Communications Manager, Associate Provost for Energy, Climate, and Environment

Apply for Job Job ID 85490
Location Main Campus-Berkeley
Full/Part Time Full Time
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About Berkeley

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.

Departmental Overview

The Office of the Associate Provost for Energy, Climate, and Environment (AP-ECE) provides strategic leadership and vision to harmonize and accelerate UC Berkeley's efforts in research, curriculum, and outreach on energy, climate, and sustainability; they will foster a vibrant climate community across campusin a manner consistent with Berkeley's commitment to a just and fair society and its desire to lift up all communities, especially those that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change. Additionally, the AP-ECE works with campus leaders to ensure that campus operations are environmentally sound and socially responsible. An overarching goal is to create an inclusive platform for collaboration among faculty, students, and staff dedicated to addressing climate challenges.

The Communications Manager will support the Associate Provost for Energy, Climate, and Environment (AP-ECE) and their immediate staff. This position will develop and execute communications strategies to promote campus efforts in all areas of ECE 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 central communications channels related to ECE issues.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is April 27, 2026

Responsibilities

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 various internal stakeholders, including the advisory board, working groups, departmental or college administrators, researchers, and other campus leaders, on all aspects of communications, including developing strong communication strategies that effectively deliver the desired message, branding, policy interpretation, and problem resolution.
• Ensures consistent messaging and alignment with ECE goals and develops quality communications and other relevant materials to effectively support the AP-ECE's strategic objectives and campus/unit initiatives that connect to the ECE portfolio.

Internal Communications:

• Develops and manages internal communications strategies and brand identity for Berkeley's ECE efforts across multiple channels, including web, video, social media, newsletters, reports, print, broadcast, public events, and meetings.
• Directs all aspects of the AP-ECE'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 campus ECE 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 brand guidelines.

Public Relations, Media Relations, Reputation Management:

• Serves as media relations contact representing UC Berkeley ECE communities in meetings with external PR agencies and members of the media. Works directly with agencies to develop external communications strategies, including press materials and communications assets.
• Serves as liaison to media, fielding requests and proactively pitching stories and interview opportunities for the AP-ECE and other campus thought leaders in ECE areas. Ensure effective message and media training for spokespeople (leaders/faculty/researchers), interviews, and conduct message training with selected spokespeople (leaders/faculty/researchers) and third-party voices.
• Effectively manages issues and crises across both organizations, working with their leaders and key partners to develop rapid-response communications plans and stakeholder strategies.
• Monitor the internal and external landscape for relevant issues impacting Berkeley to be prepared for potential issues. Develops 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 AP-ECE's charge from campus leadership. Recommends and implements improvements to communications programs, tools, and processes accordingly.

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• 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 (or can quickly learn) the organization, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices, infrastructure, and a strong knowledge of current affairs, and issues in higher education.
• Solid skills to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long- and short-term strategic communications plans.
• Knowledge and skills in executive communications, with the ability to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to target and/or broad general audiences.
• Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening, and political acumen skills.
• Solid analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition and forecasting, avoidance, and resolution skills.
• 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 a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time, career position.

This position is eligible for full UC benefits. 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 - $126,100. The full range for this job classification is $82,800 - $149,800.

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.

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.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Conviction History Background

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.

Misconduct Disclosure

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

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 other protected status under state or federal law.