Communications Manager (7477C), Berkeley Public Health - #85558

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. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Berkeley Public Health (BPH) aims to improve population health, especially for the most vulnerable, through interdisciplinary collaborations, preeminent education, and transformational research. Established in 1943, BPH is a professional school on the UC Berkeley campus that comprises six academic divisions and nearly 30 research centers and programs. Our department's values include social justice, health as a right, challenging conventional thought, embracing diversity, and creating meaningful impact. We honor our principles of community by centering and valuing everyone in our community; prioritizing prevention while remaining grounded in social justice; promoting safety and respect; practicing self-care and kindness; and remaining optimistic, hopeful, and committed to change. Learn more at: publichealth.berkeley.edu.

The UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) was established in 2000 as the Traffic Safety Center to address the fact that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for people aged 1 to 34 in the U.S., and a major cause of minor and debilitating injuries for all age groups. SafeTREC's mission is to inform decision-making and empower communities to improve roadway safety for all. The center is funded by a combination of contracts and grants from federal and state agencies and private foundations.

At SafeTREC, we are committed to helping each other succeed, having a growth mindset, speaking up, inclusion, and accountability. We are looking for inclusive-minded applicants who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diversity of our faculty, staff, and student population and the communities we work with across the state of California. Our team is an innovative and equity-focused community that envisions a world with zero roadway fatalities or serious injuries and a culture that prioritizes safe mobility for all. This position is part of a high-performing team culture informed by Berkeley's Principles of Community: https://diversity.berkeley.edu/principles-community.

Position Summary

The Communications Specialist 3, serving as the Communications Manager for SafeTREC, a research center under Berkeley Public Health and the Institute of Transportation Studies, will develop and execute the overall communications strategy for the center. This involves managing multiple websites, a monthly e-newsletter, and social media content to effectively deliver the center's message to various audiences. The position will oversee communications and outreach for multiple grant-funded programs, ensuring that deliverables are met. Additionally, the Communications Specialist 3 will serve as the accessibility coordinator, ensuring that digital content meets the university's required accessibility standards. To maintain consistency with Berkeley's branding strategy, the position will be responsible for periodic updates of logos, website design, and document templates. The Communications Specialist 3 will work closely with management and clients to create, develop, and implement long and short-term strategic communications plans and projects. This includes advising and consulting with departmental/college administration regarding all aspects of communications, ensuring production of high-quality products that effectively deliver the desired message within budget and time constraints. The position requires knowledge of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects, and requirements of various venues, as well as the ability to create, develop, and implement comprehensive long and short-term strategic communications plans. Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening, and political acumen skills are necessary, along with knowledge of location protocols and channels for communication internally and externally. The Communications Specialist 3 will utilize their expertise to analyze problems/issues of diverse scope and determine solutions, independently overseeing a comprehensive communications program for a center with moderately complex communications requirements.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: April 27, 2026

Responsibilities

Strategic Communication Planning

• Consults with leadership and other professionals to develop and implement comprehensive short and long-range strategic communications plans.

Digital Media and Content Development & Outreach

• Leads communications and outreach for multiple grant-funded programs, ensuring all deliverables, reporting requirements, and timelines are met.
• Researches, develops, and produces high-quality contents for various channels, including websites, e-newsletters, press releases, news pitches, and social media.
• Promote SafeTREC research, tools, education, programs, traffic safety resources and events through various communications channels.
• Manages the ongoing content development and maintenance of digital properties, including websites and social media channels; oversees site architecture, design updates, and content updates.
• Acts as the primary point of contact for media and other inquiries; monitors the general communications inbox and coordinates timely, professional responses.
• Coordinates and maintains relationships with internal and external partners at the federal, state, and local levels to enhance the visibility of SafeTREC's research and public service.

Accessibility & Brand Stewardship

• Serves as the primary Accessibility Coordinator for the center; develops and updates the center's digital accessibility plan and ensures all web content and documents meet university and legal standards (WCAG 2.1 AA+).
• Develops and maintains the center's branding guidelines; ensures consistency with UC Berkeley branding of using logos, document templates, and website design.
• Supervises and directs work of undergraduate student assistants performing tasks to support content creation and other communication.
• Participates in workshops, training, and other professional development opportunities.
• Attend major conferences where SafeTREC researchers are presenting to provide coverage on SafeTREC media channels. The travel is local, in-state and domestic.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of communications principles, theories, and best practices.
• Understanding of digital communications channels, including website management, social media, and email marketing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to craft compelling content for various audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in content management systems, social media management tools, and email marketing platforms.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain consistency in branding and communications.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with ability to interact with diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with content management systems like Open Berkeley, Drupal, or Wordpress.
• Experience with graphic design and visual content creation using Adobe Creative Suite.
• Familiarity with research center operations.
• Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or 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 in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

• The budgeted annual salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $91,175.00 - $99,550.00. This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a full-time, Contract position through September 30, 2027. This position will be eligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

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

Other Information

This position will be governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Communications, Marketing, and Sales Professionals, represented by the UAW.

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 60% remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.
• This position is required to attend major conferences where SafeTREC researchers are presenting to provide coverage on SafeTREC media channels. The travel is local, in-state, and domestic.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 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.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment 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.