Director of Executive Communications

Position Number: 40027872
Payroll Title: COMM SPEC 4
Job Code: 5887
Job Open Date: 9/1/2025
Application Review Begins: 09/17/2025; open until filled
Department Code (Name): CHAN
Percentage of Time: 100%
Union Code (Name): 99 (Non-Represented)
Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff (Career)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Classified Indicator (Personnel Program): MSP
Salary Grade: Grade 24

Full Salary Range: Salary offers are based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable and consistent pay practices at the University. The full range for this position is $99,000 to $182,000/ year. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $99,000 to $139,600/ year.

Work Location: Cheadle Hall, 5117

Working Days and Hours: M-F; 8am - 5pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid

Special Instructions

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Benefits of Belonging

There is a reason UCSB has been named the Best Place to Work by our local media for several years running. Whether our employees are on our stunning campus, or working remotely or hybrid they tell us they value the flexibility, stability and rich benefits we offer. Come join us as we support the mission of one of the finest public institutions in the nation. UC Santa Barbara is consistently recognized for excellence across broad fields of study. Set alongside the glorious California coast, our dynamic environment inspires scholarly ambition and creativity.

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Duties

Independently oversees executive communications, working closely and regularly with the Chancellor on a communications strategy that expresses and supports the vision and mission of the university. Prepares a wide range of communications including speeches and presentations, reports to the Faculty Legislature, Foundation Board of Trustees and Alumni Board, international keynotes, media quotes and responses, campus memos, communications with UC Office of the President, public statements, interviews, award nominations, and general correspondence, with high visibility and consequence of error. Researches issues and special topics, consults with campus colleagues, writes reports, and works on complex communication projects requiring quick thinking and response, strong subject matter expertise, a high degree of political acumen and sensitivity to nuance, and an in-depth understanding of how to reach out effectively and respectfully to different audiences. Exercises diplomacy, tact, and discretion at all times; works with a high degree of autonomy while developing strategies and tracking multiple deadlines and priorities; is flexible, organized, thoughtful, thorough, and collaborative.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• 7-9 years of experience with writing/editing in higher education environment or related area
• Demonstrated ability to prepare speeches, presentations, and written communications for senior leadership across a variety of audiences.
• Strong judgment and political acumen, with the ability to navigate sensitive and complex issues.
• Proven skill in conveying complex information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.
• Experience engaging with media and public communications, including preparing leaders for interviews or public statements.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience with writing/editing for a senior leader or executive

Special Conditions of Employment

• Satisfactory completion of a conviction history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

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 allegation 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.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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

Job Functions and Percentages of Time

• 70% Communications- Prepares a wide range of written and electronic communications for the Chancellor, including keynote addresses, PowerPoint presentations, Regental items, briefing materials, reports, talking points and speeches, letters and email replies, and award nominations and references. Independently researches and ensures accuracy of communications, often containing sensitive and confidential information. Monitors the office's main email account to assist with prioritizing, tracking, and responding. Writes clearly and effectively, applying knowledge of journalistic standards and grammar and style guidelines. Exercises independent judgment and critical thinking, and ensures crucial deadlines are met. Works collaboratively with the Vice Chancellor overseeing Public Affairs and Communications and other senior administrative officers on various communications projects benefiting the campus as a whole. Coordinates with institutional communications team on social media and other projects. Maintains current knowledge of university programs, people, policies, and points of pride in order to help the Chancellor communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and serve as a resource for others. Works closely with the Chancellor to understand priorities and support achievement of strategic communications.
• 20% Special Projects and Analysis- Provides administrative analysis and support for the Chancellor and Chancellor's Office staff. Performs special projects or assignments that are sensitive or complex in nature, requiring a high level of initiative and care in execution and implementation. Works independently in a fast-paced and collaborative environment to prioritize projects and meet deadlines. Attends campus events where the Chancellor is speaking and provides support during major campus events including Regents' visits, Foundation Board of Trustees meetings, and Commencement. Coordinates with other office staff and makes use of shared resources (calendar, email, administrative records) in order to stay informed of the Chancellor's activities and priorities and anticipate potential needs and opportunities.
• 10% Back up Coverage- Primary backup to the Associate Chancellor and secondary backup to the Executive Assistant; cross-trains extensively in order to cover these respective desks during vacation or sick days, and to provide additional assistance as needed. Provides support for the front office, including responding to correspondents, callers, and drop-in visitors in order to assist with questions and concerns of diverse scope. Supports the service orientation and teamwork environment of the Chancellor's Office and assists with problem-solving. An essential staff member in the event of campus emergencies; on call to provide communications and administrative support to assist the Chancellor in responding to urgent and unfolding situations.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information:

* University of California Policy on Vaccinations

* Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Reasonable Accommodations

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