Design Lab Communications Lead - 141284

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California San Diego seeks a Communications Lead for Design Lab to develop and execute a comprehensive digital marketing and social media strategy. You will manage channels including Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube to promote and strengthen the lab’s brand.

In collaboration with the Director, you will shape marketing for the MDES program and future degrees, supervise communications interns, and deliver high-quality content across web, graphics, video, and events, under

Qualifications

• Degree in communications, computer science, international relations, public policy or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent technical skills in web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and related digital tools.
• Strong knowledge of CMS and web applications used for production and organization-specific programs.
• Experience with Google and Microsoft suites and Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive digital marketing and social media strategy for Design Lab.
• Lead multi-channel campaigns across Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube to strengthen brand and engagement.
• Collaborate with the Director on marketing strategy for MDES and future degree programs; supervise communications interns.
• Perform other duties within scope and ensure content is accurate, accessible and on-brand.

Skills

Web production

Image handling

Publishing

Design

Illustration

Presentation prep

Animation

Adobe Creative Suite

UX design

Web interactions

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in communications or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Content Management Systems

Job description

• Payroll Title: DIGITAL COMM SPEC 3 CM
• Department: DESIGN LAB
• Hiring Pay Scale: $81,600 - $100,000 / Year
• Worksite: Campus
• Appointment Type: Career
• Appointment Percent: 100%
• Union: CM Contract
• Total Openings: 1
• Work Schedule: 8 hrs/day

#141284 Design Lab Communications Lead

Filing Deadline: Wed 9/23/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 9/14/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The Communications Lead will develop and execute a comprehensive digital marketing and social media strategy that advances Design Lab's engagement and targeted growth in support of Design Lab's mission. Engages target audiences through effective digital marketing channels and proactively leverages innovative online techniques and programs to ensure the lab is maximizing its online presence in support of strategic initiatives. Creates and implements a comprehensive strategy across social media channels (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube) to promote and strengthen Design Lab's brand.

Develops and implements solutions for a wide range of issues that impact communications processes. In collaboration with Director, develops a comprehensive marketing, communications and advertising strategy for the Master of Design (MDES) and future degree programs. Oversees, trains and provides work direction to the communications student interns. Other duties within scope of description.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in communications, computer science, international relations, public policy or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent technical skills in computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and / or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities.
• Thorough knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs. Experience with Google and Microsoft suites, Adobe Creative Suite, and other business and digital media tools.
• Strong demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals of design and user experience, including skill to design in an appealing, lively and relevant way.
• Strong demonstrated knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs.
• Strong ability to create clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, well-designed, and functional web sites that provide web content consistent with the organization's message and in keeping with management directives and client objectives.
• Thorough skills to develop and implement original ideas and correctly identify and effectively solve problems.
• Strong demonstrated experience in end-to-end digital storytelling including photo, graphic, and video production optimized for multi-platform publishing, audience engagement, and digital communications channels.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as a team member. Ability to coordinate multiple assignments, prioritize work, function effectively under deadline pressure, and fulfill assignments on schedule. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Thorough understanding of organization's processes, procedures, and applicable rules and regulations for web communications.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong ability to create clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, well-designed, and functional web sites that provide web content consistent with the organization's message and in keeping with management directives and client objectives.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Available to work evenings/weekends during peak periods.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $79,200 - $143,400 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $37.93 - $68.68

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 status under state or federal law.

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 an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

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