Reports To: Vice Chancellor, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs
Working Title: Director of Internal & Critical Communications
Department: Strategic Communications
Bargaining Unit: 99
FLSA: Exempt
Payroll Job Code: 000416
Job Location: UCI Campus- Irvine
Percent of Time: 100%
Work Schedule: 8-5, M-F
Employee Class: Career
Position Summary:
Strategic Communications & Public Affairs collaborates across campus and the health system to advance UCI's reputation, mission, priorities and values through storytelling, relationship building, and an integrated communication approach that includes the following: Brand development and management: Cultivating an emotional connection and loyalty to the university by articulating the institution's distinctive qualities, encouraging a positive experience, and developing and protecting the university's identity, marks and graphic assets. Community relations & engagement: Creating opportunities for local political, community, and business leaders to engage with the university to support the connection between Orange County's dynamic economy and its premiere research institution. Executive communications: Strengthening the presence and influence of university leaders - globally, regionally and within the campus - through effective messaging and outreach support. Government relations and advocacy: Engaging elected and appointed officials at the federal, state, regional and local levels to promote our research, education, and public service activities. Internal communications: Providing outreach assistance and information for UCI's students, faculty and staff. Marketing: Developing effective tools and services to convey the university's message, including advertising, presentations, promotional pieces and events. Media relations: Establishing mutually beneficial relationships with members of the media - from digital publications and social networks to production studios and news organizations - to support the accurate, appropriate and fair use of university information worldwide. Publications and digital properties: Creating books, magazines, newsletters, brochures, websites and other digital content that advance the university's mission. Visual communications: Producing photography, videography, graphic design and other visual assets that help create compelling stories. https://communications.uci.edu/.
The recently appointed Vice Chancellor (VC) for Strategic Communications and Public Affairs is cultivating the leadership team. The VC is looking for exceptional talent to join the team in elevating university strategic communications and public engagement to a new level. Together, they will serve UCI to further grow its affinity, advance meaningful connections, and champion the collaboration and successes of students, faculty and staff. The Director of Internal and Critical Communications (Director) serves as the lead responder to critical issues for UCI and as the key strategist for executive communications. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing a cohesive communications and public relations strategy that will build, enhance and/or protect the interests of UCI. The Director leads coordination in times of crisis, ensuring issue/crisis preparedness is aligned with overall UCI strategies and priorities. Drives rapid response communications and proactive campaigns centered on UCI's most pressing issues. The Director works effectively with executive leadership, translating complex, nuanced and, at times, jargon-laden information into clear, understandable and useful communications for a variety of audiences including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents. The Director serves as the primary communications strategist to build a proactive engagement strategy for UCI internal stakeholders. Creates communication pieces that serve as the critical bridge between the various UCI stakeholder groups and executive leadership. Deliver key organizational information on behalf of executives through a variety of formats to ensure UCI internal stakeholders are informed, engaged, and set up for success. Knows the leaders' high-level priorities and puts into specific ideas and concepts, an understanding of tailoring messages for different audiences. The Director operates at the highest level to develop broad-based strategies to highlight UCI accomplishments, events, activities, etc. to various constituencies including the media and general public. Deals with the most complex and sensitive issues and may act independently as UCI's spokesperson during press conferences and / or related events and in times of crises or emergencies. Serves as a resource to all location personnel in matters involving the media and strategic communications needs.
Total Compensation: In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
Ten plus years of experience working within a communications capacity, preferably serving large, complex organizations.
Demonstrated experience in responding to issues and crises through communication vehicles.
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Excellent community relations, crisis communications, communications strategy, and content development skills are crucial.
Skill to maintain confidentiality.
Expert verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Skill in thinking quickly and appropriately to effectively address potentially negative, sensitive or difficult situations.
Expert knowledge of all aspects of news, media communications, and media relations.
Expert skill in problem recognition, avoidance and resolution.
Expert judgment, analytical and decision-making skills and keen political acumen.
May require expert knowledge in a specialty area such as broadcast news including TV / radio, internet, social media and other emerging technologies.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with high-level academic and administrative leadership and senior departmental staff to identify communication needs and to conceive and execute programs and services to meet such needs.
Preferred:
Expert knowledge of all aspects of UCI, including achievements, mission, vision, goals, infrastructure, relevant policies / procedures and issues of concern in higher education generally and those issues of particular concern to UCI.
Special Conditions Required:
May work occasional evenings and weekends.
Conditions of Employment:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
Background Check and Live Scan
Legal Right to work in the United States
Vaccination Policies
Smoking and Tobacco Policy
Drug Free Environment
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.
The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or [email protected].
