Manager, Strategic and Critical Communications (COMM SPEC 4)

This position is a confidential employee. Under the direction of the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the Manager, Strategic and Critical Communications is charged with developing and implementing strategic direction, providing critical guidance, and collaborating within the department related to protecting the university's internal and external image and reputation. The position requires strong leadership ability in developing short-and long-term strategies for dealing with rising and sensitive issues, as well as during a crisis. Confidentiality and discretion are essential. The work is frequently complicated, with fast and firm deadlines and far-reaching consequences for the university. The position requires excellent communication skills (both written and oral), including the ability to think on one's feet, quickly analyze issues and questions, write on deadline, and respond appropriately. Subject matter at this level is exceedingly complex and decisions must be made in very complicated situations that rely almost solely on experience and instinct. The position requires a broad knowledge of contemporary public relations techniques, political/communications, strategic planning and contemporary communications methods and technologies, as well as vision and strong management skills. Acts as a key point of internal and external contact for reputation-related issues and relevant PRA requests. Convenes and works collaboratively with campus counsel, emergency response leaders, senior leadership, and communications specialists to identify, mitigate and/or resolve reputation risks and leads communications efforts in response; often working on multiple issues at once. This includes developing contingency communications plans, playing a key role in drafting internal and external responses, and serving as spokesperson when appropriate. Proactively identifies and analyzes reputation issues facing the University whether they are national, political, faculty related, employee/alumni related, or systemwide. Keeps abreast of issues and important trends that affect the University, its students and faculty, and higher education in general. Prepares talking points for issues, as necessary, to support media, campus leaders and campus partners, and UC System-wide inquiries; makes recommendations for the delivery mechanism for message delivery and timing. Develops overarching reputation and crisis communications response plans and trainings. Seen as a leader on campus, this position will update and train colleagues on the best practices in communications issues management response. Develops and delivers cogent, impartial reports, analysis and recommendations to leadership on reputation risk management and strategies. Develops strong senior relationships in a highly matrixed environment.

Apply By Date

March 25, 2026 at 11:59pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• BS/BA degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, journalism or equivalent education and extensive work experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience overseeing various crisis, reputational or public affairs communications programs or teams.
• Advanced experience in writing and editing clear, accurate, compelling and stylistically appropriate content.
• Advanced experience in media relations and knowledge of how crises and issues unfold in the media and on social media.
• Experience in strategically activating or creating different media including Web, social media, video and other traditional platforms to communicate messages and expand reach with varied audiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to coordinate many details of multiple projects simultaneously, keeping everything on schedule and identifying and solving problems as they arise. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with constantly shifting priorities.
• Must be able to meet tight deadlines and work long hours, when necessary. Capable of quickly and accurately gathering information on a wide variety of topics and issues, in order to conduct interviews with experts, prepare press releases or develop talking points for controversial issues.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and information draw conclusions and determine optimum approaches to effectively support positions for strategic public communications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to represent the university and the Strategic Communications department in a professional manner in the conduct of highly visible work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field, or equivalent experience/ training.
• Knowledge of and experience working in crisis/issues communications for in Higher Education institutions.
• Strong political acumen and extraordinary sensitivity to the perceptions and concerns of others, with the ability to craft communications that respond to political realities and stakeholder needs.
• Skill and sound judgment to apply state and federal laws, university policies, and professional standards to all institutional communications that represent the university and its various academic and research enterprises.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• 70% - Crisis Response and Management
• 20% - Monitoring and Reporting
• 10% - Training and Planning

Department Overview

Under the direction of the Director of News and Media Relations, and in collaboration with the Social Media Strategist and general oversight of the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the crisis communications manager is charged with developing and implementing strategic direction, providing critical guidance, and collaborating within the department related to protecting the university's internal and external image and reputation. The position requires strong leadership ability in developing short-and long-term strategies for dealing with rising and sensitive issues, as well as during a crisis.

Confidentiality and discretion are essential. The work is frequently complicated, with fast and firm deadlines and far-reaching consequences for the university.

The position requires excellent communication skills (both written and oral), including the ability to think on one's feet, quickly analyze issues and questions, write on deadline, and respond appropriately. Subject matter at this level is exceedingly complex and decisions must be made in very complicated situations that rely almost solely on experience and instinct.

The position requires a broad knowledge of contemporary public relations techniques, political/communications, strategic planning and contemporary communications methods and technologies, as well as vision and strong management skills. Acts as a key point of internal and external contact for reputation-related issues and relevant PRA requests. Convenes and works collaboratively with campus counsel, emergency response leaders, senior leadership, and communications specialists to identify, mitigate and/or resolve reputation risks and leads communications efforts in response; often working on multiple issues at once. This includes developing contingency communications plans, playing a key role in drafting internal and external responses, and serving as spokesperson when appropriate. Proactively identifies and analyzes reputation issues facing the University whether they are national, political, faculty related, employee/alumni related, or systemwide. Keeps abreast of issues and important trends that affect the University, its students and faculty, and higher education in general. Prepares talking points for issues, as necessary, to support media, campus leaders and campus partners, and UC System-wide inquiries; makes recommendations for the delivery mechanism for message delivery and timing. Develops overarching reputation and crisis communications response plans and trainings. Seen as a leader on campus, this position will update and train colleagues on the best practices in communications issues management response. Develops and delivers cogent, impartial reports, analysis and recommendations to leadership on reputation risk management and strategies. Develops strong senior relationships in a highly matrixed environment.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $94,700/yr. - $177,300/yr. (subject to department budgeted maximum)
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 24
• UC Job Title: COMM SPEC 4
• UC Job Code: 005887
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Work flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends to respond to operational needs.
• Occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences and events including occasional overnight travel.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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