Director of Strategic Communications (COMM MGR 1)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Excellent benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Retirement plans and financial well‑be

Job summary

University of California, Davis seeks a seasoned Communications Manager to lead a strategic, multidisciplinary program supporting ITS-Davis and the Energy & Efficiency Institute. You will guide messaging, branding, media relations, and public engagement to elevate research impact and university partnerships.

The role focuses on translating complex transportation and energy research for policymakers, industry leaders, and the public; overseeing staff, digital channels, publications, and events to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related discipline; or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing comprehensive communications programs in higher education, research, or similar complex organizations.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans across multiple disciplines.
• Experience supervising professional communications staff and managing multidisciplinary projects.
• Experience managing media relations, digital communications, publications, branding, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to translate complex scientific or policy information for diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and budget skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary communications program across the Transportation and Energy Research Cluster and affiliated centers.
• Oversee integrated communications across disciplines: marketing, digital, publications, media relations, social, web, events, and visual communications.
• Develop long- and short-term communications plans aligned with university priorities and institutional identity standards.
• Lead staff and contractors, ensuring timely, high-quality outputs within budget and resources.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public relations

Branding

Media relations

Digital communications

Project management

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Public relations tools

Job description

Under general direction of the Chief Administrative Officer and reporting to the Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies and the Executive Director of the Energy & Efficiency Institute, strategically plan, manage, and independently oversee a comprehensive, multidisciplinary communications program supporting the Transportation and Energy Research Cluster, including the Institutes’ affiliated research centers, initiatives, and academic programs. Develop and implement integrated communications strategies that advance institutional priorities, elevate the visibility and impact of research, strengthen stakeholder engagement, support fundraising and partnership development, increase student enrollment and engagement, and enhance the reputation of the Cluster at the regional, national, and international levels.

Serve as the principal communications advisor to institute leadership, faculty directors, and senior administrators on strategic communications planning, messaging, branding, media relations, issues management, executive communications, and public engagement. Manage a comprehensive communications program spanning multiple communications disciplines, including strategic communications, marketing, digital communications, publications, media relations, social media, web communications, multimedia production, events, and visual communications.

As a member of the Cluster’s leadership team, establish communications priorities, develop long- and short-term strategic communications plans, allocate communications resources, and evaluate program effectiveness through measurable outcomes. Ensure communications activities align with university priorities, identity standards, and organizational objectives while effectively translating complex scientific and technical research into compelling communications for policymakers, government agencies, industry leaders, sponsors, faculty, students, media, and the public.

Manage professional staff, student employees, and contracted communications professionals while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and service-oriented communications organization that delivers high-quality products within established timelines and available resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Extensive progressively responsible experience managing comprehensive communications programs in higher education, research, government, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans across multiple communications disciplines.
• Experience supervising professional communications staff and managing multidisciplinary communications projects.
• Experience managing media relations, digital communications, publications, branding, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific, technical, or policy information for diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and budget management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in communications, public affairs, journalism, marketing, business, or a related discipline; OR graduate degree in an energy or transportation related field of study, such as engineering, environmental science or policy, etc.
• Experience supporting research organizations, academic institutions, or federally funded research programs.
• Experience supporting executive leadership, fundraising initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
• Knowledge of transportation, energy, sustainability, climate, engineering, or public policy issues.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% - Strategic Communications Leadership
• 25% - Integrated Communications, Marketing, and Digital Strategy
• 20% - External Relations, Partnerships, and Organizational Engagement
• 20% - Program Administration and Personnel Management

Department Overview

The Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis) is the leading university-based sustainable transportation program in the world. Founded in 1991 to conduct and share multidisciplinary research on emerging and important transportation issues and to improve transportation education, the Institute now has more than 120 graduate students working with 60+ faculty. ITS-Davis's programs focus on energy and environment, advanced vehicle technologies, transit and active transportation modes, land use planning, consumer behavior, and new mobility—all with an eye toward contributing to sound regional, national, and international transportation policy.

The Energy and Efficiency Institute (EEI) at UC Davis is a leading university institution advancing impactful energy and energy-efficiency solutions. It is a specialized research unit under the UC Davis Office of Research that directs applied research through stakeholder engagement, innovation, research and development, education and outreach. The EEI focuses on solving critical energy challenges and improving energy use through research, education, and outreach. The EEI works at the nexus between energy and many fields, leveraging UC Davis's substantial strengths in lighting, HVAC systems, buildings, water, agriculture and food-production, sustainable transportation, fuel cells & batteries, economics, life sciences, health and well-being, as well as human and community development. The EEI partners with government, industry, and non-governmental organizations to generate societal benefits and impacts.

The Institutes, and their affiliated research centers, secure $25-30 million annually in extramural funding from public agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals. The Institutes also host two graduate programs in transportation and in energy, with over 100 affiliated faculty. The Transportation Technology & Policy Graduate Group (TTP) and the Energy Graduate Group (EGG) provide the interdisciplinary training required to tackle the transportation and energy challenges of the 21st century and beyond. TTP and EGG alumni become energy leaders and experts in government, the private sector, and academia.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/yr. - $208,500/yr. (Dept. budgeted range: $105,300/yr. - $140,000/yr. Commensurate with experience)
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: COMM MGR 1
• UC Job Code: 000408
• Number of Positions: 1
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Work in a busy office with constant interruptions and distractions, and constant traffic and noise from telephone conversations, visitors, staff, etc. Work flexible schedule to meet operational and business requirements as needed, may include evenings and weekends.
• Travel to meetings and offsite local, domestic, and occasional international locations including overnight stays.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

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 Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks