Senior Director of External Relations, Programs, and Events (0458U) #85041

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). 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 full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

University Development and Alumni Relations increases support for and enhances knowledge of UC Berkeley through communications, public outreach, and fundraising. The department is responsible for centralized fundraising and donor engagement and works to strengthen unit development offices by consulting and partnering with campus fundraisers. University Development and Alumni Relations also handles a range of central activities and services encompassing events, communications, stewardship, prospect development, gift management, database management, and more.

Job Summary:

This position works closely with the Chancellor, top-level administrators, public figures, top-level donors, the Regents, faculty, alumni, and visiting national and international dignitaries in the development and implementation of special events and strategic programs for the University. Manages campus special events, programs, and ceremonies; advises on and oversees visits by heads of state and other dignitaries, acts as campus protocol expert, and administers the Chancellor's campus awards programs, which includes the highest campus honor. Manages and directs five professionals engaged in programmatic implementation for development and external relations programs, including Alumni and Parents Weekend at Homecoming, Discover Cal, Haas International, and Public Service Awards, Alumni Relations, and May and December Commencements.

The First Review Date for this job is: April 18, 2026

• Leads a team of campus external relations experts in the administration and oversees the administration and management of the university's highest awards (Berkeley Medal, Berkeley Citation, Chancellor's Citation, Chancellor's Distinguished Service Award), Volunteer Awards, Achievement Awards, Elise and Walter A. Haas International Award, and Peter E. Haas Public Service Award.
• Serves as a liaison to and provides support services through a team of highly technical external relations specialists and support staff for national alumni groups and key alumni leaders (i.e., the UC Berkeley Foundation Board of Trustees, Founders Pledge Alumni, and California Alumni Association). Serves as a primary point of contact for many of the university's principal gift donors (gifts yielding from $500,000 to $250,000,000+) on matters relating to attendance and participation at events and meetings.
• Leads the External Relations team in partnering with UDAR's marketing communications team in ERMC to create, develop, and implement strategic, integrated marketing and communications programs in support of UDAR's strategic goals. These programs are designed to ensure optimum participation and support from key alumni, donors, and constituents in support for UDAR and UC Berkeley priorities and initiatives.
• Consults with and advises senior management, including the Chancellor, on effective strategies for dealing with key constituencies and managing highly complex or sensitive subject matter or information, such as matters involving the Chancellor's Board of Visitors and the UC Berkeley Foundation, the University's top volunteer donors.
• Functions as a senior, authorized liaison for UDAR, and as the official liaison for visiting heads of state and other dignitaries, including collaboration with Berkeley strategic communications, global engagement office, and media relations to develop event programming, news releases, organize press conferences, arrange media appearances, and respond to media inquiries for UDAR, the campus, and the Chancellor.
  

• Minimum of several years of experience with key constituent relations, such as with alumni, major donors and/or vendors, and the ability to anticipate and address external and sensitive concerns while ensuring appropriate and adequate support for organizational concerns and issues. Strong ability to collaborate with various internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Strong ability to motivate, guide, and develop direct or indirect subordinate staff; minimum of several years of experience leading people, programs, and/or budgets and applying successful management/leadership principles.
• Proven success in leading people and programs that are highly complex and large; proven success in managing complex events and engagements.
• Demonstrates excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communication, and leadership skills as a manager, including attentive listening skills and the ability to think quickly and respond appropriately.
• Demonstrates excellent skills in advocating for and representing the organization/campus to its various publics; and advanced skill in making persuasive and compelling presentations of priorities and goals.
• Displays excellent analytical, negotiation, and political acumen developed through successful navigation of complex organizations and over multiple years of transferable experience.
• Demonstrates excellent ability to create, develop, and implement comprehensive and effective short and long-term strategic external relations programs and events and communication plans.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications required to effectively manage professional staff, including design concepts, various media, and publishing applications.
• Thorough knowledge of market research and current and emerging marketing trends and best practices, including strategies and technologies that leverage web-based and other digital/technical platforms.
• Demonstrates knowledge of current affairs and issues in education and/or nonprofit as well as bringing relevant expertise including short- and long-range strategic plans, vision, goals, objectives, ideas, infrastructure, programs, achievements, and/or awards.
• Requires the skill and ability to establish and maintain an environment of strict
  confidentiality.
• Excellent ability to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications, including navigating sensitive or complex issues or information.
• Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent experience / training
  

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and concepts of media relations.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. 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, analysis of internal equity, 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 anticipated budgeted range that the University reasonably expects to pay is for the position is $165,000 to $211,850. The full classification range for this role is $124,700 to $240,900.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct 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. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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.