Assistant Vice Chancellor, Executive Communications

Job Posting Details

Position Number: 41264124

Payroll Title: COMM MGR 2 (000409)

Job Code: 000409

Job Open Date: 9/1/26

Application Review Begins: 9/17/26

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

Percentage of Time: 100

Union Code: 99 – Non-Represented

Employee Class: Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description: MSP - Managers & Senior Professionals

Salary Grade: Grade 27

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $136,600 to $250,000/year. 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. The full salary range for this position is $136,600 to $267,600/year.

Work Location: Cheadle Hall

Working Days and Hours Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations)

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

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.

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Brief Summary Of Job Duties Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for External Relations and working closely with the Office of the Chancellor, the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Executive Communications serves as the strategic architect and primary driver of the university leadership’s voice, profile, and message strategy. This individual will directly support the Chancellor and other senior executives, ensuring their internal and external communications align with the university’s mission, academic excellence, and multi-billion-dollar research enterprise. In this role, the AVC frequently deals with privileged and highly confidential information. The AVC is both a high-level strategist, translating complex academic initiatives, scientific breakthroughs, and institutional policy into compelling narratives for diverse audiences, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, parents, and policymakers/community partners.

Required Qualifications: Writing for a Tier-1 research institution requires a rare blend of intellectual curiosity and organizational diplomacy. The ideal candidate can navigate complex faculty governance models just as easily as a corporate media scrum.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Policy, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in executive communications, speechwriting, or public affairs, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within higher education, a complex non-profit, government agency, or a highly regulated industry.
• 10+ years Academic Literacy: Deep understanding of the culture, structure, and values of a major research university, including research funding mechanisms, academic freedom, and student affairs.
• 10+ years Versatility: Proven ability to rapidly shift tone and format—from a rigorous academic address to an empathetic campus-wide safety message or a high-stakes donor pitch.
• 10+ years Discretion: Flawless judgment and absolute …