The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) seeks an innovative and visionary leader to serve as the next Associate Vice Chancellor for Communications and Public Affairs.
UC Berkeley is internationally renowned for excellence across all disciplines; for the opportunities it affords students of all backgrounds; and for scientific discovery, innovation, and cultural creativity. Ranked as the world’s No. 1 public university in most rankings, the Berkeley campus is home to over 33,000 undergraduate students and more than 12,800 graduate students as well as approximately 1,550 Senate faculty across 15 schools and colleges. Berkeley’s professors are highly distinguished researchers, scholars, and leading experts in their field, as attested by their many Nobel Prizes, other distinguished awards, and memberships in the most prestigious learned societies. The work of the campus is supported by an annual operating budget of $3.2 billion and an endowment of $7.39 billion.
Reporting directly to Chancellor Richard Lyons, and sitting on the Chancellor’s Cabinet, the Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) is responsible for managing a comprehensive communications program aimed at enhancing and protecting the University’s reputation. The role involves developing and implementing innovative communication strategies that align with UC Berkeley’s goals, including media relations, marketing, and internal communications. The AVC will lead a team of over 20 professionals and oversee an annual budget of approximately $5 million. The AVC will ensure a unified vision for communications and public affairs that delivers powerful, cohesive, and integrated messaging and storytelling, enhances the UC Berkeley brand, and furthers the goals of the entire University by leveraging partnerships and resources. This leader will have the opportunity to create a fresh, bold, and inspiring narrative for UC Berkeley; prioritize and focus on proactive, forward-looking areas of impact; leverage campus marketing and communications talent and resources; and strengthen internal communications.
As the campus forges its path for the future under new leadership, this role offers an opportunity to shape the narrative of one of the world’s leading public universities and contribute to its mission of excellence in education, research, and public service. The ideal candidate will have a deep appreciation for the history and contributions of the University of California, Berkeley, and significant executive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive communications programs across complex enterprises. This individual will possess superior strategic skills, a strong grasp of industry best practices, and a holistic understanding of public higher education. They will have broad experience in strategic communications, media relations, crisis management, and digital media, with a proven ability to engage diverse audiences. The successful candidate will be an effective spokesperson, capable of building strong relationships across the institution, and with external partners. They will demonstrate integrity, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to personal and professional development. Strong leadership and management skills, including budget management and staff development, are essential.
To be considered as candidates, applicants must submit, as separate documents, a resume or CV and a letter of interest addressing the themes outlined in the leadership profile.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of California, Berkeley in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 31, 2025.
Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to:
Suzanne Teer, Ashlee Winters Musser, and Jenna Brumleve
BerkeleyAVC@wittkieffer.com
The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is between $280,000 and $325,000. Actual base salary will be dependent on an individual’s relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
UC Berkeley offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision and retirement plans as well as moving, relocation, and housing assistance.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values at UC Berkeley. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, students, and academic and non-academic staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates for our academic positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct
This is a sensitive position and is subject to a criminal background check.
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
Questions may be referred to Megan Landin at mtroup@berkeley.edu
