DIRECTOR OF EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

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

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

The University of California Office of the President serves as the headquarters to a system of 10 campuses, five medical centers, and three affiliated national laboratories. As one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, UC is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and public service. Together, we educate more than 280,000 students, employ 227,000 faculty and staff, and have 2 million alumni living and working around the world.

At the University of California, your contributions make a difference. Working here means being part of a historic institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. We are passionate people, serving the greater good. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills, and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. .

Department Overview
The University of California's Executive Communications and Engagement team 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 Media Relations, 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 Associate Vice President for Communications, the Director of Executive Communications and Engagement ("Director") leads 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, producing speaking materials and planning and executing high-profile public events. The Director works closely with the UC president, their immediate office, and other communications and UC leaders to develop strategic messaging but also functions with a high degree of autonomy. The position requires sharp political acumen, expert writing and editing skills, and an in-depth understanding of the audience and the communication strategies that will best serve the president of the university and the institution as a whole.

Key Responsibilities

70% Strategy and message development: Advise and work with the president and other senior leaders, UC colleagues, and external partners to create, develop, and implement long- and short-term strategic communications plans, campaigns, and initiatives, particularly those that align with or derive from presidential priorities. Research, write, and edit speaking materials for the UC president, including keynote speeches, short remarks, video scripts, articles, statements, and other materials in support of UC's mission and the president's priorities. Includes conceptualizing assignments, managing the vetting process with subject-matter experts and leadership, and ensuring accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness of writing. Contributes to division-wide rapid response efforts as they relate to presidential communications. Develops communications to help the president and UCOP quickly respond to crises, unfolding events, or new trends. Coordinate closely with UCOP and campus communications colleagues to create and elevate content through the president's remarks, events, and social media channels, and to promote presidential remarks and priorities through other UC channels. Supervise the development and posting of regular content for the president's social media accounts. Supervise the team in updating the president's UCOP.edu page on a regular basis, including keeping biographical information, photos, and other materials up to date.

30% Team leadership: Manage a team of speechwriters and strategic engagement professionals. Support the team in problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution. Hire, train, and motivate team members, including contractors. In collaboration with team members and the president's immediate staff, plan and coordinate speaking engagements for the UC president. Includes supervising the planning and execution of major presidential trips, site visits, and projects. Provide on-site or virtual staffing support to the president as needed. Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Experience
Required Qualifications

* Minimum of 10 years of increasing experience in communications work or writing-focused role (including speechwriting, public affairs, media relations, etc.) Experience at a large, complex organization is a must.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

* Demonstrated ability to write clear, engaging, and effective copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences; demonstrated ability to synthesize complex issues into concise yet powerful messaging.

* Expert knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.

* Meticulous attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, polished written materials requiring little to no editing.

* Strong editorial management and speechwriting experience as well as experience developing strategic events for high-level executives and/or public figures.

* Strong experience leading and managing teams, including editing others' writing and ensuring the production of high-quality work within budget and time constraints.

* Ability to develop productive partnerships and work collaboratively with cross-functional groups, including peers and leadership, to achieve desired objectives.

* Excellent verbal and interpersonal communications skills.

* Demonstrated good judgment, discretion, and political acumen, particularly when working with sensitive or confidential issues and information.

* Advanced analytical and decision-making skills; skilled in problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution.

* Effective at accomplishing complex and high-profile tasks and meeting multiple and concurrent deadlines with minimal supervision.

* Strong project management skills.

* At least some familiarity using social media for thought leadership and institutional messaging.

* Experience with Microsoft Office suite.

* Some experience with complex event planning and advance work.

Preferred Qualifications

* Familiarity with the University of California system, including the UC Office of the President, and its mission, goals, structure, history, and achievements.

* Familiarity with higher education, particularly public institutions, and related current issues.

* Experience with Box or similar cloud-based content management system; experience with Slack; and experience with project management tools such as Monday.com.

Education
Required Qualifications

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

Travel Requirements
20% Travel for meetings, UC Board of Regents meetings, conferences, etc. Travel is mostly within California, with occasional U.S. and international travel.

Job Title
Written Communications Manager 2

Job Code
000722

Salary Grade
Grade 26

Payscale:
$150,000 - $185,000

Full Salary Range:
$117,000 - $226,000

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:

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 20, 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.

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

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California , 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.

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: or email the Human Resource Department at: .

*LI-SG1