Associate Director of Communications (7477U), CEP Puente Project - 55163 About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
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We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , our Principles of Community , and our Strategic Plan .
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Departmental Overview
Since 1981, the Puente Project has led the state in providing equitable instruction, academic counseling, and mentoring to support students marginalized by the educational system. Its mission is to increase the number of educationally underrepresented students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn college degrees and return to the community as mentors and leaders to future generations.
The Puente Project commits to supporting staff and practitioners in their work towards the collective wellness for all, including students, faculty, staff, administration and the wider community. Puente provides practitioners with professional development that supports anti-racist, culturally affirming and humanizing practices. We believe that when participants engage with culturally responsive content, practice writing and self-reflection, and make authentic human connections, they are empowered to transform themselves and their communities.
The Puente Project is an inter-segmental program that is co-sponsored by the University of California and the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The Program is headquartered at UC Berkeley and housed within the Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP).
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: July 7, 2023
Responsibilities
COMMUNICATIONS LEADERSHIP, MARKETING, & BRANDING
In partnership with the Puente Program Directors, develops and implements long and short-term strategic communications plans and/or projects; an internal and external communication plan to keep site team members, and other external constituents informed; promotes understanding of priorities, publicizes progress and success stories, builds a narrative that grows a following for sustained and lasting support.
Develops and manages complex comprehensive and strategic communications programs to frame Puente's vision, mission, strategic priorities, and objectives, and work for internal and external audiences.
Manages comprehensive communications programs, including written, visual, and social media, and electronic communications.
Provides a compelling internal and external view of the impact of
Puente on the positive lived experiences of students, breaking down barriers, responsiveness to issues of social justice and equity, and ensuring key audiences fully understand, become advocates for, and embrace the unique and impactful qualities of Puente.
Provides strategic input and analysis on communications, including effective messaging, especially on emergent, current events that affect marginalized communities.
Creates messaging protocols and identifies specific communications needs of Puente and develops the content and process for improvements.
Monitors "new media" and develops strategies to ensure the impact of the Puente Project is well-messaged and understood.
Provides direction and leadership of a multifaceted communications strategy (social media, websites, email, print, agendas, online resources and curricula, visual and audio messaging, etc.).
Ensures production of high-quality communications that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints.
Regularly produces departmental reports on equity, inclusion, and diversity outcomes and metrics for campus/divisional/departmental leadership, UC Office of the President (UCOP),
Community College Chancellor's Office (CCCCO), current and potential funders, and other stakeholders.
Communicates with Puente directors regarding departmental, divisional, and UC policy changes in regard to data, communications, and branding.
Maintains awareness of campus protocols and tools for greater efficacy.
Works on multiple complex projects/communications pieces simultaneously.
Work priorities often change daily to address unexpected situations and needs.
WEBSITE, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATION & PRODUCTION
Responsible for planning, production, and oversight of all communications platforms and outreach, including multiple websites, reports, videos, surveys, newsletters, publications, materials for high-level donors, and branded digital communications.
Builds and maintains the Puente websites to ensure they are up to date and provide the general public with the most accurate information about the department, its programs, and college-going knowledge.
Develops toolkits and branding templates and works with Puente Faculty to maintain consistency.
Advises on and implements a social media presence.
Works with Puente directors to increase visibility, elevate the work in the department, and provide communications counsel and cohesion.
Assists program directors in cross-promotion of achievements and events; monitors overall communications activity to ensure equitable messaging and promotion of programs.
Responsible for managing and working with communications vendors, such as printers, copy editors, and web designers and developers.
May oversee part-time staff or a team of student employees to implement the communications vision.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Partners with campus communications and UC/CCCCO analysts to assist in communicating and advancing the needs, strategies, and priorities of Puente, especially around branding, and campus partnerships, and cultivates and maintains relationships with a network of communications providers.
In collaboration with the institutional research analyst, develops and implements suitable metrics and feedback mechanisms to ensure communication of programs, achievements, and goals.
Partners with University Development & Alumni Relations to assist in communicating and advancing the needs, strategies, and priorities of Puente, especially around Berkeley's Big Give and annual giving program.
With Directors, prepares Annual Reports for educational partners and sponsors.
Serves on campus communications groups, task forces, and work teams.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Attends classes, seminars, and conferences that enhance expertise and professional development.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Advanced skills to create, develop, and implement long- and short-term strategic communication plans.
Advanced skills in advising and consulting management on the full range of communications, including developing effective communication strategies, audience messaging, brand-building initiatives, media, policy, and publishing.
Advanced skills and experience in writing a variety of materials for external and internal audiences including press releases, website content, op-ed pieces, promotional/marketing materials, and website and social media content.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications, tact, and political acumen to effectively represent Puente, particularly around issues of equity for low-income, first-generation-college, underrepresented groups.
Thorough knowledge of or ability to learn about the organization, including its mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure; strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education, the current context of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, and impacts.
Excellent analytical, critical thinking, research, project management, and problem recognition, including sound judgment, decision-making, and problem-resolution skills.
Demonstrated experience in creating or implementing social media and website communications methods and tools.
Ability to produce communication pieces under tight timelines while managing input from multiple key stakeholders, and ensuring that content is accurate, up-to-date, informative, and responsive to input from various stakeholders and leaders.
Advanced knowledge and understanding of technical applications to direct professional technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.
Advanced knowledge and experience with editing and copyediting best practices.
Advanced knowledge of a complex and changing body of communications tools, including publishing software, social media channels, analytics software, and website content management systems.
Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
Occasional evening work may be required.
Knowledge and experience working with low-income, first-generation students and their families.
Education/Training:
Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Preferred Qualifications
Education/Training
Master's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Salary & Benefits
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 budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $80,000.00 - $125,000.00.
This is a 100% full-time (40 hours per week), career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
This position is exempt and paid monthly.