About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world’s leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

The UC Berkeley Labor Center conducts research and education on issues related to labor and employment. The Labor Center’s curricula and leadership training serve to educate a diverse new generation of labor leaders. The Labor Center carries out policy relevant research on topics such as job quality and workforce development, and works with unions, policymakers and other stakeholders to develop innovative policy perspectives and programs. The Labor Center provides an important source of research and information on unions and the changing workforce for students, scholars, policymakers and the public. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a high-impact, high-visibility organization and to work with a nationally-recognized team of researchers, policy analysts, and educators.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Planning

• Works with the Chair and program leads to develop comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans for the Center and its programs, including goals, measures of success, action items, and resources.
• Identifies and assesses communications opportunities and vehicles that could advance the objectives of the Center and amplify its voice.
• Provides advice and counsel throughout the Center on all aspects of internal and external communications, including strategic planning and effective messaging.
• Occasional consultation and support in crisis and change communications.
• Works with Labor Center leadership to build an institutional identity that represents the Labor Center’s mission and activities to key stakeholders and audiences.

General Communications Oversight

• Develops and oversees a complex comprehensive communications program, including written, visual, and electronic communications for the Labor Center and its programs.
• Develops and executes comprehensive release plans for all publications, including overseeing production, developing a media strategy/outreach, press releases, and pitches, coordinating press calls/webinars, and social media and email content.
• Directs the creation of outreach materials and promotion plans for trainings, events, and student programs.
• Provides oversight and improves the effectiveness of the Labor Center's web and social media presence and email communications, in coordination with relevant Labor Center staff.
• Oversees the production of print and digital materials, publications, blog posts, videos e-newsletters, annual reports and brochures, and web and social media content.
• Ensures that our communications are disseminated in an appropriate and accessible format on various platforms, including the website, social media channels, and email communications.
• Provides guidance and execution on non-recurring special projects, including fundraising initiatives, webinars, and events.
• Manages comprehensive communications programs, including written, visual, digital, and electronic communications.
• Works with departmental, college, or division administration to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans.

Media Relations

• Develops and implements strategic media relations and editorial activities; promotes the Center’s experts, research, and programs; and expands the reach of the Center’s presence among media outlets and other audiences.
• Handles incoming inquiries from the media, and determines the most appropriate internal expert per request, briefs reporters when necessary, briefs the expert on the journalist and news outlet, and helps arrange interviews.
• Writes, pitches, and places stories with key media outlets.
• Identifies key media contacts, outlets, and markets to maximize coverage of news and support strategic communications goals; maintains updated media lists.
• Develops and strengthens ties with local, national, and international reporters, editors, and producers to assure optimal visibility for the Center.
• Engages, enlists, and trains staff to serve as spokespeople for the Center; provides staff with media training and coaching for print, radio, and broadcast opportunities.
• As assigned, handles breaking news situations, including developing strategies for dealing with sensitive and/or controversial issues.

Operations

• Provides supervision, coaching, and professional skills development to two communications staff with the possibility of supervising student workers.
• Oversees communications infrastructure, including Salesforce, Mailchimp, website, and social media content management.
• Prepares and manages communications budget.
• Identifies specific communications needs and develops the content and process for organizational improvements.
• Review, strengthen, and manage the Center’s branding, visual identity, and style guidelines.
• Oversees a special website project to ensure that it is compliant with new accessibility standards.
• Participates in internal culture development and diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience creating, developing, and implementing long and short-term strategic communication plans.
• Experience directing and working with organizational leadership on all aspects of communications, ranging from developing effective communication strategies to appropriately responding to inquiries regarding sensitive or complex issues or information.
• Advanced skill in creating clear and effective communications materials, including websites, promotional materials, newsletters, and press releases.
• Strong ability to creatively identify newsworthy stories and events.
• Experience raising the profile of an organization to a range of stakeholder audiences.
• Familiarity with graphic design applications and web-based technologies (Adobe products, WordPress, and contact management systems) to effectively direct staff who perform technical work.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication; active listening; and political acumen skills.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking, project management, problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• Experience supervising the work of communications, publications, or other staff.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with academic research settings.
• Familiarity with and/or ability to learn UC Berkeley communications protocols.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience.

Salary & Benefits

• This is a full-time (40 hours per week), career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
• This position is exempt and paid monthly. The annual salary for this role is commensurate with experience within the range of $97,000.00 - $125,000.00.
• For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume when applying.

Other Information

This is a hybrid position, eligible for 60% remote capability.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California 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, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant see: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf