"DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVOCACY"

Position Summary

This position, reporting to the Associate Vice President for Federal Governmental Relations, is responsible for leading the communications and advocacy-related activities in the Washington, D.C. office of the University of California's (UC's) Office of Federal Governmental Relations (FGR). This position requires detailed knowledge and understanding of the media and social media landscape, as well as current and innovative advocacy tools and strategies. The Director of Communications and Advocacy develops and executes strategic advocacy and communications plans in support of UC's federal priorities and oversees the design, development and execution of communications and advocacy materials for use with news media, congressional offices, federal agencies, the general public and members of the University community - including UC and campus leadership, Regents, faculty, staff, students and alumni - regarding federal, national and laboratory issues impacting the University of California. This position coordinates with UC Office of the President (UCOP) Strategic and Critical Communications on engagement with media on federal media inquiries and related strategies.

The position serves as an institutional representative with internal and external stakeholders - including in leadership roles with national associations and UC working groups - to provide input, advice and recommendations. The position will also coordinate across the system, including with student leadership, to provide counsel and support the implementation of communications and advocacy strategies and activities. The position will co-direct the University's grassroots advocacy network (UCAN) and its affiliated programming, providing strategic guidance for the overarching network and developing content for the network's activities. It will also manage and implement all federal campaigns and associated activities with the network's advocates to influence the outcome of federal policy matters as related to the University's priorities.

The University of California Office of Federal Governmental Relations supports the University's missions of teaching, research, and public service by representing the University in its relations with the federal government and other external audiences.

Responsibilities

• 50% Strategic Communications: Identifies communications needs and designs, develops and implements short and long-range communications plans in support of UC's federal priorities, including the development and distribution of written and digital content, marketing materials and other means of communicating the University's national, federal and laboratory-related policies, positions, achievements and efforts to internal and external audiences. Evaluates the overall effectiveness of communications materials to ensure success and implements on-going improvements. Prepares and presents written materials and presentations for and to University leadership, including for the UC Board of Regents meetings, on federal issues.
• Coordinates with UCOP Strategic and Critical Communications on engagement with media on federal media inquiries and related strategies. Assists in responding to media and public inquiries; proactively engages with DC-based media as appropriate; coordinates with campus, health center, UC ANR and national laboratory government relations and communications offices and the UC Office of the President regarding the release of University-related information; provides planning and coordination support at UC-related events; and supports senior Division of External Relations and Communications leadership.
• 40% Advocacy: Serves as a senior advocacy strategist and expert advisor in Washington, DC, overseeing the design, development and implementation of short and long-range federal advocacy campaigns and initiatives to showcase the University and its federal priorities; identifies and incorporates new and innovative opportunities for UC and advocate engagement in support of UC's federal priorities. Co-directs UC's digital program for grassroots advocacy engagement as well as the associated programming.
• Develops and executes the network's strategic vision and goals, with particular focus on advocate growth and activation, storytelling, brand awareness, UC community engagement, data collection and organization, social media presence and rapid response. Leads all federal components of the advocacy network and provides expert advice and counsel to internal and external stakeholders.
• 10% Management: Supervises and manages the advocacy and government relations staff assistant.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in communications, governmental relations or advocacy.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaborate with diverse groups of individuals.
• May oversee aspects of complex external relations programs, projects and events.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with ability to prioritize multiple assignments in a dynamic environment with competing demands and strict deadlines.
• Ability to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and to address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced project management skills, including ability to plan and implement successful events.
• Advanced knowledge of the legislative process, including procedures and the budget and appropriations processes.

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary and Benefits

Job Title: Federal Government Relations Profl 5

Salary Grade: Grade 28

Payscale: $185,000 - $204,700, commensurate with experience.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging.

How to Apply

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application. The first review date for this job is August 14, 2025. The position will be open until filled.