Communications Specialist

COMM SPEC 3 (007477)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_940788

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

1/9/2026 7:18:57 PM

Date Last Edited:

1/9/2026 7:18:53 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1311D

Division:

L&S UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION

Department:

052300 - ACADEMIC ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_940788

Position Description ID

250287

UC Payroll Title:

COMM SPEC 3 (007477)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

Grade 22

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

1 - Staff: Contract

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40065159

Reports to Payroll Title:

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR VI

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40065159

Department Head Payroll Title:

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR VI

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist at the UCLA Center for Community College Partnerships, under the supervision of the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Partnerships, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility of the center's research, education, and service projects through skilled digital and print content creation, alongside effective media engagement. This role requires a diverse set of skills including writing, graphic design, managing website content, overseeing social media, handling public relations, print production, and photography/videography. The specialist is tasked with executing both broad and targeted communication strategies that serve the needs of UCLA and the community colleges affiliated with CCCP. Additionally, this position manages the center's newsletter and all social media accounts, ensuring a consistent and engaging online presence.

This dual-role extends beyond communications, involving significant administrative responsibilities such as managing the UCLA downtown LA office and supporting various administrative tasks like vendor relations, IT support, hiring, and event planning. The specialist is also instrumental in developing and maintaining partnerships aimed at improving student retention and ensuring successful transfers to four-year universities. Key activities include organizing faculty dialogues, mini-conferences, and both summer and Saturday academies. The role involves continual updates and enhancements to the center's website, creation of promotional materials, and the implementation of a comprehensive communications plan that supports these educational initiatives. Serving as a liaison with diverse educational institutions and departments, the specialist ensures that diversity-focused outreach efforts are well-integrated and aligned with the center's objectives. This position demands a highly motivated individual with strong writing and design capabilities, sound news judgment, the capacity to manage multiple communications campaigns simultaneously, and the flexibility to adapt workflows to meet the evolving needs of the center.The Communications Specialist will increase the visibility of research, education, and service projects at the UCLA Center for Community College Partnerships through digital and print content creation, as well as earned media. Under supervision of the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Partnerships and the Assistant Director, CCCP, the Communications Specialist will execute the center's broad and program-specific communications strategies at UCLA and the Community Colleges CCCP serves. The Communications Specialist must possess a variety of skills, ranging across writing, graphic design, website content, social media management, public relations, print production, and photography/videography. This dual-role involves developing and facilitating partnerships between UCLA and community colleges aimed at improving student retention and successful transfers to four-year universities. Key duties include planning and executing a range of activities such as faculty dialogues, mini-conferences, and comprehensive summer and Saturday academies. Additionally, the role encompasses significant communications responsibilities, including creating and managing content across multiple platforms, creating and updating center's website, executing communications strategies, and producing promotional materials to support the summer programs. The specialist will also serve as a liaison with various educational institutions and departments, ensuring the alignment and integration of diversity-focused outreach efforts. The Communications Specialist will also support the implementation of a center-wide communications plan. The Communications Specialist must be highly motivated and possess strong writing and design capabilities, sound news judgment, the ability to handle numerous communications campaigns at once, and the flexibility to adjust their workflow according to the center's needs.

The Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP) at UCLA develops and strengthens academic partnerships between California community colleges and the University of California (UC). Through a multi-faceted approach with efforts at the student, faculty and administrative levels, CCCP works to increase the academic preparation and competitiveness for prospective community college transfer students, particularly those who are first-generation, low-income, and/or historically underrepresented. CCCP also helps community colleges and universities develop transfer-sending cultures and transfer-receptive cultures, respectively.

Network Engagement

Develop and produce written, visual, and multimedia content for CCCP's social media networks, email lists, and digital platforms. Oversee content management for the CCCP website, ensuring the creation of new material and ongoing site development. Design and distribute graphics, flyers, social media content, videos, pamphlets, and other visual assets using tools like Canva and Adobe programs. Support the release of research reports by crafting media advisories, press releases, and statements, and by coordinating with freelance contributors and external community college partners.

50%

Media Relations

Foster and enhance relationships with media outlets and key communication partners to secure mainstream media coverage of CCCP initiatives. Monitor and track news coverage of CCCP activities and respond to media inquiries promptly. Collaborate with CCCP leadership to prepare and disseminate media advisories, press releases, and statements, and proactively pitch stories that align with CCCP's strategic goals. Develop messaging and talking points for CCCP events and current issues for use by staff and stakeholders.

20%

Communications Coordination

Collaborate with project teams to develop and refine communication strategies. Participate in communications meetings and integrate innovative tools and strategies to enhance CCCP's programming impact. Assist in the rollout of new communications initiatives that align with the center's strategic objectives.

15%

Administrative Support

Handle a variety of administrative tasks to support the efficient operation of the CCCP. This includes submitting IT support tickets for opening accounts and managing technology issues, overseeing the technology inventory for staff, and ensuring all event technology needs are met. Additionally, manage communication with vendors, oversee operations at the downtown LA office, ensure all necessary materials are stocked, book rooms, place food orders, and assist in the planning and execution of events. The role also encompasses hiring student staff, managing their integration into CCCP activities, and overseeing their technological setup and needs.

15%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in related area or equivalent experience / training.

Required

1. Experience in developing outreach programs, and designing effective materials. Experience in development and coordination of programs to motivate and prepare special and/or socio-economically disadvantaged community college students for future attendance at the University.

Required

2. Skill in speaking with individuals from various social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds to explain academic rules and regulations, department policies and procedures, and administrative processes and programming.

Required

3. Demonstrated ability to speak clearly and distinctly using appropriate vocabulary and grammar toobtain and convey information to individuals at various organizational levels. Demonstrated skill in writing grammatically correct, concise, logical and analytical correspondence,reports, proposals, publications and guidelines.

Required

4. Demonstrated ability in effective program management. Ability to prioritize work assignments andmanage multiple critical projects with deadlines.

Required

5. Knowledge of state and national education policies and current education theories. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with community college and University of California representatives.

Required

6. Skill in event planning. Ability to coordinate the logistics of planning and implementation of small to large scale events. Working knowledge of the academic mission of the University and the ability to enhance it through the programmatic vision.

Required

7. Working knowledge of the campus environment including organizational structures, key administrators and rules and regulations.

Required

8. Demonstrated skill in using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Work, Microsoft Power Point, MicrosoftPublisher and Microsoft Access and knowledge of internet navigation.

Required

9. Creative thinking and proven systematic organizational skills to work independently without supervision, determine workload priorities to complete work in a timely manner, and identify and resolve problems.

Required

10. Strong visual eye and Fearlessness in learning new software independently.

Required

11. Graphic design and photography skills and multimedia production.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

Have own transportation or reliable means of traveling throughout the Los Angeles area.

Required

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Campbell Hall/Downtown CCCP Office

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.