Health Writer/Editor for UCSF Health
Update (10/6/2021): We've received many applications from talented candidates and are now screening a smaller pool of applicants. Depending on the results, we may consider additional applications on a rolling basis. Thank you to everyone who has applied or expressed interest in the position.
Are you a writer and editor who finds satisfaction in helping patients and those who care for them? Do you have a background in health and science communications and feel inspired by the latest medical therapies and research innovations? Are you passionate about web copy that's clear, concise and helpful?
If this sounds like you, please consider joining our digital content team at UCSF Health, a world-class health care system made up of UCSF Medical Center, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals and a growing number of clinics throughout Northern California.
This is a flexible part-time contract position that can be carried out remotely. Our main office is in Brisbane, California, but the team is scattered around the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Pay is a competitive hourly rate commensurate with experience.
The work covers thousands of pages on our two main websites, ucsfhealth.org and ucsfbenioffchildrens.org, and involves improving existing copy as well as generating new content.
Here's an idea of what to expect: One day, you're fielding a few paragraphs submitted to us by a new clinic to describe its services. The copy is too jargony, so you rewrite it with patients in mind. Another day, a neurosurgeon asks to update her bio to mention that she performs a cutting-edge new therapy. Did she say new therapy? You research and write a patient education piece about the treatment. Next, you're informed that the oncology clinic has a new phone number and updated hours, so you revise the clinic's page to reflect that. Later, our production team notifies you about some broken external links on the site, so you investigate and find replacements.
In other words: The health writer/editor should be flexible, organized and able to manage a variety of assignments at once – handling whatever the team needs.
Responsibilities
- Write and edit consumer-friendly health content for ucsfhealth.org and ucsfbenioffchildrens.org.
- Work with UCSF providers and staff to develop and publish quality content that's accurate and helpful, and supports the business.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in journalism or related communications field, or equivalent training and experience
- At least three years of experience in writing and editing
- Strong understanding of digital media and writing for a consumer audience
- Able to make complex medical information accessible and engaging
- Willing to learn or already comfortable working in Jira (project management system) and Confluence (wiki/collaboration software)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Docs
- Excellent attention to detail and knowledge of AP style
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work directly with physicians and patients when necessary
- Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Happy to work both independently and as part of a team
Preferred qualifications
- Background in science, higher education and health care, including knowledge of patient privacy rules
- Experience with a complex, decentralized organization, such as an academic medical institution or major research university
How to apply
Send your resume with a cover note to [email protected]. Put "Health Writer/Editor" in the subject line. In your cover note, let us know why you're interested in working for UCSF Health and why you're a good fit for the position. Please write in an approachable style, so we can see your talents at work. Thank you for your interest!
About UCSF
At UCSF Health, our mission of innovative patient care, advanced technology and pioneering research is redefining what's possible for the patients we serve – a promise we share with the professionals who make up our team.
Consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, UCSF Health is committed to providing the most rewarding work experience while delivering the best care available anywhere. In an environment that allows for continuous learning and opportunities for professional growth, UCSF Health offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents.
PRIDE Values
UCSF is a diverse community made up of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as in our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California, San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.