Communications Manager 

Communications Manager

Enterprise Planning and Architecture 

University of California, Santa Barbara

Summary of Job Details:

Reporting to the Director of the Program Management Office, the Communications Manager independently oversees the communications program for the Office of the Chief Information Officer. This position works closely and regularly with the Associate Vice Chancellor for IT & Chief Information Officer and campus IT leaders on a communications strategy that expresses and supports the vision and mission of UCSB IT. The position requires proactive and creative thinking about the range of work performed across the UCSB IT community and how IT leaders can communicate in effective ways to diverse groups of staff and faculty to achieve strategic goals. Develops communications plans and campaigns related to strategy, services, projects, cybersecurity, workforce engagement, incident response, and digital transformation. Leads a communications team that prepares a wide range of communications including reports, presentations, reports to the IT Board, the IT Council and the Academic Senate; campus town halls, media quotes and responses, campus memos, communications with UC Office of the President, website and social media content, and general correspondence, with high visibility and consequence of error. Researches issues and special topics, consults with campus colleagues, writes reports, and works on complex communication projects requiring quick thinking and response, strong subject matter expertise, a high degree of political acumen and sensitivity to nuance, and an in-depth understanding of how to reach out effectively and respectfully to different audiences. Exercises diplomacy, tact, and discretion at all times; works with a high degree of autonomy while developing strategies and tracking multiple deadlines and priorities; is flexible, organized, thoughtful, thorough, and collaborative. The position is expected to work closely and regularly with the Office of Public Affairs and Communications and ensure that UCSB IT communications are aligned with the broader campus brand and communications strategy. Under the supervision of the PMO Director, the Communications Manager is expected to work independently, determining and setting individual and programmatic goals and priorities. Work is reviewed in terms of meeting objectives, quality of work, the ability to build consensus and earn trust in a highly decentralized organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, or related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

• 4-6 years of experience - Advanced skills to create, develop, and implement long and short-term strategic communication plans.

• 4-6 years of experience - 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.

• 4-6 years of experience - Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.

• 4-6 years of experience - Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.

• 4-6 years of experience - Ability to synthesize results and identify an action plan to optimize future communications.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Satisfactory criminal history background check.

• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment.

Budgeted/Hiring Salary Range: $103,210 to $131,000/yr.

Full Salary Range:   $91,300 to $170,700/yr. 

Days/Hours: M-F; 8am - 5pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits 

UC Santa Barbara 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. 

Application review begins: 6/26/24

Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu

Job #70123