DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVOCACY

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

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DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The University of California's Office of Federal Governmental Relations (UC FGR) is located at the UC Washington Center in Washington, DC. As the largest public research institution in the world, the university engages in numerous partnerships with federal education, health care and research agencies. Working with Congress, the administration, federal agencies and national organizations, UC FGR advocates for the university and its policy and fiscal priorities in education, research, healthcare and public service.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position, reporting to the Associate Vice President for Federal Governmental Relations, is responsible for leading the communications and advocacy-related activities in the Washington, D.C. office of the University of California's (UC's) Office of Federal Governmental Relations (FGR). This position requires detailed knowledge and understanding of the media and social media landscape, as well as current and innovative advocacy tools and strategies. The Director of Communications and Advocacy develops and executes strategic advocacy and communications plans in support of UC's federal priorities and oversees the design, development and execution of communications and advocacy materials for use with news media, congressional offices, federal agencies, the general public and members of the University community - including UC and campus leadership, Regents, faculty, staff, students and alumni - regarding federal, national and laboratory issues impacting the University of California. This position coordinates with UC Office of the President (UCOP) Strategic and Critical Communications on engagement with media on federal media inquiries and related strategies.

The position serves as an institutional representative with internal and external stakeholders - including in leadership roles with national associations and UC working groups - to provide input, advice and recommendations. The position will also coordinate across the system, including with student leadership, to provide counsel and support the implementation of communications and advocacy strategies and activities. The position will co-direct the University's grassroots advocacy network (UCAN) and its affiliated programming, providing strategic guidance for the overarching network and developing content for the network's activities. It will also manage and implement all federal campaigns and associated activities with the network's advocates to influence the outcome of federal policy matters as related to the University's priorities.

The University of California Office of Federal Governmental Relations supports the University's missions of teaching, research, and public service by representing the University in its relations with the federal government and other external audiences.

Responsibilities

• 50% Strategic Communications: Identifies communications needs and designs, develops and implements short and long-range communications plans in support of UC's federal priorities, including the development and distribution of written and digital content, marketing materials and other means of communicating the University's national, federal and laboratory-related policies, positions, achievements and efforts to internal and external audiences (e.g., fact sheets, talking points, background materials, newsletters, social media content/assets), which can include UC and campus, health center, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) and national laboratory leadership, Regents, faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as the news media, federal entities, and the general public. Evaluates the overall effectiveness of communications materials to ensure success and implements on-going improvements. Prepares and presents written materials and presentations for and to University leadership, including for the UC Board of Regents meetings, on federal issues, as well as for use in communications by University leadership.

Coordinates with UCOP Strategic and Critical Communications on engagement with media on federal media inquiries and related strategies. Assists in responding to media and public inquiries; proactively engages with DC-based media as appropriate; coordinates with campus, health center, UC ANR and national laboratory government relations and communications offices and the UC Office of the President regarding the release of University-related information; provides planning and coordination support at UC-related events; and supports senior Division of External Relations and Communications leadership, including the associate vice president of federal governmental relations and the deputy director, in conducting legislative, advocacy and communications activities associated with the University's federal, national and laboratory-related activities. Plays a leadership role in the ongoing activities of FGR and the Division of External Relations and Communications, including participating in meetings on behalf of FGR, including but not limited to meetings with systemwide social media managers and media relations teams, among others.

Serves as an FGR representative for projects that require cross-divisional communications and advocacy support. Provides communications support to senior Division of External Relations and Communications leadership, including the associate vice president of federal governmental relations and the deputy director, such as drafting official correspondence, presentations, talking points, remarks and other projects as assigned. Serves as senior representative with colleagues on the campuses, health centers, UC ANR and national laboratories and in the University's Division of External Relations and Communications, including those in Offices of Federal and State Governmental Relations, Alumni Engagement and Communications, to assist in ongoing alumni and advocacy-related activities as they relate to federal and national issues in Washington, DC and the region.

• 40% Advocacy: Serves as a senior advocacy strategist and expert advisor in Washington, DC, overseeing the design, development and implementation of short and long-range federal advocacy campaigns and initiatives to showcase the University and its federal priorities; identifies and incorporates new and innovative opportunities for UC and advocate engagement in support of UC's federal priorities, including coordinating efforts across External Relations and Communications and with systemwide colleagues. Co-directs UC's digital program for grassroots advocacy engagement as well as the associated programming. Develops and executes the network's strategic vision and goals - as well as creating the associated content and evaluating programmatic success - with particular focus on advocate growth and activation, storytelling, brand awareness, UC community engagement, data collection and organization, social media presence and rapid response.

Leads all federal components of the advocacy network, which are executed in support of UC's federal priorities, and provides expert advice and counsel to internal and external stakeholders. Serves as an FGR and division representative both internally and externally on matters related to the advocacy network. Serves as an institutional representative with internal and external stakeholders - including in leadership roles with national associations and UC working groups - to provide input, strategic advice and recommendations. Develops and maintains relationships with University stakeholders and campus, health center, UC ANR and national laboratory partners - including, but not limited to, leadership, students, staff, faculty and alumni - to understand the issues and needs facing the University in order to design and execute effective federal advocacy opportunities for the University community and to help cultivate informed and engaged advocates who can be activated quickly on key federal issues. Provides guidance and recommendations to FGR, UCOP and system colleagues for advocacy planning and execution, as well as follow up support; coordinates with campus, health center, UC ANR and national laboratory governmental relations and communications colleagues, as well as student leadership, to develop and execute virtual and in-person advocacy, communications and legislative strategies and activities.

• 10% Management: Supervises and manages the advocacy and government relations staff assistant.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' of increasingly responsible experience in communications, governmental relations or advocacy is required. Using institutional knowledge and awareness of constituent issues, designs, develops and implements short and long-term strategic plans, governmental relations activities, programs and events.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaborate with diverse groups of individuals.
• May oversee aspects of complex external relations programs, projects and events, including coordinating special programs and overseeing production of written or audio/ visual materials
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by target constituencies.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a dynamic environment with competing demands and strict deadlines.
• Ability to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and to address, resolve and / or mitigate problems or issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced project management skills, including ability to plan and implement successful events.
• Advanced knowledge of the legislative process, including procedures and the budget and appropriations processes.

Education

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

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
Federal Government Relations Profl 5

Job Code
000269

Salary Grade
Grade 28

Payscale:
$185,000 - $204,700, commensurate with experience

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: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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 August 14, 2025. 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.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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