Director of Communications (Health Sciences Development)
We are looking for a dynamic and collaborative communications expert to lead a team of seven communications professionals serving the fundraising arm of UCLA Health. The ideal candidate is service-oriented, innovative, and can maintain a good sense of humor in times of stress. This is a unique opportunity to advance meaningful work by helping to fund patient care, medical research, medical education and community outreach.
As one of the most comprehensive and advanced health care systems in the world, UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA strive every day to be a model that redefines the standard of excellence in health care. With an integrated mission to provide state-of-the-art patient care, train top medical professionals and support pioneering research and discovery, philanthropy plays a vital role in our success. Cohesive, compelling and targeted communications keep our donors aware of our priorities, abreast of our achievements and engaged in supporting our capacity to provide the very best in health care.
As the Director of Communications for HSD, you will develop and manage a comprehensive communications program that reflects the department's short- and long-term goals and will oversee a staff of professionals focused on all aspects of development outreach. Working closely with the Executive Director of Stewardship and Communications for HSD, you will develop strategies and lead initiatives to enhance the visibility and awareness of the importance of philanthropy for UCLA Health Sciences. You will manage a wide array of fundraising communications, such as stewardship reporting, digital communications, case statements, proposals, and other key vehicles that serve HSD's philanthropic efforts. In this role, you will provide advice and counsel to HSD's senior managers on overarching communications strategies and work closely with HSD's stewardship and other teams to ensure that we are consistently, accurately, and effectively communicating a culture of philanthropy among diverse constituencies -- donors, medical school alumni, community partners, media, the public, and other enterprises. As a persuasive communicator and committed team player, you will draw upon your abilities to strategically position and clearly articulate the mission, aspirations, and goals of HSD to all constituencies, especially to state the case for philanthropic support.
This is a hybrid position with two days per week on the UCLA campus. Salary is up to $130,000. We offer exceptional benefits and long-term opportunities for personal and professional development and growth as part of our robust External Affairs enterprise serving UCLA.
1. Minimum of five to seven years professional communications experience including knowledge of marketing principles and media relations, and experience in development and/or a related field.
2. Demonstrated success in developing and implementing a comprehensive communications program with a high degree of innovation, professionalism, sensitivity, and integrity.
3. Proven ability to articulate goals, strategies, tactics, and benchmarks in a concise, compelling way, and to actively and constructively participate in a complex organization recognizing the need for a high degree of collaboration with a diverse and large number of stakeholders.
4. Superior writing and editing skills. Ability to develop targeted messages and media that showcase Health Sciences Development's strengths in compelling and creative ways.
5. Ability to translate complex scientific research for popular audiences and work successfully in a university setting.
6. Experienced staff manager with proven ability to attract, retain, mentor and motivate a cohesive team; effectively delegate and provide direction in highly dynamic environment under tight deadlines.
7. A strong strategic orientation, commitment to excellence, and attention to detail. Proven ability to propose and implement strategic and innovative solutions to problems with a positive attitude and creative approach.
8. Ability to listen thoughtfully, seek feedback from others, and incorporate new ideas into decisions; the ability to integrate the needs of multiple teams into a cohesive strategy.
9. Demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive communications issues and diffuse challenging situations.
10. Demonstrated experience managing financial resources strategically and efficiently to product high-quality work within established budgetary parameters.
11. Willing to go above and beyond to ensure achievement of goals; ability to roll up sleeves and pitch in as needed.
12. Confidence in knowledge base and abilities without ego; a sense of humor, a humble approach, and a level of comfort with ambiguity.
13. Ability to attend evening/weekend events as needed.
14. Experience in creating and pitching newsworthy information for media. Ability to work closely with Strategic Communications on media inquiry responses. Advanced skill in engaging with media and public speaking.
15. Degree in Communications, Marketing, English, or a related field is preferred. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background check.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.