Job Posting Details Position Number: 41264124 Payroll Title: COMM MGR 2 (000409) Job Code: 000409 Job Open Date: 9/1/26 Application Review Begins: 9/17/26 Department Code (Name): PINF (NEWS & COMMUNICATIONS) Percentage of Time: 100 Union Code: 99 – Non-Represented Employee Class: Staff: Career FLSA Status: Exempt Classified Indicator Description: MSP - Managers & Senior Professionals Salary Grade: Grade 27 Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $136,600 to $250,000/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $136,600 to $267,600/year. Work Location: Cheadle Hall Working Days and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations) Special Instructions: For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application. Department Marketing Statement: The Office of Public Affairs and Communications is responsible for providing strategic communications support for UC Santa Barbara, working with both internal and external audiences. OPAC tells the exciting and important story of UCSB to the general public and our campus community. By working with local, regional, national and international print and electronic news media, the office strives to generate media coverage of the extraordinary development of UCSB as a leading research institution and of the people, programs, events and activities that distinguish the campus. In addition to its public information and media relations functions, the office designs and maintains the UCSB website and "The Current" news site about the University and the campus community and produces major university publications. Benefits of Belonging 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. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC Brief Summary of Job Duties: Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for External Relations and working closely with the Office of the Chancellor, the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Executive Communications serves as the strategic architect and primary driver of the university leadership's voice, profile, and message strategy. This individual will directly support the Chancellor and other senior executives, ensuring their internal and external communications align with the university's mission, academic excellence, and multi-billion-dollar research enterprise. In this role, the AVC frequently deals with privileged and highly confidential information. The AVC is both a high-level strategist, translating complex academic initiatives, scientific breakthroughs, and institutional policy into compelling narratives for diverse audiences, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, parents, and policymakers/community partners. Required Qualifications: Writing for a Tier-1 research institution requires a rare blend of intellectual curiosity and organizational diplomacy. The ideal candidate can navigate complex faculty governance models just as easily as a corporate media scrum. Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Policy, or a related field 10+ years of progressive experience in executive communications, speechwriting, or public affairs, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within higher education, a complex non-profit, government agency, or a highly regulated industry. 10+ years Academic Literacy: Deep understanding of the culture, structure, and values of a major research university, including research funding mechanisms, academic freedom, and student affairs. 10+ years Versatility: Proven ability to rapidly shift tone and format—from a rigorous academic address to an empathetic campus-wide safety message or a high-stakes donor pitch. 10+ years Discretion: Flawless judgment and absolute discretion when handling confidential or politically sensitive institutional information. Excellent knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and the most appropriate and effective applications. Thorough knowledge of UCSB, including its mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure; strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education. Excellent skills to create, develop and implement long and short-term strategic communications plans. Excellent 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. Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills. Excellent management skills to select, train, manage, motivate and evaluate professional communications staff to produce high-quality work; skill to take corrective action as required. Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management and problem recognition, avoidance and resolution skills. Excellent skills to ensure production of high-quality work within budget and time constraints. Preferred Qualifications: Master's Degree or PhD. in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Policy, or a related field is highly preferred Special Conditions of Employment: Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support executive events or respond to breaking news. Occasional travel required to accompany executive leadership to events and national or international forums. Satisfactory criminal history background check Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy Abusive Conduct in the Workplace Job Functions and Percentages of Time: 40% Executive Messaging & Speechwriting • Serve as the primary speechwriter and content creator for the Chancellor, crafting high-impact speeches, keynotes, letters, presentations, congressional testimony, video scripts, and op-eds, while maintaining confidentiality of all privileged and sensitive information. • Translate complex scientific, technological, and scholarly research into accessible, inspiring narratives that emphasize the university’s societal impact. • Research trends in higher education to ensure that speeches and publications reflect current issues and information, as well as UCSB and UC context. • Ensure that all executive communications reflect the Chancellor’s distinct, authentic voice while maintaining the overarching brand identity of the university. • Craft rapid, accurate responses to protect brand reputation during volatile situations while managing panic and stabilizing morale. 15% Strategic Communication & Thought Leadership • Design and execute a proactive thought leadership strategy to elevate the national and global profile of the university. Use analytical and statistical data to effectively market and communicate the University’s reach and impact both internally and externally. • Identify high-visibility platforms, including prestigious academic conferences, global forums, and top-tier media outlets, for executive placement. • Anticipate and prepare executive positioning for sensitive, high-stakes institutional issues, working in close coordination with crisis communications and legal teams. 40% Leadership & Collaboration • Lead and mentor a dedicated team of executive communications professionals and writers. • Act as a trusted advisor to the Chancellor’, the Vice Chancellor of External Relations, the Chief of Staff and cabinet members, providing real-time strategic counsel on messaging risks and opportunities. • Exhibit the confidence and tact to push back on executives, shape their public persona, and act as a strategic sounding board rather than just a tactical writer. • Collaborate across the university enterprise—including, Office of Development (Endowment/Donors), Government & Community Relations and individual school Deans—to ensure message alignment. • Contribute articles to various campus publications, such as The Current and UC Santa Barbara Magazine. • Identify risks and map out clear, step-by-step communication plans to guide the university through transitions or restructuring. • Provides training and mentorship; supervises and manages direct reports. Establishes goals and objectives for their direct reports, assigns duties, evaluates performance, and provides career guidance, and professional development. Responsible for all aspects of employee performance. 5% Digital & Multimodal Strategy • Oversee the digital footprint of the executive office, including working closely with the Chief Marketing officer to manage the Chancellor's social media strategy, web presence, and internal leadership briefings. • Utilize data analytics and sentiment tracking to continually refine executive messaging and engagement strategies. UC Vaccination Programs Policy: As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs. As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations – https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy *Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual. Equal Employment Opportunity: 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. Reasonable Accommodations: The University of California endeavors to make https://jobs.ucsb.edu accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805-893-4664 or email katherine.abad@hr.ucsb.edu. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. Privacy Notification Statement Privacy Notification Statement and Notice of Availability of the UCSB Annual Security and Fire Safety Report Disclosures Application Status: If you would like to check the status of your application, please log into the Candidate Gateway where you applied and click on 'my activities'.