Director, Marketing and Communications - 133195

In 2022, businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford committed $150 million to the creation of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego. This gift combines current infrastructure with new Centers intended to leverage the advantages of space-based science, including expansion and, in some ways, quite literally launch stem cell research and regenerative medicine at UC San Diego into new spaces, endeavors, and training of future stem cell scientists.

Sanford Stem Cell Institute provides essential physical and human resources needed to leverage stem cell research currently being conducted at UC San Diego. Due to the complexity of regenerative medicine projects and substantial institutional investment, daily Sanford Stem Cell Institute personnel work with all nine Vice Chancellor areas: Academic Affairs; Research Affairs; Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion; Student Affairs; Marine Sciences; Health Sciences; Health System; Chief Financial Officer; Advancement; Resource Management and Planning.

As part of UC San Diego, Sanford Stem Cell Institute motivates University-wide change, sustainability, and partnership, focusing on creating the structure under which various innovative regenerative medicine units and initiatives are developed.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute builds upon a $100 million gift in 2013 from T. Denny Sanford that established UC San Diego as a leader in developing and delivering the therapeutic promise of human stem cells - special cells with the ability to develop into many different cell types and which, when modified and repurposed, have the potential to treat, remedy or cure a vast array of conditions and diseases.

The new UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute includes six stem cell centers led by Center Directors and Deputy Directors.

1. Sanford Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) Center, for stem cell research that will be conducted in a laboratory bay located aboard the International Space Station currently in low-Earth orbit.

2. Sanford Stem Cell Fitness and Space Medicine Center, which conducts in-depth space fitness and orbital medicine that can benefit both astronauts and people living on Earth.

3. Sanford Stem Cell Innovation Center, which will support regenerative medicine company development, including contract research in low-Earth orbit.

4. Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center, which conducts basic and translational stem cell research.

5. Sanford Advanced Therapy Center, which provides fundamental tools and services to move basic research findings to next stages, such as early phase trials.

6. Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, which conducts research to accelerate relevant drug and therapy development in regenerative medicine, including clinical trials.

The Director, Marketing and Communications for the Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI) reports to the Executive Director of the SSCI and in tandem with the Executive Director of Strategic Communications for UC San Diego Health Sciences to serve as the primary marketing and communications lead for the SSCI. Incumbent is responsible for developing, and implementing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy plan for the institute and its six centers.

With dual reporting to the Executive Director of the SSCI and the Executive Director of Strategic Communications for Health Sciences, this position is responsible for the leadership in setting overarching strategic marketing & communication priorities and devising programs that support institute-wide objectives. This position is required to keep abreast of best practices in the field, and remain up-to-date on current trends and new technologies.

The Director will serve as a direct supervisor to the SSCI Marketing and Communications team, leading to analyze and resolve problems, interpret policies and demonstrate solid subject matter knowledge. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action. Supervises staff to assure accountability and stewardship of department resources (operational, financial, and human) in compliance with departmental goals and objectives. Sets performance expectations, evaluates results, and provides guidance and direction on complex communications issues. In addition, serves as an advisor on all aspects of effective communications involving a variety of communication disciplines such as writers, editors, visual and electronic communications specialists, and support staff.

The incumbent collaborates with Health Sciences Communications colleagues to develop, implement and share news, content, collateral and campaigns that highlight SSCI's key initiatives, both internally and externally, with key stakeholders and target audiences. Key areas of responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic programs focused on enhancing SSCI's visibility and name, overseeing public outreach campaigns and initiatives across diverse audiences to enhance awareness of stem cell science, and clinical trials, highlighting the accomplishments of SSCI at the local, national and international levels, and working with high profile civic, business and community organizations to grow the Institute's presence and reputation.

The incumbent leads the planning, coordination and execution of strategic communications and marketing programs to foster increased awareness, understanding and support for SSCI's mission, vision, accomplishments and needs among internal and external constituencies. Works closely with the SSCI Directors, Co-Directors, Deputy Directors, and staff of all six centers including the Brain Tumor Program and SSCI clinics. In addition, the incumbent provides guidance on engagement with external constituencies and opportunities for growth.

• Nine years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus five years of related experience/training.

• 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.

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of technical applications to direct professional technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications. Experience using 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. Experience with and ability to use and learn software or platform including Adobe suite, Newsletter tools, Blog tools, Website platform management, etc.

• Advanced knowledge of the organization, including its mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure; strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education and/or health sciences.

• Advanced skills to create, develop, and implement long and short term strategic communication plans. 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.

• Advanced skills to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications, ranging from developing effective communication strategies to appropriately responding to inquiries regarding sensitive or complex issues or information.

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills. Advanced written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.

• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.

• Thorough knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally.

• Solid supervisory skills to select, train, lead, direct, guide, motivate and evaluate professional and/or support staff to produce high-quality work; skill to take corrective action as required.

• Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications. Thorough understanding and experience in all news/media mediums, including the internet, social media and other emerging technologies.

• Proven skill to promote diversity of the workforce, professional development, recruitment, mentoring, encourage cross-training, and retention strategies.

• Demonstrated record of leadership of creative staff to develop and implement the highest-quality video, print, web, and collateral materials for all manner of campaigns and marketing initiatives.

• Extensive knowledge of different modes and sensitivities required for managing effective communications with a diverse array of audiences and cultures at local, regional, national, and international scales. Extensive knowledge of and experience with the most effective communication methods for various audiences.

• Demonstrated background in conceptualizing, organizing, implementing and promoting special events.

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, project management and problem recognition, avoidance and resolution skills.

• Demonstrated skill to create and implement marketing concepts and practices, positioning, advertising mix, and promotional campaigns to best position Institution and Centers both internally and externally.

• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

• Master's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training preferred.

• Six or more years of progressive management/leadership experience.

• Experience working with community-based organizations, direct health-services providers, researchers, professional associations, and businesses. Demonstrated working skills to produce and deliver programs and conduct needs assessments.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.