Head of Strategic Communications & Partnerships (Hybrid)

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

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