Communications and PR Manager

About Us

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

In 2008, UC Irvine School of Law was founded on an ambitious promise: to rethink legal education, elevate public service, and shape a new generation of lawyers equipped to lead with purpose. Eighteen years later, that vision is flourishing. From pioneering scholarship to transformative advocacy, UC Irvine Law has become a national model for innovation, impact, and community. The Law School's unique history fosters a commitment to interdisciplinary and global perspectives, along with a deep commitment to public service, skills training, experiential and hands-on learning, and advancing important research in a supportive environment. UC Irvine Law's dedication to innovation and quality is reflected in our national rankings, with programs consistently ranked at the top for faculty scholarship, innovation, clinical education, practical training, legal writing, and commitment to improving legal education.

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Assistant Dean for Communications, the Communications and PR Manager will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, integrated communications and public relations strategy for the UC Irvine School of Law. This individual will be responsible for shaping and promoting the law school's brand identity across all channels including the school website, social media platforms, email newsletters, marketing materials, media outreach, and special publications. The ideal candidate is a skilled storyteller, strategic thinker, and relationship-builder who thrives in a fast-paced academic environment and understands the unique communications landscape of a professional school within a major research university. This role requires both the creative sensibility to craft compelling narratives and the analytical mindset to determine communications platforms, measure impact, and refine strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic communications plans that advance institutional priorities.
• Exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Work independently while managing multiple competing priorities.
• Build productive relationships with faculty, administrators, students, alumni, journalists, and external partners.
• Meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Adapt communications for multiple audiences and platforms.
• Exercise creativity while maintaining institutional voice and brand standards.
• Respond effectively in high-pressure or rapidly changing situations.

Requirements

• Understanding of legal education, legal scholarship, or professional education environments.
• Knowledge of principles and best practices of strategic communications, public relations, and media relations.
• Experience with higher education communications and marketing.
• Proficiency in news writing, feature writing, editorial standards, and AP Style.
• Experience with digital communications, WordPress, Constant Contact, and Canva.
• Experience with brand management and institutional messaging.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling abilities.
• Strong media relations and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent interviewing and research skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal and academic topics into compelling, accessible content.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Strong presentation and verbal communication abilities.
• Analytical skills to evaluate communications effectiveness using data and metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, media relations, or higher education communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in communications within higher education, law schools, legal organizations, or nonprofit institutions.
• Familiarity with legal scholarship and legal education.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or similar design tools.
• Experience using content management systems and email marketing platforms.

Pay

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $79,200 - $90,000 (Annual).

Benefits

In addition to the salary range listed, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks.