Executive Director of Communications and Marketing

Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid)

$95K/yr – $208K/yrDirector/Executive10+ years expFull time

Posted 3 months ago

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Job Summary

Lead UCLA TFT’s communications and marketing strategy, elevating brand, storytelling, media relations, and signature programming for global reach and inclusive excellence.

  • Owns integrated communications, marketing, and signature programming for TFT.
  • Must-have: 10+ years leading strategic comms for complex organizations with media relations.
  • Standout: Elevates global reach and inclusive excellence through award-worthy storytelling.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • The Executive Director of Communications and Marketing is the chief strategist and thought leader for all internal and external communications and marketing initiatives for UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT).
  • Reporting directly to the Dean, this position serves as a senior advisor on storytelling, media relations, event strategy, and brand strategy—translating TFT's academic and artistic excellence into compelling narratives that engage students, faculty, alumni, donors, and industry partners.
  • In alignment with UCLA's strategic plan to maximize global reach, deepen engagement, and advance institutional effectiveness, the Executive Director will elevate TFT's visibility as a catalyst for innovation in the arts and public humanities.
  • The role will also reflect UCLA's brand pillars—from championing opportunities for students and faculty, to projecting a trailblazing spirit in navigating industry shifts, to celebrating the versatile influence and inspired inclusive excellence of TFT's creative community.
  • The Executive Director oversees communications, marketing and signature programming; drives digital strategy and content; manages external media relations and internal community engagement; and ensures that all messaging embodies TFT's commitment to creativity, innovation, and inclusive excellence.
  • This leader will position TFT as a premier global destination for arts education and research, amplifying UCLA's impact across local, regional, national, and international audiences.

Requirements

  • 10 years Demonstrated experience leading strategic communications, marketing, and events for complex organizations, preferably in higher education or arts/media (Required)
  • Expertise in media relations, including pitching stories, managing press relationships, and preparing executives for interviews (Required)
  • Experience in speechwriting for senior leadership and internal communications (Required)
  • Strong knowledge of digital platforms, content management systems, and social media (Required)
  • Proven ability to translate institutional goals into compelling narratives for diverse audiences (Required)
  • Superior writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple platforms (Required)
  • Experience supervising staff and managing budgets (Required)
  • Commitment to EDI principles in communications and team culture (Required)
  • Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field (or equivalent experience) (Required)

Preferred

  • Familiarity with entertainment and media industry trends and constraints (Preferred)
  • Experience with fundraising communications and alumni engagement (Preferred)
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and marketing analytics tools (Preferred)
  • Experience in crisis communications and reputation management (Preferred)
  • Background in event production and venue management (Preferred)

Benefits

  • Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
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UCLA offers a combination that’s rare, especially among public research universities. The breadth, depth and inspired excellence among academic programs—from the visual and performing arts to the humanities, social sciences, STEM disciplines and health sciences—add up to endless opportunity. The location is unmatched: a campus that is unexpectedly picturesque and compact, set in a thriving and diverse global city.

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