SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL & CREATIVE STRATEGY

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Department Overview
The Creative Services Department is part of the Communications Department within the External Relations and Communications Division (ER&C) at the UC Office of the President. The team collaborates with Division colleagues to share the UC story and showcase the University of California's accomplishments, values, and contributions through thoughtfully crafted digital properties and visually captivating creative products.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Communications ("AVP"), the Senior Director of Digital and Creative Strategy ("Director") leads the ideation, development, management, and execution of creative and digital products in support of the priorities of the UC Office of the President. The Director manages a team that shepherds websites and other digital projects from initial planning stages to launch, and helps steer the evolution of UC's flagship digital properties and program sites, works with cross-functional teams to manage UC's many digital properties and applications, and produces creative products, including print and digital, in support of UC initiatives and priorities. Under the direction of the AVP, the Director will work with fellow UC communications leaders and other internal partners to create and execute integrated communications strategies and initiatives in alignment with priorities. The Director will be responsible for improving processes and further integrating the team with other communications functions; managing and allocating department resources; overseeing analytics and performance measurement; and supervising outside vendors and agencies. The ideal candidate has a portfolio that reflects a passion for bold, creative ideas that express a strong, coherent institutional voice and position.

Key Responsibilities

65% Creative Strategy and Project Management: Oversee the end-to-end creative process for projects and across media from concept to execution, including strategy, design, production, and budget management. Ensure that projects are completed on time, on budget, and meet the highest standards of quality and creativity; actively participate in project development, leveraging expertise to create outstanding design and digital solutions. Work with multidisciplinary teams to achieve goals and complete projects, including IT staff, UC campus partners, external agencies, and other collaborators. Manage the allocation of the team's creative and other resources. Develop and implement metrics to drive decision-making, measure success, and guide performance improvement. Advise the AVP and other UC leaders and partners on design and digital strategy for major projects and initiatives. Build and maintain strong client relationships with tact and diplomacy, serving as a trusted strategic advisor. Collaborate with clients to understand their business goals and develop tailored strategies to achieve them. Advise senior leadership and partners on digital and creative strategy.

35% Team Supervision and Management: Recruit, hire, motivate, and lead a team with expertise in creative, UX, content strategy, research, and development. Provide creative direction, mentorship, and inspiration to the team, fostering a collaborative and client-focused work environment.

Required Qualifications
* 10+ years in a creative/digital leadership role such as creative director or similar, including at least eight years of operational leadership, process improvement, and team management.
* Deep experience with storytelling, messaging, and brand stewardship across formats and platforms.
* Expertise in project management methodologies and tools, with a proven track record of improving team productivity and project delivery.
* Experience creating and guiding creative strategies and project roadmaps.
* Strong analytical skills with proven experience in developing metrics to drive decision-making and performance improvement.
* Strong interpersonal communication skills, including tact, diplomacy, consensus building, and the ability to move projects through a highly decentralized and matrixed organization.
* Ability to foster a highly collaborative environment with a client focused approach to creative work.
* Ability to multitask, manage multiple projects at once, and meet tight deadlines.
* Adaptive and nimble leadership approach and comfort with somewhat unpredictable environments.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills.
* Highly skilled at problem recognition and avoidance.
* Strong experience with recruiting, hiring, and leading in-house, multi-disciplinary teams of creative, technical, and other professionals.
* Experience working in large, complex organizations.
* Curiosity about the future evolution of digital and creative work, including new tools and approaches, and a drive to stay up-to-date with best practices in digital design.
* Deep understanding of design principles and visual storytelling; understanding of standard design software and the broader world of digital development.

Preferred Qualifications
* Experience working in higher education and/or the public sector.

Education
* Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Job Title: Communications Manager 2

Job Code: 000409

Salary Grade: Grade 27

Payscale: $177,000 - $205,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: You belong at UC | UCnet

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis. Current policy requires that a new employee work on-site at least two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays ("anchor days").

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is December 16, 2024. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, 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, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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