Manager of Internal Communications

Payroll Title: COMM SPEC 4

Job Code: 5887

Job Open Date: 9/25/24

Application Review Begins: 10/10/24

Department Code (Name): PINF (NEWS & COMMUNICATIONS)

Percentage of Time: 100

Union Code (Name): 99 - Non-Represented

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): MSP

Salary Grade: Grade 24

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $94,400 - $95,868/yr. The full salary range for this position is $94,400 - $176,800/yr. Salary offers are determined 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.

Work Location: 1124 Cheadle Hall

Working Days and Hours: Mon - Fri; 8 am - 5 pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable:

Department Marketing Statement: The Office of Public Affairs and Communications is responsible for providing strategic communications support for UC Santa Barbara, working with both internal and external audiences. OPAC tells the exciting and important story of UCSB to the general public and our campus community. By working with local, regional, national and international print and electronic news media, the office strives to generate media coverage of the extraordinary development of UCSB as a leading research institution and of the people, programs, events and activities that distinguish the campus. In addition to its public information and media relations functions, the office designs and maintains the UCSB website and "The Current" news site about the University and the campus community, and produces major university publications.

Benefits of Belonging

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 and why You Belong at UC.

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

Reporting to and working closely with the Vice Chancellor for External Relations ("VC-ER"), the Manager of Internal Communications ("Manager") helps strategically evaluate, manage, and improve UC Santa Barbara's internal communications directed primarily, but not limited to, staff and faculty audiences. The position requires proactive and creative thinking about the range of work performed across UC Santa Barbara and how campus leaders can communicate in effective ways to diverse groups of staff and faculty to achieve strategic goals. The position also requires understanding of issues faced by a large and decentralized communications function, and candidates must have experience producing written content and other executive level communications in a multi-platform environment. The Manager serves as a key member of the communications team and will help to create and develop an overarching framework and communication plan that effectively and creatively conveys the UC Santa Barbara brand and leadership objectives to internal audiences. Working with the VC-ER and the Chief Marketing Officer ("CMO"), and campus leadership, the Manager will develop broad messages and create strategies for targeting the campus's internal audiences. Duties include writing, editing and coordinating message distribution with campus leadership. Monitoring metrics such as open rates to determine the optimal strategies for effective reaching members of the campus community, evaluating and rolling out new internal communications tools, and developing feedback systems. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional writing and copyediting skills and be highly organized and detail-oriented. Under the supervision of the VC-ER, the Manager is expected to work independently, determining and setting individual and programmatic goals and priorities. Work is reviewed in terms of meeting objectives, quality of work, the ability to build consensus and earn trust in a highly decentralized organization. #LI-KA1

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English or related area
• 7-9 years Relevant experience in communications, including internal communications.
• 7-9 years of experience using advanced skills to create, develop, and implement long and short-term strategic communication plans.
• 4-6 years of demonstrated experience using advanced skills to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications, ranging from developing effective communication strategies to appropriately responding to inquiries regarding sensitive or complex issues or information.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7-9 years of experience in higher education and/or the public sector, and/or in a highly decentralized organization.
• Awareness and understanding of digital communication channels, along with related business and consumer trends.
• Ability to synthesize results and identify an action plan to optimize future communications.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Ability and willingness to work some weekends and evenings in order to meet critical deadlines
• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

50% Developing Communications Strategies

• Supports the VC-ER and CMO in developing strategies for effective communications for internal audiences.
• Works closely with VC-ER and senior campus leadership to identify communications opportunities, needs and vehicles that further the university's mission, vision, and values.
• Participates as a representative of the Office of Public Affairs and Communication on campus committees.
• Builds trusted relationships with university leaders, based on a track record of reliability, results, and awareness of issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

50% Writing, Editing and Researching Communications

• Serves as lead internal communications liaison for the Office of Public Affairs and communications under the direction of the VC-ER and CMO.
• Oversees a strategic internal communications program that effectively keeps all constituencies informed about key initiatives, builds support for the university mission, and helps to create a climate of pride, engagement and inclusivity.
• Establishes internal communications strategies in conjunction with senior managers.
• Develops and manages strategic initiatives to inform and guide internal stakeholders on key issues; ensuring internal and external strategies are aligned.
• Manages complex comprehensive communications process, including written, visual, and electronic communications, for large, highly visible organization.
• Partners with and coordinates communications strategies with other campus offices: Human Resources, Office of Research, and Administrative Services.
• Works cross-functionally with key leaders and content experts across the university to identify and manage issues, explain and communicate the university's positions internally, and coordinate internal and external strategies.
• Provides advice and counsel to departmental or college administration on all aspects of communications, including strategic planning, effective messaging, and problem resolution.
• Plans and writes content for a variety of internal communications mediums.
• Creates systems of internal communications that work effectively for individuals and groups from a wide variety of backgrounds working in a diverse array of capacities.
• Researches, analyzes, and understands complex academic issues. - Convene collaborators in the Office of Public Affairs and across campus to advance internal communications objectives.
• Produces a variety of communication pieces in a variety of venues including written, visual, and electronic communications. Strong organizational skills to effectively manage multiple projects from inception to completion, adhering to deadline, ensuring production of high-quality products that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints.
  • For email communications, imports content into user-friendly HTML email editor, tests, and deploys to target segments (training provided)
• Identifies specific communications needs and develops the content and process for organizational improvements.
• Other duties as assigned.

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:

UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 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 Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
UC Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For more information:

University of California's Affirmative Action Policy

University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy

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