Director of Communications, Arts and Humanities
UC San Diego
La Jolla, CA
 

UC San Diego

Director of Communications, Arts and Humanities

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience 

University Communications and Public Affairs is an award-winning, full-service division dedicated to increasing awareness and spreading the word about UC San Diego’s impact and mission. Department staff work with campus departments to convey the amazing things UC San Diego students, faculty, staff and alumni are doing and help campus departments implement strategies to reach their audience through events, media relations, printed materials, websites and numerous other avenues. Division reports to the Associate Chancellor / Chief of Staff within the Chancellor's Office VC Area.

Independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for a unit or school with a large, complex communications program requiring a wide variety of communications media, including written, visual, digital and electronic, and associated technical applications. Works with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategy for a highly visible program.

The Director of Communications, Arts & Humanities (A&H), serves as the communications and media relations professional for the Dean – Arts & Humanities and the units reporting to the Dean. A direct report to the Executive Director for Strategic Marketing and Public Affairs (SMPA), the Director of Communications, A&H provides the full range of communications services and advice to the Dean. This position develops communications strategies in coordination with University Communications & Public Affairs colleagues and in sync with UCPA initiatives and A&H needs. Works collaboratively with UCPA and A&H staff and faculty to devise, communicate, and then implement communications strategies.

The Director of Communications, A&H plans and develops proactive and comprehensive communications and media relations for the key programs and initiatives in A&H. Serve as a public affairs advisor and place news and feature material in local, national and international media outlets. Works in collaboration with UCPA colleagues in the development of promotional materials, providing content for highly polished print publications and websites that advance the international stature of UC San Diego Arts & Humanities. Develops and implements communications strategies to reach institutional goals and objectives in corporate relations, donor relations, alumni relations, internal communications and student recruitment. Directs the use of social media in all these objectives, as appropriate. This position pitches A&H news to strategic local, national and international media and aids in the development and implementation of strategies to address sensitive issues and to keep the campus and community informed of advances throughout the A&H Division. As part of the university communications team, the director will focus on four key areas: 1) Strategic Communications, 2) Media Relations, 3) Public Relations and 4) Multimedia, Publications and Production. This position provides strategic planning and implementation of comprehensive strategic communications efforts.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• 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.
• Advanced knowledge of the organization, including its mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure; strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education and / or health sciences.
• Advanced skills to create, develop, and implement long and short term strategic communication plans.
• Thorough knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.
• Extensive experience writing about arts and humanities for non-technical publications.
• Public relations experience in an academic environment or in the arts community, or experience as an arts or humanities writer/editor for a national publication.
• Demonstrated excellence in news judgment and strong demonstrated interviewing skills.
• Sophisticated level knowledge of current issues, trends and opportunities in Arts & Humanities and related units.
• 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.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.
• Proven ability and working experience to edit writing for accuracy and style. Working knowledge of proper English grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence construction and effective journalistic style.
• Proven ability to write and communicate effectively in a variety of ways (magazine articles, scripts, press releases, reports, speeches, brochures, white papers, talking points, etc.) and in ways appreciate for targeted audiences (media, support groups, legislators, etc.).
• Previous video experience - sound bites, PR video clips, etc.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• Proven experience using software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. and preferred experience using software editing systems (Final Cut Pro or Premiere), animation (After Effects), photo editing, basic web design, blogging and content management tools.
• Proven ability to read and understand arts, humanities, science and technology terms and concepts and then translate it into easily understandable terms for the general public.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent on a clear background check.

Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages and educational opportunities in a diverse, stimulating workforce.

This position is eligible for full benefits first day of hire: 

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Vacation/Holidays (15 vacation days & 13 paid holidays a year)
• Work/Life Balance
• UC Retirement Plan  

For more information about UCSD Benefits visit here and UCSD Work/Life visit here.

APPLY ONLINE:

http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=109349

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

Deadline: 10-30-2017