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University of California - Santa Barbara

Communications Manager

University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, us, 93190


Departmental Overview

Find out if this opportunity is a good fit by reading all of the information that follows below.There is a reason UCSB has been named the Best Place to Work by our local media for several years running. Whether our employees are on our stunning campus, or working remotely or hybrid they tell us they value the flexibility, stability and rich benefits we offer. Come join us as we support the mission of one of the finest public institutions in the nation. UC Santa Barbara is consistently recognized for excellence across broad fields of study. Set alongside the glorious California coast, our dynamic environment inspires scholarly ambition and creativity. Information Technology Services (ITS), the Campus' central IT unit, contributes to UC Santa Barbara's mission of research, teaching, and community service by partnering with the Campus community to efficiently deliver IT infrastructure and enterprise application services to faculty, students, staff, and affiliates.Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards.Brief Summary of DutiesReporting to the Director of the Program Management Office, the Communications Manager independently oversees the communications program for the Office of the Chief Information Officer. This position works closely and regularly with the Associate Vice Chancellor for IT & Chief Information Officer and campus IT leaders on a communications strategy that expresses and supports the vision and mission of UCSB IT. The position requires proactive and creative thinking about the range of work performed across the UCSB IT community and how IT leaders can communicate in effective ways to diverse groups of staff and faculty to achieve strategic goals. Develops communications plans and campaigns related to strategy, services, projects, cybersecurity, workforce engagement, incident response, and digital transformation. Leads a communications team that prepares a wide range of communications including reports, presentations, communications with UC Office of the President, website and social media content, and general correspondence, with high visibility and consequence of error. Researches issues and special topics, consults with campus colleagues, writes reports, and works on complex communication projects requiring quick thinking and response, strong subject matter expertise, a high degree of political acumen and sensitivity to nuance, and an in-depth understanding of how to reach out effectively and respectfully to different audiences. Exercises diplomacy, tact, and discretion at all times; works with a high degree of autonomy while developing strategies and tracking multiple deadlines and priorities; is flexible, organized, thoughtful, thorough, and collaborative. The position is expected to work closely and regularly with the Office of Public Affairs and Communications and ensure that UCSB IT communications are aligned with the broader campus brand and communications strategy.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in English, Communications, or related area and / or equivalent experience / training.4-6 years of experience - Advanced skills to create, develop, and implement long and short-term strategic communication plans.4-6 years of experience - Advanced skills to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications, ranging from developing effective communication strategies to appropriately responding to inquiries regarding sensitive or complex issues or information.4-6 years of experience - Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.4-6 years of experience - Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.4-6 years of experience - Ability to synthesize results and identify an action plan to optimize future communications.Preferred Qualifications4-6 years of experience - Awareness and understanding of digital communication channels, along with related business and consumer trends.4-6 years of experience in higher education and/or the public sector, and/or in a highly decentralized organization.4-6 years of experience - Knowledge of UCSB protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.Advanced knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications.Advanced knowledge and understanding of technical applications to direct professional technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.Responsibilities60% Communications Strategic Planning & Program Development:

Serves as the lead communications officer for the Office of the CIO (OCIO) and Information Technology Services (ITS) under the direction of the Program Management Office Director. Develops and manages complex comprehensive communications programs, including written, visual, digital, and electronic communications and events, for the OCIO and ITS.Works with OCIO and ITS leaders to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short term strategic communications plans for both department and campus-wide programs and initiatives.Leads ad hoc teams of diverse department and campus employee groups to produce communication pieces with a variety of targets and venues including written, visual, digital, and electronic communications and events.Ensures production of high-quality communications products that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints.Identifies specific communications needs and develops the content and process for organizational improvements.

30% Special Projects and Analysis:

Leads, designs and authors communications for special projects and assignments that are sensitive or complex in nature, requiring a high level of initiative and care in execution and implementation.Works independently in a fast-paced and collaborative environment to prioritize projects and meet deadlines.Anticipates potential needs and communication opportunities based on OCIO and ITS activities and priorities.

10% Staff Management:

Provides supervision and professional development to direct reports.Identifies areas for process improvement and incorporates changes into the unit's operational approaches.Provides ongoing motivation, coaching, guidance, feedback, and mentoring to support the team.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action StatementUC Santa Barbara 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.

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