where duties include supervising employees as a regular part of the job—then the position should be listed under the generic title without the “CM” ending.	Operates at the highest level to provide management and other professionals with technical expertise and expert knowledge of all facets of digital communications, including web site appeal, navigability, ease of use, functionality and appropriate and effective delivery of the desired message. Provides comprehensive oversight for website(s) with organization-wide impact and sensitivity such as the organization’s homepage or the equivalent. Mentors less experienced staff. Typically, the bargaining unit job code should be used for work covered by this title. However, if the position is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) due to one of the following reasons—(1) Confidential status, where duties normally require access to confidential information that significantly influences the development of management’s bargaining or grievance positions; (2) employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees; or (3) Supervisory status, where duties include supervising employees as a regular part of the job—then the position should be listed under the generic title without the “CM” ending.
Key Resp 01	Produces design and layout for a variety of web applications, as well as information architecture. Ensures technical accuracy and clarity of web content.	Researches and develops complex web sites and other digital properties with broad audiences and/or high stakes content. Manages ongoing content development and maintenance.	Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic digital communications programs and projects, including high-visibility websites with broad audiences and high-stakes content.
Key Resp 02	Meets and consults with clients on a variety of digital communications projects including moderately complex assignments; develops, presents, and recommends web content, site architecture and visual material.	Collaborates with management and professionals to develop strategic digital communication plans, programs and projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and effective message delivery.	Provides expert guidance to management, editors, designers and other professionals on digital communication strategies, including website development, content creation and emerging technology ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Key Resp 03	Stays up to date with emerging web technologies, requirements and developments, such as accessibility, and recommends, and as directed, takes action to ensure compliance.	Stays current with emerging web technologies and requirements, such as accessibility, and recommends or implements appropriate actions.	Maintains a thorough understanding of emerging and state-of-the-art web technologies and requirements, such as accessibility, recommending or  implementing relevant actions.
Key Resp 04		Develops and implements short and long-range strategic digital communications programs and projects.	Oversees the adoption of emerging technologies, integrating them into strategic planning and implementing as needed to improve communication effectiveness.
Key Resp 05			Mentors less experienced staff.
Education	Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training	Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training	Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
Special Condition	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.	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.	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.
KSA 01	Thorough knowledge of design principles and user experience, with the ability to create visually appealing, engaging, and relevant designs.	Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of design and implementation.	Expert knowledge and skills in the fundamentals of design, written communications and editorial style.
KSA 02	Thorough technical skills in computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and/or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities.	Advanced technical skills in computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and/or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities.	Expert technical skills in computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and/or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities.
KSA 03	Thorough knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs.	Advanced knowledge of digital communication media, including content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web site production, and organization-specific computer application programs.	Expert knowledge of all facets of digital communications, including expert understanding and knowledge of relevant policies, rules and regulations governing digital communications.
KSA 04	Strong skills in designing clear, user-friendly, informative, accurate, and well-structured websites that deliver content aligned with the organization’s message, management directives, and client objectives.	Advanced skill in conceptualizing and designing compelling layouts and images for websites that effectively communicate the organization’s message to diverse audiences.	Expert skill in conceptualizing and designing compelling layouts and images for websites that advance the organization’s message digitally to various constituencies.
KSA 05	Thorough understanding of organization’s processes, procedures, and applicable rules and regulations for web communications.	Advanced knowledge of the organization’s goals, achievements, and mission, as well as its processes, procedures, and regulations, to effectively leverage digital communication in conveying and advancing the organization’s message to diverse audiences.	Expert knowledge of the organization including its mission, goals, objectives, achievements, infrastructure and relevant policies, rules and guidelines to effectively leverage digital communication in conveying and advancing the organization’s message to diverse audiences.
KSA 06	Strong interpersonal communication skills.	Advanced interpersonal communication and political acumen as well as expertise in troubleshooting with a focus on implementing proactive constructive solutions.	Expertise in interpersonal communication and political acumen, enabling effective engagement with diverse audiences on both technical and content issues.
KSA 07	Project management skills to successfully complete projects.	Advanced project management skills to complete projects within budget and time constraints.	Expert project management skills to provide the highest quality digital communication within budget and time constraints.
KSA 08	Thorough skills to develop and implement original ideas and correctly identify and effectively solve problems.	Advanced skill to monitor and assess processes or services and make necessary improvements.	Expertise in monitoring, assessing, and improving processes and programs, with the ability to evaluate current initiatives and recommend and implement effective enhancements.
KSA 09	Thorough understanding of technical language and requirements of the assigned work.	Advanced understanding of technical language and requirements of the assigned work.	Expert judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
KSA 10			Expert skills to stay abreast of technological trends and directions and respond accordingly and appropriately.
Environment	Campus, medical center or other university setting and various external venues.	Campus, medical center or other university setting and various external venues.	Campus, medical center or other university setting and various external venues.