Sr. Executive Director of Public Relations

UC San Diego

Sr. Executive Director of Public Relations

Filing Deadline: Thu 10/15/2020

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience

University Communications is an award-winning, strategic communications division dedicated to increasing awareness, communicating impact and sharing the prestige and distinction associated with UC San Diego with the region, the country and the world. University Communications works to support the UC San Diego strategic plan with best practices in marketing, brand management, news and media relations, social media, web and interactive communications, executive communications and visual communications. The department reports to the Associate Chancellor / Chief of Staff within the Chancellor's Office.

The Sr. Executive Director of Public Relations reports to the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer (CCMO) and is responsible for the internal and external communications and public relations activities of the entire campus and Health Sciences' School of Medicine, School of Public Health, and School of Pharmacy, additionally collaborates with the UC San Diego Health as it relates to their Public Relations operations. Works closely with senior administration to formulate and deliver university messages.

Serves as a member of the CCMO’s leadership team, providing counsel and input in the execution of UC San Diego’s strategic communications plan. Leads and provides oversight of strategic and integrated public relations plans and programs that support the strategic initiatives of the entire public research university. Directs University Communications Public Relations, which includes news and public information; earned, shared and owned media functions; public relations; news and web content of top-level sites, including the UC San Diego News home page; and social media. This position is a principal contact for news media inquiries, sometimes serving as university spokesperson and providing support to the CCMO in such instances. Acts in the absence of the CCMO. With the CCMO, advises the university Chancellor and senior leadership on crisis communications and issues management. This position is required to keep abreast of best practices in the field and remain up-to-date on current trends and new technologies. This position should anticipate change and ensure the organization is positioned to succeed.

Please submit a cover letter for a complete application.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or a related field; and/or equivalent experience/training. Ten (10) years of progressive growth experience preferred in higher education.

• Accreditation in Public Relations, APR, preferred.

• Advanced 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.

• Advanced strategic planning and implementation skills to design strategic and comprehensive institutional communications plans and programs, taking into consideration institutional image, message and positioning, mission, goals, priorities and accomplishments.

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of technical applications including design concepts, various media and mediums, applications, etc. to effectively manage/supervise professional technical staff. Advanced knowledge and understanding of digital media and contemporary organizational communications.

• Advanced measurement and evaluation skills to develop state-of-the-art metrics for measuring the effectiveness of contemporary communications.

• Thorough knowledge of the location, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure; advanced knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education and / or health sciences. Advanced skills to integrate messaging and counsel appropriate to a large, public research university.

• Strong skills to create, develop and implement comprehensive and effective long and short term strategic communications plans. Demonstrated superior ability to work across the division to develop creative and integrated communications programs to support university strategic initiatives.

• Advanced skills to ensure production of high quality work within budget and time constraints. Ability to design, establish and maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives and oversee recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff.

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance and resolution skills.

• Advanced management skills to select, train, manage, direct, guide, motivate and evaluate staff to produce high quality work; skill to take corrective action as required.

• Proven skills to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications including developing effective communications strategies and dealing effectively with inquiries regarding sensitive or complex issues or information.

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in financial and personnel administration and management.

• Proven ability to maintain a strict code of confidentiality of privileged information, while performing a wide range of duties that require tact, sensitivity, independent judgement, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility.

• Advanced written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.

• Proven competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Knowledge and understanding of the historical and social context of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and of the complexities of the intersections of various communities and demonstrated ability to translate that knowledge into practical applications, processes, policies, responses, and programs.

• Ability to foster the UC San Diego Principles of Community.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing and able to travel.

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:

a) Health/Dental/Vision Insurance.

b) Vacation/holidays (18 vacation days & 13 paid holidays a year).

c) Work/Life Balance.

d) UC Retirement Plan.

For more information about UCSD Benefits please visit https://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/benefits/index.html and UCSD Work/Life visit https://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/benefits/work-life/quality-index/index.html.

APPLY ONLINE:

http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=186609

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