Director of Marketing and Communications - 138052

Founded in 2022 with a $150 million gift from businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, the UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI) is a global leader in regenerative medicine and hub for stem cell science and innovation in space. The institute's six centers and one program advance stem cell research through collaborative, multi-disciplinary work using state-of-the art core research facilities for stem cell translational medicine, and an extensive Alpha Stem Cell Clinic Network across the state of California to conduct clinical trials of promising new regenerative medicine.

SSCI provides essential physical and human resources needed to leverage stem cell research currently being conducted at UC San Diego. Due to the complexity of regenerative medicine projects and substantial institutional investment, SSCI personnel work with all nine vice chancellor areas across campus, including: Academic Affairs; Research Affairs; Organizational Transformation; Student Affairs; Marine Sciences; Health Sciences; Health System; Chief Financial Officer; Advancement; Resource Management and Planning.

Under direction, the SSCI Director of Marketing and Communications reports to the Executive Director of Strategic Communications for UC San Diego Health Sciences, and serves as the primary marketing and communications lead for the SSCI. The incumbent is responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing and communication strategies aimed at driving reputation and growth for the academic-related missions of SSCI. In partnership with SSCI leadership and UC San Diego Health Sciences communications colleagues, the individual will implement strategic communications plans, including traditional and digital strategies to promote academic research, education and community outreach. They will collaborate with institute leadership and cross-functional teams to align program goals, target audiences and messaging.

This position is responsible for leadership in setting overarching strategic marketing and communications priorities and devising programs that support institute-wide objectives. This position is required to keep abreast of best practices in the field, and remain up-to-date on current trends and new technologies.

The Director will: - Serve as a member of the SSCI senior leadership team. - Supervise the SSCI Marketing and Communications team and manage the departmental budget, ensuring accountability and stewardship of department resources (operational, financial and human) in compliance with institute goals and objectives.
- Draw on their knowledge of communications and marketing concepts to select appropriate methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for measuring results.- Oversee the coordination and creation of effective SSCI marketing and communications materials, including printed collateral, digital assets, promotional campaigns, annual reports, and the monitoring of all communications tactics to gauge effectiveness.- Exercise judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action. - Set performance expectations, evaluate results and provide guidance and direction on complex communications issues. - Serve as an advisor on all aspects of effective communications involving a variety of communication disciplines such as writers, editors, visual and electronic communications specialists, and support staff.

The incumbent collaborates with Health Sciences and University Communications colleagues to develop, implement and share news, content, collateral and campaigns that highlight SSCI's key initiatives, both internally and externally, with key stakeholders and target audiences. The director will work closely with the SSCI Directors, Co-Directors, Deputy Directors, and staff of all six centers and one program, developing and implementing strategic programs focused on enhancing SSCI's visibility and name, overseeing public outreach campaigns and initiatives across diverse audiences to enhance awareness of stem cell science and clinical trials, highlighting the accomplishments of SSCI at the local, national and international levels to grow the Institute's presence and reputation.

The incumbent supervises communications professionals functioning in a variety of communications disciplines. Sets performance expectations, evaluates results, and provides guidance and direction on complex communications issues. Recommends changes to department policies and practices. Identifies risks and responds accordingly. Provides priority setting and work flow analysis. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Nine years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's in a related area plus 5 years of related experience.

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including various technical aspects and requirements, and potential applications. Thorough expertise and proficiency in digital media content creation and administration. Demonstrated experience developing creative, engaging, strategic content across a variety of social media platforms.

• Advanced skills to create, develop and implement comprehensive long- and short-term strategic communications plans. Knowledge of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and most appropriate and effective applications.

• Advanced knowledge of the organization, including its achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices and infrastructure, and knowledge of current affairs, issues in higher education, health sciences, and / or specialized subject matter. Ability to comprehend academic research as well as industry needs and to write and translate the work in a way that is understandable to the general public.

• Advanced skills in advising and consulting management to ensure that desired institutional messages are delivered to appropriate target and / or broad general audiences.

• Advanced written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.

• Solid knowledge of financial and personnel administration and management techniques, guiding principles, relevant laws, policies and best practices.

• Solid supervisory skills to select, train, lead, direct, guide, motivate and evaluate professional and / or support staff to produce high-quality work; skill to take corrective action as required.

• Solid strategic planning, analytical, critical thinking, and project management skills, including skill in problem recognition, avoidance and resolution.

• Advanced skills to ensure production of high-quality work within budget and time constraints.

• Experience creating clear, easy-to-navigate, informative, accurate, well-designed, and functional web sites that provide web content consistent with the organization's message and in keeping with management directives and client objectives.

• Knowledge and understanding of technical applications to effectively direct technical staff, or personally perform technical work, including design concepts, various media, and applications. Thorough understanding and experience in all news / media mediums including the internet, social media and other emerging technologies.

• Knowledge, interest, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and use of digital communications to contribute to achieving DEI goals.

• Extensive skills in audience targeting and experience with generating organic growth. Knowledge of location protocols and channels for internal and external communication.

• Thorough knowledge of content management systems and / or relevant web applications used for web production and organization-specific computer application programs.

• Experience using computer applications for web production, image handling, publishing and design, illustration, presentation preparation, animation, web interaction, and/or other state-of-the-art web communication capabilities. Experience with and ability to use and learn software or platform including Adobe suite, CRM, Newsletter tools, Blog tools, Website platform management, etc.

• Master's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training preferred.

• Six or more years of progressive management/leadership experience preferred.

• Experience working with vendors, partner organizations, researchers, professional associations and businesses. Demonstrated working skills to produce and deliver programs and conduct needs assessments.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.