Assistant Director of Communications
POSITION DETAILS:
EMPLOYER: UC San Diego, San Diego, CA
TITLE: Assistant Director of Communications
CATEGORY: Editorial / Writing, TYPE: Full-time, SALARY RANGE: $59,700 – $124,300
JOB POSTING ANNOUNCEMENT: https://employment.ucsd.edu/assistant-director-of-communications-hdsi-120323/job/25436512
DESCRIPTION: The Assistant Director of Communications has an exciting opportunity to build a world-class communications plan for the Halicioglu Data Science Institute, the hub for data science research and education at UC San Diego. HDSI is an interdisciplinary institute that is the home of some of the nation’s most prominent researchers in data science and AI, in disciplines that range from computer science to medicine to philosophy. HDSI researchers are pushing the limits of our understanding of Data Science, exploring new computational methods and mathematical models, and guiding us through the societal and ethical impacts of data science.
The Assistant Director will serve as the primary writer and communication strategist for HDSI, which is in a period of rapid growth. Typical stories might include a spotlight on a student autonomous vehicle team or a research story on a new AI discovery. The incumbent should be an experienced science writer, talented strategist and reliable collaborator. The incumbent will advise the HDSI founding director on communication strategy, and collaborates regularly with other senior staff to shape, create and develop external and internal institutional relations objectives. The Assistant Director will execute media relations with local, regional, national and international news media, devising creative story pitches and proactively seeking media placements.
While the Assistant Director will serve as the lead communicator for HDSI, they will be a part of the larger communications team and have access to a range of subject matter experts and creatives. The Assistant Director reports to the Executive Director of Research Communications with a dotted line to Chief Administrative Officer within HDSI. This position develops communications strategies in coordination with University Communications & Public Affairs colleagues and in sync with HDSI objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS: Experience or demonstrated ability to provide communications support to campus leadership or executives.
Knowledge 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.
Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.
Demonstrated ability to multi-task and complete projects quickly in a fast-paced communications environment. Ability to comprehend academic research and/or technical industry activities and to write and translate the work in a way that is understandable to the general public.
Demonstrated ability to identify and effectively target and place newsworthy stories with local and national media in order to support overall strategic communications plan.
Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and / or broad general audiences.
Solid skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short term strategic communications plans.
Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
CLOSING DATE: September 30, 2023
CONTACT: Kellie Woodhouse