Job Details

Overview

Deputy Director of Communications (7462U) #80037 at University of California, Berkeley.

Join to apply for the Deputy Director of Communications (7462U) #80037 role at University of California, Berkeley.

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. Our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan guide our work. We provide space for supportive colleague communities via employee resource groups and offer professional development opportunities for full-time staff.

Departmental context

QB3-Central supports research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in life science and energy and materials technologies. It is a cooperative effort between the state of California, private industry, venture capital, and UC Berkeley, UCSF, and UC Santa Cruz campuses. It promotes multidisciplinary research, educational programs, and industry partnerships in health, energy, and the environment.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: September 18, 2025.

Responsibilities

QB3-Central supports research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in life science and energy and materials technologies. To engage the full spectrum from basic research through commercialization, we require communications tailored to a number of distinct audiences and formats. This includes media outreach to build relationships with influencers, reporters, and outlets. The role involves strategizing, planning, generating communications, and managing evolving teams of student workers in this area. This position will assist the Director of Communications in planning and generating communications and conducting media outreach campaigns.

• Lead media outreach: Monitor QB3 and Bakar Labs media mentions, strategize how to use existing communications to attract attention from influencers and media outlets. Build relationships with reporters covering our sectors. Pitch and develop stories of interest. Promote progress made by tenant startups and coordinate with startups on coverage for new developments such as investments, partnerships, and innovations.
• Generate high-quality content in short and medium formats (social media posts, event promotions, web profiles, news, event recaps). Source and format appropriate visual content.
• Manage social media accounts (LinkedIn, Instagram). Monitor interactions, engage with the community, strategize content approaches. Create posts to amplify exposure of stakeholders, primarily incubator tenant companies.
• Support the Director of Communications in updating QB3 and Bakar Labs websites. Lead on new web developments including sections and subsites as needed.
• Support strategizing and planning integrated communications that support QB3 and Bakar Labs goals. Identify stakeholders and audience segments (startups, industry, investors, students, faculty, service providers) and tailor approaches for different media formats – print, email, web, photographic or audiovisual.
• Coordinate with QB3 campus detachments at Berkeley, UCSF, and Santa Cruz, as well as the UC Office of the President.
• Manage student workers generating written and visual content for websites and social media.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications and media outreach, including written, visual, multimedia, and social networks.
• Strong writing skills for items ranging from short posts to medium-length stories.
• Ability to adopt appropriate content and voice for different situations.
• Competence in creating, developing, and implementing short and long-term plans for strategic communication and media outreach.
• Proficient in general office software as well as layout and graphic design software, ideally Adobe Suite.
• Competence in one or more content-management systems, preferably Wordpress. Ability to learn new systems and platforms.
• Ability to advise and consult management on all aspects of communications and media relations, including developing effective strategies and handling sensitive or complex inquiries.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political sensitivity.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition and resolution skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the biotech and/or climate tech spaces.
• Experience with UC Berkeley and/or other UC departments, groups, and systems (or comparable institutional knowledge).
• Experience working at a PR agency.
• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & 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. The range accounts for factors such as experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, and internal equity. The budgeted salary range for this position is $82,200 - $116,300.

• This is a 100% full-time (40 hours per week), career position eligible for full UC benefits.
• This position is exempt and paid monthly.
• This position is eligible for up to 40% remote work, with arrangements determined with your supervisor and subject to change.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Misconduct Disclosure

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer will be required to disclose if they have had final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years related to misconduct, or be involved in ongoing investigations or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct, or have left a position after notice of allegations.

“Misconduct” includes violations of policies or laws regarding sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct. UC policies address misconduct in areas including sexual violence and harassment, anti-discrimination, and equal employment opportunity.

Equal 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.

Seniority level

• Not Applicable

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
• Industries: Higher Education