Job Details

Overview

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 makes it a special place for students, faculty and staff. 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. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan. Berkeley supports learning as part of work and provides space for supportive colleague communities via employee resource groups. Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We provide full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year for professional development. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consists of more than 275 staff members and coaches and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs, including approximately 900 student-athletes who participate in NCAA and other governing bodies. We are seeking an Assistant Director, Athletics Communications.

Position Summary

The Cal Department of Athletics seeks to fill a crucial Athletic Communications position as the primary contact for rugby and mens and womens golf, and other duties as assigned. Essential duties include telling the story of assigned sports across platforms, including social media, video and web. The role oversees social media strategy and output for assigned sports in conjunction with an overarching media plan. The candidate will cultivate positive relationships with local, regional and national media to ensure optimal coverage. The role requires collaboration across the department with creative services, marketing, fan experience, digital media and the Cal Athletics Fund. Other duties include arranging and conducting interviews, maintaining records and statistics and serving as a team historian for assigned sports.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 09/26/2025.

Responsibilities

• Under minimal supervision, provides analysis and information on complex results or activities, writes stories, conducts interviews, sets up press conferences, and arranges photography, video, or graphics to accompany news releases.
• Handles breaking news situations and develops strategies for sensitive or controversial issues.
• Works with upper management and across units and campus to develop communication plans.
• Produces quality work under deadlines and under pressure.
• Manages non-deadline situations to optimize performance when deadlines apply.
• Handles news requests from reporters for information about the location.
• Develops positive relationships with external media members to handle news requests.
• Prepares coaches, student-athletes and staff with media training and talking points to ensure proper messaging.
• Maintains confidentiality and makes decisions with the department and university reputation in mind.
• Provides general assistance to facilitate informational requests and supports major institutional news conferences and public announcements.
• Maintains good communication with campus communicators and supports announcements when scope extends beyond the department.
• Builds and maintains relationships at all organizational levels and with external media representatives.
• Proactively reaches out to external media members to maintain positive interactions and drives constructive conversations about coverage when necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of news, media communications and media relations concepts and principles.
• Strong skills across news/media mediums including broadcast, internet, social media and emerging technologies.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to quickly learn the location, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, programs and infrastructure.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications with ability to craft compelling stories and tailor messages to diverse publics.
• Good judgment, political acumen, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge of specialty areas such as broadcast news, television/radio, internet and emerging technologies.
• Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package, please visit the Compensation & Benefits section of UC Berkeley. The estimated compensation range for this role is $82,800.00 to $149,800.00. The annual salary offered is determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. This is a full-time (40 hours/week), exempt career position eligible for UC Benefits.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check. Berkeley hires people with conviction histories and reviews information in the context of job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent on successful completion of the background check.

Mandated Reporter

This position is identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report abuse or neglect. Employment may be contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging responsibilities as a Mandated Reporter.

Misconduct

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, final candidates may be required to disclose certain misconduct findings within the last seven years and related proceedings, as described by UC policies.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration 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.