Job Opening ID: 43798Reports To: Vice Chancellor, Strategic Communications & Public AffairsWorking Title: Director of Internal & Critical CommunicationsDepartment: Strategic CommunicationsBargaining Unit: 99FLSA: ExemptPayroll Job Code: 000416Job Location: UCI Campus- IrvinePercent of Time: 100%Work Schedule: 8-5, M-FEmployee Class: Career Position Summary: Strategic Communications & Public Affairs collaborates across campus and the health system to advance UCI's reputation, mission, priorities and values through storytelling, relationship building, and an integrated communication approach that includes the following: Brand development and management: Cultivating an emotional connection and loyalty to the university by articulating the institution's distinctive qualities, encouraging a positive experience, and developing and protecting the university's identity, marks and graphic assets. Community relations & engagement: Creating opportunities for local political, community, and business leaders to engage with the university to support the connection between Orange County's dynamic economy and its premiere research institution. Executive communications: Strengthening the presence and influence of university leaders - globally, regionally and within the campus - through effective messaging and outreach support. Government relations and advocacy: Engaging elected and appointed officials at the federal, state, regional and local levels to promote our research, education, and public service activities. Internal communications: Providing outreach assistance and information for UCI's students, faculty and staff. Marketing: Developing effective tools and services to convey the university's message, including advertising, presentations, promotional pieces and events. Media relations: Establishing mutually beneficial relationships with members of the media - from digital publications and social networks to production studios and news organizations - to support the accurate, appropriate and fair use of university information worldwide. Publications and digital properties: Creating books, magazines, newsletters, brochures, websites and other digital content that advance the university's mission. Visual communications: Producing photography, videography, graphic design and other visual assets that help create compelling stories. https://communications.uci.edu/. The recently appointed Vice Chancellor (VC) for Strategic Communications and Public Affairs is cultivating the leadership team. The VC is looking for exceptional talent to join the team in elevating university strategic communications and public engagement to a new level. Together, they will serve UCI to further grow its affinity, advance meaningful connections, and champion the collaboration and successes of students, faculty and staff. The Director of Internal and Critical Communications (Director) serves as the lead responder to critical issues for UCI and as the key strategist for executive communications. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing a cohesive communications and public relations strategy that will build, enhance and/or protect the interests of UCI. The Director leads coordination in times of crisis, ensuring issue/crisis preparedness is aligned with overall UCI strategies and priorities. Drives rapid response communications and proactive campaigns centered on UCI's most pressing issues. The Director works effectively with executive leadership, translating complex, nuanced and, at times, jargon-laden information into clear, understandable and useful communications for a variety of audiences including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents. The Director serves as the primary communications strategist to build a proactive engagement strategy for UCI internal stakeholders. Creates communication pieces that serve as the critical bridge between the various UCI stakeholder groups and executive leadership. Deliver key organizational information on behalf of executives through a variety of formats to ensure UCI internal stakeholders are informed, engaged, and set up for success. Knows the leaders' high-level priorities and puts into specific ideas and concepts, an understanding of tailoring messages for different audiences. The Director operates at the highest level to develop broad-based strategies to highlight UCI accomplishments, events, activities, etc. to various constituencies including the media and general public. Deals with the most complex and sensitive issues and may act independently as UCI's spokesperson during press conferences and / or related events and in times of crises or emergencies. Serves as a resource to all location personnel in matters involving the media and strategic communications needs. Total Compensation: In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
$103,100.00 - $211,300.00 (annual) Department Website:https://communications.uci.edu/Required: Ten plus years of experience working within a communications capacity, preferably serving large, complex organizations.Demonstrated experience in responding to issues and crises through communication vehicles.Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.Excellent community relations, crisis communications, communications strategy, and content development skills are crucial. Skill to maintain confidentiality. Expert verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Skill in thinking quickly and appropriately to effectively address potentially negative, sensitive or difficult situations. Expert knowledge of all aspects of news, media communications, and media relations. Expert skill in problem recognition, avoidance and resolution. Expert judgment, analytical and decision-making skills and keen political acumen. May require expert knowledge in a specialty area such as broadcast news including TV / radio, internet, social media and other emerging technologies. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with high-level academic and administrative leadership and senior departmental staff to identify communication needs and to conceive and execute programs and services to meet such needs. Preferred: Expert knowledge of all aspects of UCI, including achievements, mission, vision, goals, infrastructure, relevant policies / procedures and issues of concern in higher education generally and those issues of particular concern to UCI. Special Conditions Required: May work occasional evenings and weekends. Conditions of Employment: The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:Background Check and Live ScanLegal Right to work in the United StatesVaccination PoliciesSmoking and Tobacco PolicyDrug Free EnvironmentThe following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting ActE-VerifyPre-Placement Health EvaluationDetails of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php.
Closing Statement: The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or [email protected].
Since 1965, the University of California, Irvine has combined the strengths of a major research university with the bounty of an incomparable Southern California location. UCI's unyielding commitment to rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and leadership and character development makes the campus a driving force for innovation and discovery that serves our local, national and global communities.