Writer Editor 3–5 CM

Job Summary

Involves conceiving, researching, writing, editing, and/or publishing written materials and strategic communications, including publications, articles, proposals, speeches, and promotional material.

Job Title	Writer Editor 3 CM	Writer Editor 4 CM	Writer Editor 5 CM
Job Code	5386	5387	6413
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	Writes or edits a variety of comprehensive and difficult material for stylistic consistency, logic, organization, rational development of content, and emphasis. Researches, selects sources for and conducts interviews, and ensures accuracy of written pieces. Recommends content and layout, edits, and coordinates production of a variety of printed and online material, or conversion of printed pieces to online formats and archives. 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.	Researches, writes and / or edits high-level communications, publications, and / or reports with complex or sensitive subject matter to audiences that are either broad or highly influential. Requires subject-matter expertise and an in-depth understanding of the audience and the communication strategies that will best serve the institution with that audience. Work is of considerable difficulty and may require political acumen and sensitivity. 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.	Provides strategic framework and development of communications, presentations and themes for executive leaders reaching a wide spectrum of audiences. Requires subject matter expertise and in-depth understanding of complex academic issues, and develops the most-effective framing for communicating decisions, actions, ideas and issues that are sensitive with impact on multiple levels across the organization, local community and other stakeholders. 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	Under limited supervision, researches, writes and / or edits material for a variety of publications for internal and external audiences, consulting with clients as necessary.	Researches, writes, and edits high-level communications, publications, and reports with complex and/or sensitive subject matter including proposals, articles, briefing materials, talking points, press releases, and digital content.	Researches, writes and edits high-level speeches, op-eds, presentation for the Executive reaching a wide audience.
Key Resp 02	Assignments may include analytical, interpretive, reportorial / journalistic, or promotional / persuasive projects.	Consults with and advises clients regarding their communications needs.	Consults with senior leadership and campus or medical center partners to research issues and topics that may be sensitive, controversial or difficult to explain.
Key Resp 03	Produces articles, press releases, profiles, briefings, blogs, collateral, and/ or other written material using subject matter expertise.	May develop publications or web content to meet communication needs.	Researches the key issues of the audience of key organizations where the leader will speak.
Key Resp 04	Independently researches, selects sources for interview, and ensures accuracy of written pieces. Obtains copyright permission.	Determines content and sources for written publications, conducts research and interviews (with multiple and/or conflicting sources), and produces clear, accurate, and effective writing.	Oversees and contributes to the writing of Executive speeches and communications ensuring a compelling and effective voicing of priorities.
Key Resp 05	As an editor, ensures clarity, organization, accuracy, style, and quality of written work.	May edit and oversee design and production of a variety of print and digital material.	Coordinates strategic opportunities for leaders through through in-person appearances, broadcasts, multimedia, and written or online communications to maximize impact and visibility.
Key Resp 06		May oversee or lead staff including hiring, assigning tasks, and oversee freelance personnel.	May oversee or lead staff including hiring, assigning tasks, supervising freelance personnel, and mentoring less experienced team members.
Key Resp 07		Assesses submitted manuscripts and recommends materials to be published, including working with authors on developing material for publication.	Edits manuscripts and oversees the publishing process working with authors and vendors on publications.
Key Resp 08		May respond to media inquiries, directing reporters to location media relations officers and other subject-matter experts as appropriate.	Responds directly to media inquiries on behalf of the location, or redirects to public relations or leadership as needed.
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 the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.	Advanced skills to write clear, lively, engaging, compelling and effective copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and the public.	Expert knowledge of executive communication, to write clear and compelling speeches for both reading and listening audiences.
KSA 02	Thorough knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines.	Advanced knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines. Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.	Proven track record of effective speeches and communication appearances written for executives in higher education, political leadership or corporations.
KSA 03	Thorough knowledge of the location, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies.	Advanced, in-depth knowledge of the location, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies.	Expert knowledge of the location, its mission, goals, achievement, programs and policies with a good understanding of competitors, local community and other stakeholders both domestically and internationally.
KSA 04	Thorough knowledge of issues in higher education, a specialized academic discipline or field and / or health sciences.	Advanced knowledge of issues in higher education, a specialized academic discipline or field and / or health sciences.	Deep knowledge of issues in higher education and/ or health sciences.
KSA 05	Knowledge of computer applications for publishing, image handling, and / or web production.	Knowledge of computer applications for publishing, image handling, and / or web production.	Knowledge of computer applications for publishing speeches in print or multimedia presentation.
KSA 06	Thorough skills to write clear, lively, engaging and compelling copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and / or the broader public, while ensuring adherence to the location’s message.	Advanced skill in taking initiative to creatively identify and pitch story ideas to senior management and clients.	Expert knowledge of appropriate writing style to voice the executive’s priorities in addressing and reaching a wide range of audiences.
KSA 07	Thorough research and fact verification skills.	Advanced research and fact verification skills.	Proven ability to leverage communication skills to shape public opinion, engage stakeholders, boost donor support, and build brand preference.
KSA 08	Thorough interpersonal communications skills, including active listening and effective collaboration skills.	Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening and effective collaboration skills.	Expert interpersonal skills and ability to build collaborative relationships.
KSA 09	Thorough analytical and critical thinking skills.	Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.	Expert analytical, critical thinking, research and fact verification skills.
KSA 10	Thorough attention to detail, project management and organizational skills.	Advanced project management, organizational and problem recognition, avoidance and resolution skills.	Expert strategic planning, project management and organizational skills, including problem recognition and resolution skills.
KSA 11	Skill to maintain confidentiality.	Skill to maintain absolute confidentiality.	Excellent ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
KSA 12			Proven success in managing media inquiries, securing media coverage, and developing external messaging strategies.
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.