Strategic Communications Lead for Research & Climate Tech

About BIDMaP The Bakar Institute of Digital Materials for the Planet (BIDMaP) at the University of California, Berkeley is a multidisciplinary research institute focused on accelerating the discovery and deployment of advanced materials to address global climate and sustainability challenges. By integrating artificial intelligence, computational modeling, automated laboratories, and experimental materials science, BIDMaP aims to transform how materials are designed, discovered, and applied to problems such as clean energy, carbon capture, water purification, and sustainable manufacturing. BIDMaP brings together faculty, researchers, students, and industry partners from across the UC Berkeley campus and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to advance a new paradigm of AI-driven materials discovery and deployment. The Institute operates at the intersection of computing, materials science, and climate technology, fostering collaborations across disciplines and sectors to translate foundational research into real‑world impact. Position Summary The Communications Manager plays a key role in elevating the visibility and impact of BIDMaP’s research, partnerships, and initiatives. This role develops and executes strategic communications and storytelling that translate complex scientific research for a broad range of audiences, including researchers, industry partners, policymakers, funders, and the public. The Communications Manager leads content development, research storytelling, digital communications, outreach initiatives, and accessibility coordination to ensure digital content meets university standards. Key Responsibilities Strategic Communications & Content Development (30%) – Consult with leadership to develop and implement communications strategies, translate complex research into accessible stories, and produce research highlights, feature stories, newsletters, reports, and website content. Identify compelling research stories, conduct interviews, and translate technical concepts into accessible narratives. Digital Communications & Web Management (20%) – Manage and maintain BIDMaP’s website and digital presence, develop web content, launch digital initiatives, produce multimedia content, and monitor performance analytics. Reports & Publications (20%) – Lead the development of major communications products such as annual reports, impact reports, research summaries, and other publications; manage editorial workflows, design coordination, and final production while ensuring brand and accessibility compliance. Media Relations & Public Outreach (15%) – Coordinate communications with campus units, research centers, and external partners; support media engagement, identify newsworthy developments, and promote events and public programming. Supervision of Student Workers (15%) – Oversee hiring and supervision of 2–3 student workers supporting digital posting and web management. Required Qualifications Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Proven experience creating, developing, and implementing comprehensive strategic communications plans. Thorough knowledge of communications principles, storytelling, and content development across digital and traditional media platforms. Experience translating complex technical or scientific concepts into clear, accessible language for non‑specialist audiences. Strong organizational and project‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines concurrently. Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, researchers, and institutional leadership. Experience developing digital content for websites, newsletters, and social media platforms. Proficiency with common communications and design tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, content‑management systems). Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, science communication, or a related field and/or equivalent experience and training. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in higher education, research institutions, or scientific organizations. Familiarity with research areas related to STEM. Experience producing research reports, institutional publications, or impact reports. Knowledge of UC Berkeley communications practices and brand guidelines. Experience working with scientists or technical experts to develop communications content. Familiarity with content‑management systems such as Open Berkeley, Drupal, or WordPress. Salary & Benefits The budgeted salary range for this position is $82,000 – $103,000. For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. Other Information This position will be governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Communications, Marketing, and Sales Professionals, represented by the UAW. Background Check 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 in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. Disciplinary Disclosure As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years involving misconduct, allegations, or disciplinary proceedings. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment. Equal Employment Opportunity 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 any other protected status under state or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California, Berkeley