Director of Communications, SCIDS

Hiring Pay Scale: $130,000 – $160,000/Year

UC San Diego is launching a new School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences (SCIDS), and is seeking a dynamic communications leader to guide the strategic communications foundation of this major university initiative. As the inaugural Director of Communications, this position will help introduce a school built to drive the next generation of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data-driven discovery — powered by the San Diego Supercomputer Center’s national leadership in high-performance computing and the Halicioglu Data Science Institute’s forward-looking AI research and education.

The Director of Communications will work directly with the dean, senior leadership and University Communications to develop and execute a long-range communications strategy that elevates scientific achievements, supports institutional goals and strengthens UC San Diego’s position as a leader in AI innovation. This position will collaborate with faculty, researchers and partners across campus to deliver compelling stories that highlight emerging technologies, landmark discoveries and new academic programs. This role is central to the school’s launch, with responsibility for crafting strategic narratives, building media visibility, guiding digital outreach and providing expert communications counsel to school leaders.

This role provides the chance to help build the voice and direction of a new school at a defining moment and is an exciting opportunity to bring complex AI, data science and computing breakthroughs to life through impact-driven science communications.

The University Communications Public Relations team drives strategic outreach and engagement in support of internal and external communications for UC San Diego, while also collaborating on content development with University Communications colleagues.

University Communications PR professionals are expert storytellers who utilize best-in-class internal and external communications channels to deliver the unique stories of the university’s people, schools and colleges as well as key initiatives and programs. The PR function drives earned media efforts by cultivating and leveraging relationships with key regional, vertical and global media to elevate the university’s profile of prestige, distinction and global leadership in research, medicine, science, engineering, technology, policy, management, the arts and more. The PR team also leads communications for the university’s distinguished research centers and institutes, including the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Qualcomm Institute and leading collaborations in robotics, energy, materials discovery and design and other emerging areas.

Additionally, the University Communications PR team serves as a critical resource for communications strategy and support for staff and faculty engagement communications initiatives in support of the university’s advancement, student affairs, human resources and library functions by integrating and aligning with strategic university priorities and initiatives. Issues and crisis communications are managed through this team.

This position supports UC San Diego’s new School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences (SCIDS) that meets a critical need in modern society to transform data into actionable knowledge across disciplines to advance data science and AI education. This effort requires attracting, training and cultivating talented researchers, staff and students at all levels across the university.

SCIDS combines the strengths of the San Diego Supercomputer Center, a national leader in high-performance and data-intensive computing, and the Halicioglu Data Science Institute, a pioneering interdisciplinary institute that advances data science and AI education and research.

By establishing the new school, UC San Diego affirms its commitment to leadership in building a dedicated academic unit that advances cutting-edge data science, AI innovations and top-tier education for the workforce of the future.

The Director of Communications is a collaborative communicator that serves as a high-impact leader of communications, media relations, and marketing strategist for the School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences (SCIDS) at UC San Diego. SCIDS is home to two major academic and research centers: the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC), a national leader in high-performance and data-intensive computing, and the Halicioglu Data Science Institute (HDSI), a pioneering interdisciplinary institute advancing data science and AI research and education.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Academic and Research Communications within University Communications and to the Dean of the School of Computing, Information, and Data Sciences, the Director provides strategic counsel to the inaugural SCIDS Dean, the SDSC Director, and school leadership. Embedded within SCIDS but closely aligned with the university’s central communications structure, this role ensures that all communications efforts support both the school’s mission and the university’s broader strategic goals.

The Director plays a critical role in amplifying the work of the San Diego Supercomputer Center —a national hub for cyberinfrastructure and data-intensive computing that supports hundreds of interdisciplinary research programs and operates some of the country’s most advanced computing systems. The Director will work closely with SDSC leadership and researchers to shape and execute a comprehensive communications program that showcases the center’s national impact, facilitates industry and government engagement, and helps drive visibility for cutting-edge discoveries made possible through supercomputing.

The Director leads international, national, and regional communications and media relations strategies for SCIDS, SDSC, HDSI, and affiliated research groups and faculty. The role includes developing and implementing multi-channel communications plans; managing high-impact media outreach; advising on executive and faculty visibility; and producing written, visual, digital, and social content to amplify the school’s research, academic programs, partnerships, and institutional milestones.

The Director also serves as SCIDS’s lead for crisis and reputation management, partnering with University Communications to develop appropriate messaging and response strategies in sensitive or high-stakes situations. This position oversees the school’s web and digital presence, including the SCIDS, SDSC, and HDSI websites, and leads efforts to improve content strategy, accessibility, branding, and usability. The Director works across units to ensure messaging consistency and quality while directing the use of multimedia and social media to broaden the school’s reach.

The Director manages a seasoned communications team of three—a writer, a designer, and a social and digital media specialist—and oversees the work of freelancers, vendors, and contractors as needed. This position collaborates extensively with faculty, researchers, institute staff, advancement professionals, and communications partners across UC San Diego to ensure SCIDS achievements are represented in university-wide messaging and that the school’s voice contributes meaningfully to institutional campaigns and initiatives. Promotes a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and actively, deliberately and thoughtfully infuses inclusivity and diversity throughout university communications. In addition to setting strategy and leading teams, the Director also serves as a science writer and content strategist, producing high-impact stories, press releases, and narratives that explain complex, technical, and groundbreaking work to broad audiences. This is a working director role that requires exceptional editorial judgment, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for translating advanced research into compelling content.

A cover letter is required for an application to be considered complete.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area with 5+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent experience / training.
• Strong knowledge of all aspects of communications, including strategic planning for various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and the most appropriate and effective applications.
• Solid management skills to select, train, evaluate, lead, direct, guide and motivate subordinate staff to produce high quality work; skill to take corrective action as required.
• Solid skills to create, develop and implement comprehensive long and short term strategic communications plans.
• Solid knowledge and skills to advise and consult with management to ensure delivery of the desired message to the target and / or broad general audiences.
• Solid written, verbal, interpersonal communications, active listening and political acumen skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, project management and problem recognition, avoidance and resolution skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION:

• Background and theoretical knowledge in data sciences, technology, computing and education.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Apply Online:

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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.