MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS INTERN, SYSTEMWIDE PROCUREMENT

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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Location: Oakland, CA (hybrid position, on-site two days/week)

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Systemwide Procurement is the $10B+ procurement and supply chain engine for the University of California system. We collaborate with campus procurement leaders to design and execute systemwide sourcing strategies that leverage UC's scale to optimize spend, elevate service quality, and drive measurable social and environmental impact. Our team is redefining how UC acquires goods and services-applying best-in-class category management and sourcing, advancing sustainability, expanding engagement with small and local businesses, investing in leading-edge tools and analytics, and building high-value supplier partnerships for long-term value for the UC system. Recognized nationally as a public procurement leader, UC serves as a cooperative purchasing lead agency, with contracts utilized by more than 7,500 public education and government entities across all 50 states. These organizations rely on UC's expertise, credibility, and economies of scale to maximize value and reduce costs. Systemwide Procurement is a high-performing, strategic organization of about 50 professionals in sourcing and category management, data analytics, procurement technology, communications and operations, committed to a continuous improvement culture. Our work is essential to UC's financial strength and operational excellence, with impact extending statewide and nationally.

POSITION SUMMARY

UC Systemwide Procurement (SWP), located at the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) in downtown Oakland, is seeking a motivated and creative undergraduate Marketing & Communications Intern to support systemwide communications initiatives. This internship offers hands-on, real-world experience in marketing, digital communications, web content development, data organization, and stakeholder collaboration across the ten-campus UC system.

The intern will work closely with the SWP Communications team to support high-visibility projects that enhance engagement, improve content organization, and showcase UC procurement accomplishments. This role is ideal for a student interested in marketing, communications, digital content strategy, or information management within a large, mission-driven public institution.

This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in systemwide communications, digital content strategy, and stakeholder collaboration within the University of California. Interns will contribute to meaningful projects with visible impact while working alongside a supportive, innovative, and mission-driven team.

If you enjoy creating well-organized, engaging digital content, have an eye for design, and want to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting, we encourage you to apply.

Along with other general communications and marketing activities, the intern will contribute to three major initiatives during the internship:

The intern will support the development of UC Systemwide Procurement's FY2026 Annual Report by:

• Collaborating with SWP and procurement/supply chain teams across all UC campuses

• Gathering, organizing, and validating data and content related to FY26 accomplishments

• Prioritizing and structuring submitted content for clarity and consistency

• Assisting with writing, editing, design, and online presentation of the report

• Supporting content management and user-friendly digital delivery of the final product

The intern will help design and pilot a gamification strategy to increase engagement in the bi-weekly UC Procurement Connections staff meeting and newsletter. Responsibilities include:

• Analyzing existing content and engagement patterns

• Researching gamification frameworks (e.g., points, badges, challenges, leaderboards)

• Designing a six-month gamification pilot (e.g., scavenger hunts, trivia, submission challenges, recognition programs)

• Developing an implementation toolkit, including templates, visuals, and success metrics

Deliverables may include:

• Gamification strategy document with rationale

• Six-month content calendar incorporating game mechanics

• Visual assets and templates for each game type

• Measurement framework and survey instruments

To improve efficiency and content reuse, the intern will:

• Audit communications content from the past two years (emails, presentations, newsletters, one-pagers)

• Categorize content by topic, audience, format, and reusability

• Build a searchable, tagged content library using tools such as SharePoint or Notion

• Develop templates and a content reuse guide for the communications team

Deliverables may include:

• Organized content library with search and filter functionality

• Content reuse playbook outlining when to repurpose vs. create new content

• Gap analysis identifying missing or underrepresented content types

• 5-10 customizable "greatest hits" templates

• Research, gather, and organize information related to UC procurement performance and initiatives

• Collaborate with Systemwide Procurement staff and campus partners across the UC system

• Develop and upload content using a web-based Content Management System (CMS), with attention to user experience and engagement goals

• Update and maintain website and portal content to ensure accuracy and relevance

• Review and edit content for grammar, clarity, and style consistency

• Monitor website traffic and engagement metrics to assess content performance

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled student at the University of California

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Information Management, Behavioral Science, or a related field

• Strong written, research, and interpersonal communication skills

• Familiarity with web-based CMS platforms (e.g., Drupal, WordPress, Adobe Experience Manager)

• Basic knowledge of HTML, web development, and graphic design principles

• Experience with graphic design tools such as Canva or Adobe

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in digital strategy, content organization, or user experience

• Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and matrixed organization

Education

• High school graduate and/or equivalent experience/training

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The person hired will be required report on-site at the UC Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, subject to change. The person hired must reside in California.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Stdt 3

Job Code: 004920

Salary Grade: 3

Salary: $20.00 - $25.00/hr, commensurate with experience

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is March 12, 2026. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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