DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENTS

For UCOP internal applicants, please login to the internal candidate gateway at: Jobs at UCOP

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

The Office of the President is the system-wide headquarters of the University of California, coordinating activities that allow a complex and unique system to operate efficiently as one university, furthering its academic, research and public interest missions. The Office of the President supports UC's academic and research missions and manages its fiscal and business operations across its campuses, labs, and medical centers. It supports campuses and students through system-wide funding and programs; manages the University's multi-billion-dollar operations and investments; oversees medical centers and national labs; provides centralized labor relations and legal services; and promotes

the well-being of its diverse and large workforce through benefits and retirement programs. It oversees and manages programs that serve the entire university system, allowing campuses to capture the savings and efficiencies that come from centralized operations. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

Department Overview
Graduate, Undergraduate and Equity Affairs at the UC Office of the President provides leadership and support for efforts that advance equity and inclusion, close equity gaps, promote access to and successful completion of baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and help to provide an exemplary university experience for all. We are committed to the University of California's academic mission and to our core values: integrity in advocating unapologetically for access and institutional equity, respect for one another, accountability for and effective use of our public resources, and excellence in our service to the university and the state.
Position Summary
The Director - Strategic Communications and Events in Graduate, Undergraduate and Equity Affairs (GUEA) is a key member of the department leadership team and reports to the Deputy to the Vice President/Vice Provost and Executive Director of Central Services with a dotted-line report to the Vice President/Vice Provost. The Director leads a team of four communications/events professionals who implement professional learning activities for UC stakeholders and utilize a variety of communications channels to share the impact of the department's strategic efforts to close equity gaps, improve access to and successful completion of baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and advance a safe, respectful and inclusive University community. The incumbent works closely with the Vice President/Vice Provost, department leaders, UCOP Communications, UCOP Events, other internal groups, and with UC campus constituents to identify the best ways to implement events and communicate effectively with target audiences. The incumbent develops and manages the department's strategic communications vision and plan, including identification of target audiences, development of key messages, distribution on relevant channels, and measurement of outcomes. The incumbent ensures smooth delivery of all of the department's communications objectives, including the successful delivery of multiple professional learning activities for campus leaders and staff, and management of the financial and personnel resources needed for successful outcomes. This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate.
Key Responsibilities

• 35% STRATEGIC PLANNING AND LEADERSHIP: Provides comprehensive direction and oversight for all aspects of communications and event management, including personnel and financial administration. Serves as consultant and advisor to the Vice President/Vice Provost and other leaders in strategic messaging and for engagement with policymakers and education leaders. Develops and manages the department's communications strategic plan. Liaises as appropriate to identify pivotal audiences and their needs. Leads and participates on committees and teams in support of department communications and event management objectives.
• 20% COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT: Identifies and deploys communications that create momentum and awareness. Partners with UCOP Communications, campuses, other segments of higher education in California, private vendors, and national organizations to deliver key messages to pivotal audiences while remaining cognizant of the sensitive political environment. Assesses, plans for and leads development of online content that engages target audiences and leads to measurable action. Develops, implements and oversees the department's editorial calendar. Manages the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, social media, newsletters or blogs, program collateral materials, brochures, and department websites. Oversees the maintenance of website content to ensure that new and consistent information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly. Writes, edits, and creates original editorial content. Manages the production of publications and on-line content, meets deadlines, and ensures the quality of all communications vehicles. Develops, from concept to completion, high-quality and visually appealing presentations, templates and materials, including creation, design, quality assurance and editing. Develops, from concept to completion and frequently under tight deadlines, annual reports, briefings for policymakers and senior leaders, and other new publications, presentations or manuals. Provides proofreading support and input regarding written materials prepared by other department staff members. Manages communications vendors and consultants and serves as primary department liaison to UCOP Communications and UCOP website developers. Builds and maintains mailing lists for e-mail and social media campaigns. Creates, trains on, and manages department-wide standards for external reports, publications and other communications.
• 20% EVENT MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION: Develops, from concept to completion, professional learning events, educational and informational webinars, conferences, symposia and other opportunities for university staff, administrators and faculty to ensure awareness of university policies and practices that support UC goals to produce more degrees, close equity gaps, and grow the diversity of UC students, faculty and leaders. Manages a diverse variety of large, systemwide events requiring coordination of multiple internal and external resources. Coordinates all aspects of event setup and execution, including editorial, technical and logistical components. Ensures that presenters and other staff are appropriately prepared. Ensures that agendas for trainings and events address the most pressing issues and accurately convey policies and practices. Conducts research on target audiences for the department's programs - including, but not limited to, K-12 and community college students, K-12 and community college educators, community leaders and University students, staff and faculty - and identifies areas to improve informational programming; recommends and implements new tools and events to convey UC messages, policies and practices. Designs surveys for on-site and online distribution to evaluate effectiveness of events. Develops and maintains event budgets; produces and modifies production schedules within budgetary limits. Serves on planning committees for cross- departmental or other systemwide trainings and events.
• 10% EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS: Prepares, or oversees the preparation of, speeches, presentations, reports, statements, and opinion-editorials for the Vice President/Vice Provost. Prepares the department's annual report on behalf of the Vice President/Vice Provost. Drafts correspondence for the Vice President/Vice Provost and other senior leaders on sensitive issues as needed. Identifies timely and relevant topics and develops the Vice President/Vice Provost's department and systemwide administrative communications.
• 10% PEOPLE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Leads, manages and mentors a team of four communications and events professionals. Fosters professional development and an innovative team culture. Assesses skill levels and provides pathways for team members to strengthen skills. Provides guidance and direction, offers coaching and constructive feedback, and manages performance objectives and resources to ensure that efforts are effective and aligned to meet objectives.
• 5% OTHER DUTIES: Attends classes, seminars and conferences that enhance professional expertise and foster managerial competency. Participates in activities that enhance the UC community and support the university mission. Upholds the organization's Principles of Community and assures that those values are upheld throughout the department. Other duties as assigned.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of the mission and responsibilities of a public university serving a multi-ethnic state with a strong commitment to ensuring fair access and opportunity for education and careers.
• Demonstrated people leadership and resource management skills, including management of staff performance and development, team building and communications, resolution of issues and conflicts, review and approval of work, budget administration, and hiring and training employees and skilled contractors/consultants.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to articulate complex messages to diverse audiences and demonstrated examples of delivery of high visibility projects requiring broad stakeholder alignment and communication needs.
• Demonstrated experience creating and implementing a strategic communications vision and plan and preparing high-impact executive communications.
• Strong creative, analytical, and project management skills to prepare, or oversee the preparation of, compelling and visually appealing presentations, reports and other print and digital publications.
• Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.
• Strong interpersonal communications skills to build and foster a collaborative and cooperative work environment and to maintain good working relationships with all organizational levels and outside constituencies.
• Advanced organizational skills to coordinate and prioritize a broad range of commitments, adapt to changing priorities, set and meet competing deadlines, apply exceptional attention to detail, and establish systems to effectively track projects and other information.
• Ability to travel to event, conference and meeting sites in California.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of the organization, its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements, issues of concern and infrastructure.

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, education or related discipline and ten years' experience coordinating communications and public events (preferably in a higher education environment), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related area preferred.

Travel Requirements
35% incumbent is required to travel to UC campuses and other locations for event management and coordination, meetings, and professional development.
Job Title
Events Specialist 5
Job Code
Salary Grade
Grade 25
Payscale:
$135,000 - $158,500
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

This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement within the state of California. The selected candidate must reside within the state of California or be willing to relocate.

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 August1, 2024. 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: For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:

The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at: Accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at: .