ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The University of California's Executive Communications and Engagement team is part of the Communications Department and provides speechwriting and strategic engagement support to the UC president. The team produces speaking and briefing materials for public events and meetings; writes public letters, articles, and op-eds; manages the president's social media presence; and provides the president with in-person advance and staffing support as needed. The team works closely with communications colleagues (including Strategic and Critical Communications, External Engagement, Creative Services, and Internal Communications) as well as government relations and other UC departments to articulate and advance UC messaging priorities through presidential remarks and events.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Executive Communications & Engagement ("Director"), the Associate Director of Executive Communications and Engagement ("Associate Director") will assist in leading a team responsible for crafting public engagement strategies that advance and support the goals and initiatives of the University of California and of the UC president. The Associate Director is responsible for researching and writing a variety of speeches and other communications, planning and executing high-profile public events, and managing a high volume of fast-moving deadlines, working closely with the Director, the UC president, and other UC leaders and stakeholders. This position functions with a high degree of autonomy and requires sharp political acumen, keen organizational skills, demonstrated ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines, expert writing and editing skills, and an in-depth understanding of the audience and communication strategies that will best serve the president of the university and the institution as a whole.

Responsibilities

• 40% Team management: The Associate Director assists the Director in managing a high volume of communications assignments and fast-moving deadlines, ensuring that all department deliverables are completed on time and with a high degree of accuracy and quality. Assists with problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution. Assists with coordination with the President's Immediate Office and high level UCOP leadership. Helps develop departmental goals and objectives, shapes communications and engagement strategies, and recommends new processes and tools to improve team effectiveness.

• 30% Communications strategy and writing: Advises and works with the president and other senior leaders, external partners, and other UC staff to create, develop, and implement short-and long-term strategic communications plans, campaigns, and initiatives, in particular those that align with or derive from presidential priorities. Researches and writes high-level speaking materials, such as keynote speeches, articles and other remarks in support of UC's mission and the president's priorities; develops, proposes, and executes on strategic thought leadership opportunities for the president; includes conceptualizing and editing assignments, and ensuring accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness of writing. Translates complex, nuanced and technical information into clear, concise and compelling communications while maintaining the voice of the president and/or other executives. Supervises the development and posting of content to the president's ucop.edu web page and social media accounts.
• 15% Crisis Communications: Helps lead division-wide rapid response efforts, coordinating across various External Relations & Communications divisions, other UCOP departments, and the President's Immediate Office. Plans and develops presidential communications to help the president and UCOP respond quickly to crises, unfolding events, or new trends. This position will be on-call for leadership communication needs as well as crisis communication response.
• 10% Supports the Director with special assignments and operational projects as needed, which may include handling confidential or sensitive information.
• 5% Advises the Director on selecting, training, and motivating other staff members (including contractors and interns) responsible for producing written communications pieces.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of eight to 10 years of experience in high-level communications or writing role, preferably at a large, complex organization, with at least some writing on behalf of a C-suite level leader.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• With minimal supervision, highly effective at accomplishing complex and high-profile tasks and meeting multiple and concurrent deadlines. Expert planning and project management skills.
• Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation; demonstrated ability to write clear, engaging and effective copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and the broader public. Ability to synthesize complex issues and themes into simple yet powerful statements.
• Advanced knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines, and of technology used to produce, publish, and promote communications materials, including some familiarity with social media channels.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications and political acumen skills. Ability to develop collaborative and productive partnerships with cross-functional groups to achieve desired objectives.
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of strategic communications planning, including setting goals and objectives, determining audiences and key messages, and evaluating results.
• Experience providing communications support to a high-level executive leader.
• Demonstrated ability to assist in managing and motivating subordinate staff, and effectively assist in addressing performance issues as needed.
• Meticulous attention to detail and demonstrated ability to produce written materials with a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills; strong ability to address potentially negative, sensitive or difficult situations. Skilled in problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution.
• Knowledge and skill in financial and personnel management, including ensuring the production of high-quality work within budget and time constraints.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive information and issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the University of California system, including the UC Office of the President, and its mission, goals, policies, practices, structure, and achievements.
• Understanding of current public higher education issues and challenges in the U.S.
• Experience with social media engagement on behalf of an executive, including strategy, content development, and analytics.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public policy, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
Written Communications Manager 1

Job Code
000419

Salary Grade
Grade 25

Payscale:
$140,000 - $160,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

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 December 16, 2024. If needed, add: 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.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, 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, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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