#140922 Asst. Director of Communications, Social Sciences

Filing Deadline: Tue 9/1/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 8/21/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Director of Communications serves as a communications professional for the School of Social Sciences. Provides communications support under the day-to-day direction of the Director of Communications for the School of Social Sciences and the administrative supervision of the Executive Director, Academic & Research Communications. The position develops and executes communications strategies that advance the School's mission and strategic priorities. The position works collaboratively with the Assistant Dean, faculty, staff, and campus partners to support communications initiatives across a broad range of academic, research, and public engagement activities.

Working both independently and in collaboration with the Director of Communications, creates and implements communications plans and projects for the School of Social Sciences. Independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for the School with moderately complex communications requirements. The communications program includes written, visual, digital, and electronic communications. Works with management to develop and execute communications strategies, plans, and projects that support School priorities. Supports executive communications needs for the dean as well as internal communications and content for the School. The Assistant Director of Communications promotes a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and acts in accordance with the principles of community. Provides superior customer service to internal and external constituents. Serves as a strong facilitator and liaison to advance the mission and goals of the organization. Actively, deliberately and thoughtfully infuses inclusivity and diversity throughout university communications.

Performs a wide range of duties in the following areas: internal communications support, editing and writing news briefs, profiles and features for various university and school publications. Also supports writing needs for web pages and other electronic media, community outreach, marketing plans, social media, and special events. Produces and/or coordinates multimedia content, including video concepting, scripting, filming, editing, and production for digital and social platforms. Exercises sound news judgment in identifying timely and audience-centered story opportunities. Demonstrates strong working knowledge of social media and experience using social media strategically in a professional setting. Understands the complex and fragmented media ecosystem and how to tailor content across earned, owned, shared, and emerging channels. Uses AI tools efficiently and ethically in support of communications work while applying independent critical thinking, editorial judgment, fact-checking, and professional standards. Manages department communications needs in absence of director. Works and collaborates regularly with other senior staff to shape, create, and develop communications materials to support the school's strategic communications plan and the priorities of the dean.

This is a hybrid position that will be required to be in the office three days a week and will sit in the School of Social Sciences.
Cover letter required for a complete application.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.
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.
Knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and / or broad general audiences.
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.
Thorough knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs.
Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications. Experience developing and coordinating multimedia communications, including digital, social media, and video content, to support strategic communications objectives.
Thorough technical skills in computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and / or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities.
Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education and / or health sciences.
Demonstrated ability to identify and effectively target and place newsworthy stories with local and national media in order to support overall strategic communications plan.
Thorough skills in understanding and effectively utilizing all news / media mediums including broadcast news, the internet, social media and other emerging technologies.
Thorough skills to create clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, well-designed, and functional web sites that provide web content consistent with the organization's message and in keeping with management directives and client objectives.
Solid skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans.
Experience with and ability to use and learn software including Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Cision, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CapCut, Sprout Social or similar software, MyEmma, SharePoint, WebEx, etc.
Demonstrated experience with photography and ability to obtain appropriate images and to use them effectively in communications.
Experience or demonstrated ability to provide communications support to campus leadership or executives.
Experience using analytics, earned media and other metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of social media campaigns, communications plans and websites.
Knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.
Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Cover letter required for a complete application.
Evening and weekend work occasionally required.
Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

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.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

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

University of California, San Diego

Latest Jobs

Asst. Director Of Communications, Social Sciences - 140922