Assistant Vice Chancellor, Executive Communications

About the role

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for External Relations and working closely with the Office of the Chancellor, the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Executive Communications serves as the strategic architect and primary driver of the university leadership's voice, profile, and message strategy. This individual will directly support the Chancellor and other senior executives, ensuring their internal and external communications align with the university's mission, academic excellence, and multi-billion-dollar research enterprise. In this role, the AVC frequently deals with privileged and highly confidential information. The AVC is both a high-level strategist, translating complex academic initiatives, scientific breakthroughs, and institutional policy into compelling narratives for diverse audiences, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, parents, and policymakers/community partners.

Responsibilities

• Executive Messaging & Speechwriting (40%): Serve as the primary speechwriter and content creator for the Chancellor, crafting high-impact speeches, keynotes, letters, presentations, congressional testimony, video scripts, and op-eds, while maintaining confidentiality of all privileged and sensitive information. Translate complex scientific, technological, and scholarly research into accessible, inspiring narratives that emphasize the university's societal impact. Research trends in higher education to ensure that speeches and publications reflect current issues and information, as well as UCSB and UC context. Ensure that all executive communications reflect the Chancellor's distinct, authentic voice while maintaining the overarching brand identity of the university. Craft rapid, accurate responses to protect brand reputation during volatile situations while managing panic and stabilizing morale.
• Strategic Communication & Thought Leadership (15%): Design and execute a proactive thought leadership strategy to elevate the national and global profile of the university. Use analytical and statistical data to effectively market and communicate the University's reach and impact both internally and externally. Identify high-visibility platforms, including prestigious academic conferences, global forums, and top-tier media outlets, for executive placement. Anticipate and prepare executive positioning for sensitive, high-stakes institutional issues, working in close coordination with crisis communications and legal teams.
• Leadership & Collaboration (40%): Lead and mentor a dedicated team of executive communications professionals and writers. Act as a trusted advisor to the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor of External Relations, the Chief of Staff and cabinet members, providing real-time strategic counsel on messaging risks and opportunities. Exhibit the confidence and tact to push back on executives, shape their public persona, and act as a strategic sounding board rather than just a tactical writer. Collaborate across the university enterprise—including the Office of Development (Endowment/Donors), Government & Community Relations and individual school Deans—to ensure message alignment. Contribute articles to various campus publications, such as The Current and UC Santa Barbara Magazine. Identify risks and map out clear, step-by-step communication plans to guide the university through transitions or restructuring. Provides training and mentorship; supervises and manages direct reports. Establishes goals and objectives for their direct reports, assigns duties, evaluates performance, and provides career guidance and professional development. Responsible for all aspects of employee performance.
• Digital & Multimodal Strategy (5%): Oversee the digital footprint of the executive office, including working closely with the Chief Marketing Officer to manage the Chancellor's social media strategy, web presence, and internal leadership briefings. Utilize data analytics and sentiment tracking to continually refine executive messaging and engagement strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Policy, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in executive communications, speechwriting, or public affairs, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within higher education, a complex non-profit, government agency, or a highly regulated industry
• Academic Literacy: Deep understanding of the culture, structure, and values of a major research university, including research funding mechanisms, academic freedom, and student affairs
• Versatility: Proven ability to rapidly shift tone and format—from a rigorous academic address to an empathetic campus-wide safety message or a high-stakes donor pitch
• Discretion: Flawless judgment and absolute discretion when handling confidential or politically sensitive institutional information
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and the most appropriate and effective applications
• Thorough knowledge of UCSB, including its mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure; strong knowledge of current affairs and issues in higher education
• Excellent skills to create, develop and implement long and short-term strategic communications plans
• Excellent 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
• Excellent management skills to select, train, manage, motivate and evaluate professional communications staff to produce high-quality work; skill to take corrective action as required
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management and problem recognition, avoidance and resolution skills
• Excellent skills to ensure production of high-quality work within budget and time constraints

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree or PhD in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Policy, or a related field is highly preferred

Pay

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $136,600 to $250,000/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $136,600 to $267,600/year.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support executive events or respond to breaking news. Occasional travel required to accompany executive leadership to events and national or international forums.

Benefits

Full benefits. Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards.