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University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) · 1 month ago

Executive Director of Communications

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$165K/yr - $180K/yr

5+ years exp

University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco is seeking an Executive Director of Communications to lead their communications and marketing team. The role involves developing and executing a comprehensive communications plan to enhance the institution's visibility and support its strategic goals.

Higher Education

Responsibilities

Consult with the Chancellor & Dean and others to anticipate and respond to sensitive issues, employing political acumen and diplomacy. Ensure public responses align with the school’s strategic priorities and positioning

Develop and lead implementation of a communications action plan aligned with the institutional strategic plan

Manage communications programs and projects to a high level of quality, effectiveness, and professionalism

Develop and execute news media engagement strategies and proactively monitor College and higher education issues and sentiment

Partner with UC Law San Francisco administrative offices and individual units to conceptualize, develop, and implement strategically valuable communications plans and projects. Primary partners include the offices of the Chancellor & Dean, Provost & Academic Dean, Associate Dean for Research, and CFO; Advancement, Enrollment Management, Career Development, Student Services, and Operations; plus, the school’s centers and clinics

Consult with and advise law school administrators and faculty regarding all aspects of strategic and creative communications, for example: defining goals, objectives, and tactics; identifying audiences and crafting targeted messages; creating communications materials; providing creative support; and evaluating results

Manage the school’s visual identity, overseeing the development and use of brand assets including seals and wordmarks, electronic and print stationery, other letterhead materials, presentation templates, flags and banners, branded merchandise, etc

Oversee the management of UC Law San Francisco’s external website—one of the school’s chief strategic communications vehicles—optimizing for effective messaging, user experience, and audience engagement

Oversee the timely writing and editing of news stories about the school

Manage the creation and production of a magazine (virtual or print), which will serve as the school’s primary news and features portal and alumni-engagement venue

Oversee, in partnership with the Academic Dean’s Office, a strategic communications plan to influence reputation among key audiences. Provide communications leadership and support to the school’s fundraising efforts

Manage professional staff responsible for helping to develop strategic communications initiatives, producing wide-ranging communication materials, managing specific communications functions, and providing communications advice and assistance to colleagues throughout the school

Hire, coach, and evaluate the performance of Communications Office employees

Ensure the high quality of all work conducted by the Communications Office. Accomplish projects within budget and time constraints

Present updates and describe initiatives to the UC Law SF Board of Directors at quarterly meetings of the entire Board and before the Board’s Committee on Advancement and Communications

Perform other communications and marketing duties as may be required to protect and strengthen the school’s reputation and advance its goals

Manage the budget for the Communications Office, including contracts, invoicing, and annual reporting

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

Strategic communicationsBrand managementMedia relationsProject managementDigital storytellingWebsite content managementFinancial managementStaff supervisionAnalytical skillsCreative supportAesthetic sensibilityPrint productionVideo productionAudio productionInterpersonal communications

Required

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field or equivalent experience required

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience required, including staff supervisory experience

Strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education, especially legal education

Knowledge of the culture and needs of the legal academy and primary target audiences in the field of law, including alumni, prospective students, prospective employers of students, the practicing bar and judiciary, and current and prospective professors

Knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn about UC Law San Francisco's history, achievements, mission, goals, policies, and practices—and understanding of how to use that knowledge to develop and lead an effective strategic communications program

Knowledge of marketing and user-experience principles to oversee website communications

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and project management skills

Knowledge of financial and personnel management, including understanding of management techniques, guiding principles, and best practices

Management skills to select, train, lead, motivate, and evaluate subordinate staff to produce high-quality work; skill to take corrective action as required

Skills to create, develop, and implement strategic communications plans

Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of effective messages to specific and general audiences

Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communications

High aesthetic sensibility and knowledge of professional design principles

Knowledge of print, video, and audio production

Strong skills to ensure production of high-quality work within budget and time constraints

Ability to lead and to participate in teams