Communications Manager, Berkeley Space Center (7477U) #83312

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The Associate Provost for Berkeley Space Center leads campus coordination of programs for a proposed 36-acre innovation center at NASA Ames in the heart of Silicon Valley where academia, private industry, and government come together to identify, incubate, and launch tomorrow's technological breakthroughs. The project will focus on connecting and leveraging the combined capabilities of governmental and academic research with private industry's innovation, entrepreneurialism, and capital in a central location designed to foster collaboration across multiple disciplines including, but not limited to: aerospace, advanced aviation, quantum and high-performance computing, life in extreme physical environments, advanced materials and manufacturing, and other deep technology disciplines.

Position Summary

The Communications Manager for Berkeley Space Center will support the Associate Provost and their immediate staff. This position will develop and execute communications strategies to promote the Berkeley Space Center to internal and external audiences. Activities will include participation in branding, internal and external communications, change management, media relations, website development, content creation, and co-management of all Berkeley Space Center communications channels.

The First Review Date for this job is January 5, 2026. Applications will be considered until the job is filled.

Strategic Advisory:

• Provides strategic, dedicated communications counsel and support to the Associate Provost and project team by acting as a trusted advisor on messaging, segmentation, timing, etc. Advises and consults with other various internal stakeholders, including advisory board, working groups, departmental or college administrators, researchers and other campus leaders regarding all aspects of communications including developing strong communications strategies that effectively deliver the desired message, branding, policy interpretation, and problem resolution.
• Ensures consistent messaging and alignment with Berkeley Space Center goals and develops quality communications and other relevant materials to effectively support the Center's strategic objectives and departmental initiatives.

Internal Communications:

• Develops and manages internal communications strategies and brand identity for Berkeley Space Center across multiple channels including web, video, social media, newsletters, reports, print, broadcast, public events, and meetings.
• Directs all aspects of Berkeley Space Center's communications across a variety of disciplines, including content strategy, writing, editing, web design and management, graphic design, user experience, photography, videography, audio, motion graphics, event planning and production, and public relations. Manages changes in priorities, timelines, and workloads and takes corrective action as required.

Channel Management:

• Develops and manages content for the Berkeley Space Center's websites, newsletters/mailings, social media channels, publications, marketing collateral, videos, etc. to grow and manage a community of supporters. When relevant, work in partnership with internal and external organizations on the design, production, and distribution of information and promotional materials, including graphics, web content, press releases, catalogs, brochures, flyers, signage, presentations, press conferences, video and photo shoots, displays, exhibits, etc. to ensure compliance with Berkeley Space Center brand guidelines.

Public Relations, Media Relations, Reputation Management:

• Serves as media relations contact representing Berkeley Space Center in meetings with external PR agencies and members of the media. Works directly with agencies to develop external communications strategies for Berkeley Space Center, which may include developing press materials and communications assets.
• Serves as liaison to media, fielding requests and proactively pitching stories and interview opportunities for Berkeley Space Center leaders. Ensure effective message and media training for spokespeople (leaders/faculty/researchers) interviews and conducting message training with selected spokespeople (leaders/faculty/researchers) and third-party voices.

• Effectively manages issues and crises for both organizations, working with their leaders and key partners on rapid-response communications plans and stakeholder strategies. Monitor the internal and external landscape for relevant issues impacting Berkeley Space Center to be prepared for potential issues. Develops issues and crisis communications plans to effectively address issues, anticipate barriers and manage resistance. Provides updates and recommendations to Associate Provosts and project teams while working with Berkeley Communications & Public Affairs to support issues management.

Performance Analytics and Optimization:

• Researches, analyzes, monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of communication and outreach channels to ensure alignment with Berkeley Space Center's' values and mission. Recommends and implements improvements to communications programs, tools and processes accordingly.

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of all aspects of strategic communications, including strategic planning, media relations, issues and crisis communications and channel management, including social and web channels.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of technical applications to direct professional technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications.
• Knowledge of the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education.
• Advanced skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long- and short-term strategic communications plans.
• Advanced knowledge and skills on executive communications, with ability to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to target and/or broad general audiences.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• Advanced knowledge and skills related to social media and media relations, and developing strategic and authentic storytelling, including human-driven content placement with independent media and content providers.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

This is a full-time, career position that is eligible for full UC benefits. This position may be eligible for hybrid work within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with the supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and may be subject to change.

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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $82,800 to $126,100. The full range for this job classification is $82,800 - $149,800.

This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

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.