Communications Manager

Overview

The Communications Manager reports to the Administrative Vice Chair (adVC) and Department Chair. Working with limited technical supervision, the position manages written, visual and digital communications for the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (OB/GYN). The role combines content creation, editorial oversight, project management and strategic partnership across the School of Medicine and UC San Diego Health.

Hybrid work schedule: This position will work a hybrid schedule which includes a combination of onsite at La Jolla and remote.

The Communications Manager partners with the adVC, chair and other senior department leaders to develop and execute a department-wide communications and engagement strategy. Designs and implements information campaigns that promote research achievements and educational programs for a variety of audiences (faculty, staff, trainees, students, donors, alumni). Coordinates with the School of Medicine's director of communications and Office of Communications to highlight the department’s work externally and identify opportunities for collaboration throughout the institution.

The incumbent writes and edits web copy, short news stories, newsletters, brochures, manuals, email campaigns, social media posts and other digital or printed materials. Ensures all content reflects inclusive language, adheres to UC San Diego editorial style guidelines, and maintains stylistic and grammatical consistency. Conducts interviews with faculty, academic leadership, division managers, trainees and staff to gather accurate, compelling stories about education, research and departmental initiatives.

Continuously updates the departmental website, expanding the scope of information presented and improving navigation and usability.

Upgrades the department website to maintain accurate and current program and faculty information, ensures accessibility-standard compliance and implements a regular content-update schedule. Leads the transformation of the existing departmental newsletter into a state-of-the-art electronic publication, scheduling, producing, and distributing each issue on time. Oversees the creation of an annual department report that showcases initiatives, faculty CVs, events, and key metrics. Develops and maintains slide decks, fact sheets and marketing collateral to support fundraising, grant reporting and outreach activities.

Manages multiple communications projects simultaneously, establishing timelines, deliverables, and status reports for senior leadership. Tracks key performance indicators (e.g., website traffic, newsletter open rates, social media engagement) and presents results to the chair and adVC. Identifies opportunities to improve communications effectiveness and recommends process enhancements.

Independently oversees a comprehensive communications program for a department with moderately complex communications requirements. The program includes written, visual, digital and electronic communications. Works with management to develop and execute organizational communication and market branding strategies. Designs and implements information campaigns.

• Nine years of related experience, education/training, or a Bachelor's degree in a related area plus five years of related experience/training.

• Knowledge of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications.

• Minimum of five years' work experience creating and writing content for media channels. Experience with posting multimedia content, video, images, and graphics on websites and social networking platforms while tailoring messages to specific audiences, ideally for a university program or educational product.

• Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications. Thorough technical skills in computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and/or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities.

• Competency with software programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, Internet browsers, web CMS and social media software/monitoring services;
  Demonstrated innovation, creativity and a track record of keeping current with new technologies and new approaches.

• Experience cultivating and monitoring sources for content creation. Experience summarizing news articles and reports for use on various media channels, including social media. Ability to think creatively to identify topics and modify content for use in a variety of communication channels.

• Knowledge and skills to…