Associate Director, Internal Communications - 133178

Elevate your career with the University Communications Public Relations team as the Associate Director, Internal Communications. We're looking for creative thinkers with an understanding of all aspects of communications, from developing effective communications strategies and working with media to collaborating on and responding to sensitive or complex issues and crises. If you're a motivated self-starter with a passion for storytelling and a desire to be a part of an institution that's making a difference in the world, then we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity!

Reporting to the Executive Director, Internal Communications, the Associate Director, Internal Communications holds a pivotal role as the strategic communications and media relations professional for various units, working directly with Vice Chancellors, Deans and senior management in Operations Management and Capital Programs and the Chief Financial Officer's area. Departments within these two areas include Police Department, Environment, Health & Safety, Campus Planning, Facilities Management, Transportation, IT, HR, Housing/Campus Dining, Real Estate and more. The Associate Director also collaborates with colleagues in University Communications and across campus to achieve strategic institutional and University Communications goals while championing a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion that emphasizes respect and delivering exceptional customer service to all stakeholders.

In this position, you'll be expected to showcase excellent written and verbal communications skills and strategic thinking in developing communications plans as well as diverse content such as articles, scripts, press releases, videos, reports, statements, talking points and more for a variety of channels including newsletters, websites, collateral and social media. You should have experience working proactively with the media as well as working with the media and other stakeholders in response to sensitive issues or crises. You'll also be expected to help maintain editorial and brand standards, ensuring that the UC San Diego story remains consistent in the way it's told and experienced.

The University Communications Public Relations team drives strategic outreach and engagement in support of internal and external communications for UC San Diego, while also collaborating on content development with University Communications colleagues.

University Communications PR professionals are expert storytellers who utilize best-in-class internal and external communications channels to deliver the unique stories of the university's people, schools and colleges as well as key initiatives and programs. The PR function drives earned media efforts by cultivating and leveraging relationships with key regional, vertical and global media to elevate the university's profile of prestige, distinction and global leadership in research, medicine, science, engineering, technology, policy, management, the arts and more. The PR team also leads communications for the university's distinguished research centers and institutes, including the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Qualcomm Institute and leading collaborations in robotics, energy, materials discovery and design and other emerging areas.

Additionally, the University Communications PR team serves as a critical resource for communications strategy and support for staff and faculty engagement communications initiatives in support of the university's advancement, student affairs, human resources and library functions by integrating and aligning with strategic university priorities and initiatives. Issues and crisis communications are managed through this team

The Associate Director, Internal Communications serves as the strategic communications and media relations professional for various administrative units, working directly with Vice Chancellors or senior management in Operations Management and Capital Programs and the Chief Financial Officer's area. Departments within these two areas include Police Department, Environment, Health & Safety, Campus Planning, Facilities Management, Transportation, IT, HR, Housing/Campus Dining, Real Estate and more. A direct report to the Executive Director, Internal Communications, the Associate Director, Internal Communications provides the full range of communications services and advice to leadership in the aforementioned areas in partnership with any embedded communications staff. Also develops communications strategies in coordination with University Communications colleagues and in sync with University Communications' initiatives as well as with needs within the VC/unit areas served. Works collaboratively to devise, communicate and implement communications strategies. Serves as a strong facilitator and liaison to advance the institutional mission and goals. Actively, deliberately and thoughtfully infuses inclusivity and diversity throughout university communications. Promotes a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, respect and superior customer service to internal and external constituents.

The Associate Director, Internal Communications serves as an adviser, developing proactive and comprehensive communications and media relations strategies for the key programs and initiatives within the VC/unit areas served. Works in collaboration with colleagues in the development of promotional materials, providing content for highly polished print and digital publications and websites. Develops and implements communications strategies to reach institutional goals and objectives. Collaborates on materials for use in a variety of communications channels including newsletters, websites, collateral and social media. As appropriate, directs photography and videography in service of these objectives. This position pitches news to and works with strategic local, national and international media.This position is also a key collaborator in issues and crisis management, aiding in the development and implementation of strategies to address sensitive issues and crises as well as functioning as an on-the-ground Public Information Officer during issues and crises, as needed.

Supports the goals and objectives of the University Communications strategic communications plan and maintains editorial and brand standards.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Please submit a cover letter along with a resume for a complete application.

• Media relations experience.

• Bachelor's degree in a related area with 3-5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent experience / training.

• 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.

• 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.

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills. Demonstrated ability to clearly and concisely communicate ideas, thoughts, complex problems and position statements. Must possess a strong portfolio of interpersonal skills: ability to interact with tact and diplomacy with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and organizational levels, ability to constructively handle complaints, ability to be flexible, to work collaboratively and to listen well and engender trust.

• Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Background Check required.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

UC San Diego 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: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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