Director of Communications (5887C) - Divisions of Mathematical & Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences

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.

The Divisions of Biological Sciences and Mathematical & Physical Sciences are two of the four divisions in the College of Letters & Science, the largest unit on campus. The divisions bring together faculty, researchers, and students from astronomy, earth & planetary science, integrative biology, mathematics, molecular & cellular biology, neuroscience and physics. Core to both divisions is the importance of basic science research, the pursuit of fundamental discoveries that reveal truths about the physical world, the universe, plant and human biology. Likewise, teaching the next generation of scientists is an essential part of the stories that emerge from these divisions.

The Divisions of Biological Sciences and Mathematical & Physical Sciences are committed to hiring and developing staff who want to work in a high performing culture that supports the outstanding work of our faculty and students. This position serves as the strategic communications and marketing partner for the Deans and the division. The incumbent works as a member of a collaborative senior leadership team including the Deans, Associate Deans, Chief of Staff/Chief Administrative Officers (COS/CAO), Chief Development Officers (CDO), and Department Chairs.

The First Review Date for this job is: April 24, 2026 - Open Until Filled

Strategic Communications & External Relations - 35%

• Develops and manages comprehensive communications programs for two large and innovative academic divisions with complex communications requirements. The programs are deeply connected while also supporting distinct divisional priorities. Establishes communications strategy to broaden and deepen both internal and external audiences interested in Berkeley science. Oversees the use of multiple communications vehicles, including websites, newsletters, articles, faculty profiles, and social media.
• Serves as divisional liaison to campus public affairs, media relations, government affairs, development, and College communications, representing MPS and BSD in strategic initiatives of campus-wide importance. Coordinates interviews, meetings, tours, and special projects with senior campus professionals and external partners. Serves as the primary point of contact for divisional public relations activities, including selected high-level events, ensuring that both divisions are positioned as trusted and collaborative partners within and beyond the University.

Divisional & Departmental Communications Strategy - 20%

• Works with departmental administration to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long- and short-term communications plans and projects aligned with divisional communications strategy. Advises departmental leadership on messaging, communications planning, and issue resolution. Supports communications related to fundraising priorities and divisional initiatives. Oversees or creates presentation materials for Deans and senior leadership, ensuring timely and professional delivery.

Leadership of Communications Staff & Workflow - 15%

• Provides leadership for professional staff responsible for producing a wide range of communications across written, visual, and electronic media. Sets priorities and plans workflow in response to requests from Deans, CDOs, CAOs, and senior leadership. Reviews, guides, and approves work at multiple stages of completion and leads collaborative brainstorming sessions to ensure high-quality outcomes.

Program Execution, Quality & Project Management - 10%

• Ensures production of high-quality communications products that deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints. Manages multi-channel marketing plans and projects ranging from simple to complex. Supports long- and short-term strategic planning for MPS and BSD by coordinating internal and external resources to increase visibility and promote the divisions' and the University's positive identity locally, nationally, and globally.

Media Relations & Story Development - 10%

• Establishes relationships with industry and scientific journals and prepares articles for publication in collaboration with Public Affairs, UDAR, and Government Affairs. Serves as spokesperson and advocate for both MPS and BSD. Cultivates relationships with journalists to enhance media coverage, including pitching stories that elevate divisional programs and research. Leads development and placement of stories that increase public understanding and appreciation of MPS and BSD contributions.

Communications Operations & Production Oversight - 10%

• Manages staff and contractors responsible for producing divisional communications across written, visual, and electronic platforms. Oversees divisional websites, article production (technical and non-technical), presentation materials for Deans and senior leadership, and video creation.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Advanced knowledge of strategic communications, including planning, development, and execution across multiple media and platforms such as web, digital publications, social media, print, and external media.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and manage comprehensive communications programs for large, complex academic or research organizations with multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Expert written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific, academic, and organizational information into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Strong ability to advise and consult with senior leadership on communications strategy, messaging, and issue management in support of organizational goals and public visibility.
• Demonstrated skill in media relations, including cultivating relationships with journalists, preparing stories and articles, and positioning organizations for positive and effective external coverage.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines while ensuring high-quality work within established timeframes and resource constraints.
• Strong organizational and project management skills to plan, coordinate, and deliver communications initiatives across departments, divisions, and external partners.
• Ability to lead, guide, and coordinate the work of professional staff and contractors responsible for producing written, visual, and electronic communications.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality across all communications products, platforms, and channels.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with faculty, researchers, administrators, development professionals, and campus partners to achieve shared communications objectives.

• Broad understanding of higher education, scientific research environments, and the role of communications in advancing academic missions, fundraising, and public engagement.
• Knowledge of communications practices within large, decentralized organizations, including coordination with campus-wide public affairs, government relations, and development offices.
• Experience managing communications initiatives that support organizational branding, fundraising, and visibility at the local, national, and global levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess communications needs, evaluate options, and determine effective approaches across multiple audiences and platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive information, institutional priorities, and high-visibility communications.

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 $101,600 to $189,800 yearly ($8,466.67 to $15,816.67 monthly). This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.

This position will be governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Communications, Marketing, and Sales Professionals, represented by the UAW.

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.