Executive Director of Brand, Marketing and Digital Strategy

MARKETING MGR 2 (000472)

UCPath Position ID: 41051499

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1141063

Approved Date:

10/7/2026 2:53:36 PM

Date Last Edited:

10/12/2026 12:09:36 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

12/8/2023

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

8010O

Organization:

VICE CHANCELLOR-STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Division Code:

8510D

Division:

COMMUNICATIONS                         

Department:

771500 - COMMUNICATIONS

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

41051499

Position Description ID

171534

UC Payroll Title:

MARKETING MGR 2 (000472)

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 26

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

A: Manager - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40231796

Reports to Payroll Title:

VC STRAT COMM

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40231796

Department Head Payroll Title:

VC STRAT COMM

GENERAL DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

VISUAL COMM SPEC 4 GF

EVENTS MGR 1

MARKETING SPEC 5

COMM SUPV 2

DIGITAL COMM MGR 1

MARKETING SPEC 5 CM

EVENTS MGR 1

1

EVENTS SPEC 3 CX

4

EVENTS SUPV 2

1

PUBLICATIONS PROD SPEC 3 CM

8

DIGITAL COMM SPEC 3 CM

2

COMM SPEC 3 CM

3

COMM SPEC 4 CM

1

VISUAL COMM SUPV 2

3

MARKETING SPEC 3 CM

3

MARKETING SPEC 4 CM

2

APPLICATIONS PROGR 2 TX

2

WRITER EDITOR 3 CM

2

APPLICATIONS PROGR 3 TX

2

UESER EXP DESIGNER 3 TX

1

VISUAL COMM SPEC 4 CM

1

POSITION SUMMARY

UCLA Strategic Communications (StratComm) brings UCLA's mission and values to life by engaging audiences through compelling storytelling, strategic communications, and integrated marketing initiatives that advance the University's priorities and reputation.

Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications, the Executive Director of Brand, Marketing and Digital Strategy  oversees brand strategy for the institution, including the development and implementation of comprehensive marketing and content strategies that define UCLA's audiences, messaging, voice, and positioning. In this capacity, the incumbent oversees a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including serving as the primary owner of key institutional assets, such as UCLA's main website, and acting as a key liaison to campus partners to ensure effective implementation and stewardship of the UCLA brand across the organization.

The Executive Director serves on the Strategic Communications executive leadership team and oversees a team of approximately 45 employees responsible for admission marketing, experiential marketing, digital strategy, creative services, and a team of strategists and project management professionals. In addition, the incumbent provides executive oversight and strategic direction for Administration Marketing & Communications, ensuring alignment between institutional brand strategy and the marketing, communications, creative, digital, and engagement activities supporting UCLA Administration and its business units.

The Executive Director partners closely with senior leaders across the University to develop and advance integrated marketing and communications strategies, strengthen organizational visibility, enhance stakeholder engagement, and support evolving organizational priorities. Through this expanded scope, the position provides leadership and oversight for multiple marketing and communications functions that collectively support UCLA's institutional objectives and operational initiatives.

Duties are performed onsite during normal business hours. Work may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional travel.

Under the direction of the Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications, the Executive Director establishes departmental goals, priorities, and strategic initiatives to ensure organizational objectives are achieved. Performance is evaluated through the development and execution of strategic plans, achievement of defined goals and metrics, and ongoing consultation with the Vice Chancellor regarding progress and outcomes.

Brand Strategy Development & Management

1. Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive brand marketing strategy on behalf of UCLA, including strategies around audiences, messaging, positioning, voice, partnerships and channels.

2. Manages brand wide initiatives and special projects, including overseeing UCLA's main website (ucla.edu) experience.

3 In collaboration with Strategic Communications leadership, leads content planning and development on behalf of the overarching UCLA brand.

4. Serves as a conduit to campus partners, ensuring effective implementation of the UCLA brand across the organization.

5. Manages senior relationship with brand and agency partners to develop long-term relationship that benefit UCLA.

6. Oversees UCLA's framework, cadence and internal expertise for experiential marketing.

60%

Management

1. Provides leadership in setting operational goals, establishing  budgets and producing deliverables.

2. Manages the experiential marketing team, supporting the development and execution of an expanded experiential marketing strategy, on behalf of the institution's overarching brand.

3. Oversees the admission marketing team, working closely with UCLA Enrollment Management to develop communication and marketing strategies supporting the university's admission initiatives.

4. Supervises a unit of brand marketing professionals.

5. Responsible for the Brand Marketing budget, ensuring cost- effectiveness of the University brand marketing efforts.

6. Works collectively and collaboratively with colleagues to establish support for cross-functional projects.

7. Builds partnerships with other units across campus to help achieve a comprehensive and coordinated brand marketing vision for the campus.

8. Serves as a member of Strategic Communications executive leadership team to establish strategic goals for the department.

9. Provides leadership to department- and institute-wide committees and task forces.

10. Provides executive consultation to senior university leaders regarding strategic communications, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement, and organizational communications.

30%

Brand Management

1. Manages and oversees the effective execution of the UCLA brand across the institution.

2. Manages the review and revision of UCLA's existing brand identity guide.

3. Collaborating with campus partners, ensures our brand standards and expectations are effectively communicated across the organization.

4. Monitors and manages brand executions across the campus to ensure brand guidelines are effectively executed.

5. Manages resources, including career and external resources. Proactively interview and network for all levels within the department.

10%

•

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 and / or equivalent experience / training

Required

Fifteen (15) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in marketing, communications, brand management, or related functions, including significant experience developing and exec

Required

Extensive experience overseeing multi-channel marketing and communications programs, including digital, social media, creative services, web strategy, content development, and experiential marketing.

Required

Demonstrated experience leading creative development, campaign planning, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration in support of organizational priorities.

Required

Demonstrated experience managing complex organizations, multiple concurrent priorities, and large-scale initiatives with competing deadlines while maintaining exceptional quality and attention to deta

Required

Proven leadership and supervisory experience, including organizational design, talent development, performance management, succession planning, workload allocation, and fostering high-performing teams

Required

Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated marketing, communications, and brand strategies that advance organizational priorities and strengthen institutional reputation.

Required

Exceptional strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate organizational objectives into actionable initiatives and measurable outcomes.

Required

Demonstrated expertise in brand management, audience engagement, messaging development, content strategy, and organizational positioning.

Required

Comprehensive knowledge of marketing and communications disciplines, including digital strategy, social media, web communications, creative services, content development, and experiential marketing.

Required

Proven ability to lead creative development, campaign planning, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration in support of complex organizational goals.

Required

Demonstrated success developing innovative, results-oriented marketing and communications programs that balance creativity, strategic priorities, and business needs.

Required

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively influence, advise, and build credibility with senior leaders and diverse stakeholder groups.

Required

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously, establish priorities, meet demanding deadlines, and maintain exceptional quality and attention to detail.

Required

Proven leadership and management skills, including organizational planning, talent development, performance management, coaching, succession planning, and fostering high-performing teams.

Required

Demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships, navigate complex organizational environments, and achieve results through influence, consultation, and consensus-building.

Required

Strong organizational judgment, discretion, and professionalism, including the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

Required

Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities, exercise sound decision-making, and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and organizational levels.

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.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Murphy Hall

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.