Head of Strategic Communications & External Relations Hybrid

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

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

UC Davis seeks a Communications Manager to lead a comprehensive, multidisciplinary communications program supporting ITS-Davis and EEI, driving visibility, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement.

The role oversees branding, media relations, digital strategy, publications, events, and visual communications, aligning with university priorities and translating complex research for policymakers and the public.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or 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.

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

Skills

Strategic thinker

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related discipline

Extensive experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations

Job description

UC Davis seeks a Communications Manager to lead a comprehensive, multidisciplinary communications program supporting ITS-Davis and EEI, driving visibility, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement.

The role oversees branding, media relations, digital strategy, publications, events, and visual communications, aligning with university priorities and translating complex research for policymakers and the public.