Director of Strategic Communications (COMM MGR 1)

Under general direction of the Chief Administrative Officer and reporting to the Director of the Institute of Transportation Studies and the Executive Director of the Energy & Efficiency Institute, strategically plan, manage, and independently oversee a comprehensive, multidisciplinary communications program supporting the Transportation and Energy Research Cluster, including the Institutes' affiliated research centers, initiatives, and academic programs. Develop and implement integrated communications strategies that advance institutional priorities, elevate the visibility and impact of research, strengthen stakeholder engagement, support fundraising and partnership development, increase student enrollment and engagement, and enhance the reputation of the Cluster at the regional, national, and international levels.

Serve as the principal communications advisor to institute leadership, faculty directors, and senior administrators on strategic communications planning, messaging, branding, media relations, issues management, executive communications, and public engagement. Manage a comprehensive communications program spanning multiple communications disciplines, including strategic communications, marketing, digital communications, publications, media relations, social media, web communications, multimedia production, events, and visual communications.

As a member of the Cluster's leadership team, establish communications priorities, develop long- and short-term strategic communications plans, allocate communications resources, and evaluate program effectiveness through measurable outcomes. Ensure communications activities align with university priorities, identity standards, and organizational objectives while effectively translating complex scientific and technical research into compelling communications for policymakers, government agencies, industry leaders, sponsors, faculty, students, media, and the public.

Manage professional staff, student employees, and contracted communications professionals while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and service-oriented communications organization that delivers high-quality products within established timelines and available resources.

Apply By Date

October 29, 2026 at 11:59pm

RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Extensive progressively responsible experience managing comprehensive communications programs in higher education, research, government, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans across multiple communications disciplines.
• Experience supervising professional communications staff and managing multidisciplinary communications projects.
• Experience managing media relations, digital communications, publications, branding, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific, technical, or policy information for diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and budget management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in communications, public affairs, journalism, marketing, business, or a related discipline; OR graduate degree in an energy or transportation related field of study, such as engineering, environmental science or policy, etc.
• Experience supporting research organizations, academic institutions, or federally funded research programs.
• Experience supporting executive leadership, fundraising initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
• Knowledge of transportation, energy, sustainability, climate, engineering, or public policy issues.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% - Strategic Communications Leadership
• 25% - Integrated Communications, Marketing, and Digital Strategy
• 20% - External Relations, Partnerships, and Organizational Engagement
• 20% - Program Administration and Personnel Management

Department Overview

The Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis) is the leading university-based sustainable transportation program in the world. Founded in 1991 to conduct and share multidisciplinary research on emerging and important transportation issues and to improve transportation education, the Institute now has more than 120 graduate students working with 60+ faculty. ITS-Davis's programs focus on energy and environment, advanced vehicle technologies, transit and active transportation modes, land use planning, consumer behavior, and new mobility-all with an eye toward contributing to sound regional, national, and international transportation policy.

The Energy and Efficiency Institute (EEI) at UC Davis is a leading university institution advancing impactful energy and energy-efficiency solutions. It is a specialized research unit under the UC Davis Office of Research that directs applied research through stakeholder engagement, innovation, research and development, education and outreach. The EEI focuses on solving critical energy challenges and improving energy use through research, education, and outreach. The EEI works at the nexus between energy and many fields, leveraging UC Davis's substantial strengths in lighting, HVAC systems, buildings, water, agriculture and food-production, sustainable transportation, fuel cells & batteries, economics, life sciences, health and well-being, as well as human and community development. The EEI partners with government, industry, and non-governmental organizations to generate societal benefits and impacts.

The Institutes, and their affiliated research centers, secure $25-30 million annually in extramural funding from public agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals. The Institutes also host two graduate programs in transportation and in energy, with over 100 affiliated faculty. The Transportation Technology & Policy Graduate Group (TTP) and the Energy Graduate Group (EGG) provide the interdisciplinary training required to tackle the transportation and energy challenges of the 21st century and beyond. TTP and EGG alumni become energy leaders and experts in government, the private sector, and academia.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/yr. - $208,500/yr. (Dept. budgeted range: $105,300/yr. - $140,000/yr. Commensurate with experience)
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: COMM MGR 1
• UC Job Code: 000408
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting or or .

• High quality and low-cost to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for and coverage for you and your family
• for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including , , , , accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• , , and for eligible employees
• and Family Care discounts and resources
• to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• and for eligible employees

Physical Demands