Associate Vice Chancellor, Strategic Communications & Brand Management; Hybrid

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,600 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution.

With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care.

The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. 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, 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 salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $140,000 - $180,000.

Please Note:

For this position, Driver's License Required Under SB1100.

This position is expected to work from a campus location 4 days per week.

Initial Applicant Review will take place on or around November 9th, 2026.

Please direct any questions regarding this recruitment to Rmckinneyd2

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor and Chief External Relations Officer, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications & Brand Management will oversee all campus-wide strategic public relations and marketing, brand management, and internal communications efforts, working in strong collaboration with colleagues in enrollment management, alumni relations, athletics, student affairs, academic affairs, research, protocol and signature events and philanthropy and strategic partnerships areas.

The AVC will be responsible for creating, implementing and sustaining a multi-year strategic public relations, marketing and internal communications program by coordinating and integrating a broad range of public and media relations efforts, brand marketing functions, internal communications, and university programming and signature events. The position provides strategic advice to senior leadership, including the deans of the schools and vice chancellors.

The AVC has significant responsibility, including leading and managing a talented and goal-oriented centralized marketing, public relations, internal communications team, and coordinating with campus partners on other marketing functions, communications activities and signature programming and events throughout the institution. Provides leadership to ensure that long-term goals and objectives of the schools and several divisions are aligned with the teaching, research and public service mission of a preeminent university system.

The successful candidate will be recognized as an influencer within External Relations and by campus academic and administrative leadership. Represents UC Merced at UC systemwide meetings and discussions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy & Advising: Rep represents the Vice Chancellor with authority to make decisions on high-level task forces and long- and short-range strategic planning as it relates to public relations, marketing, branding and internal communications. Consults directly with senior academic and administrative…