Job Description

The Associate Director, Marketing & Communications is responsible for developing, initiating, and carrying out marketing and communications goals and objectives for the organization to support 1) the Strategic Plan set forth by the Assistant Vice Chancellor to meet customer service, business, and financial objectives, 2) the hospitality enterprise, and 3) the growing needs and demands of the H&HS departments due to the planned growth of UCLA’s housing and hospitality services programs. The Associate Director directs a creative team (print and digital) of 12 FTE and oversees the development of comprehensive marketing and communications materials, strategies, and campaigns targeted to diverse audiences, including students, parents of students, faculty members, team members, campus colleagues, and professional/conference groups. The Associate Director acts on behalf of the Director, serving as the liaison between H&HS and other campus departments, establishing critical partnerships and networking opportunities that foster positive, collaborative working relationships. The Associate Director works directly with the H&HS senior management team in a consultative role, providing leadership and guidance in the development and implementation of both short- and long-term marketing and communications goals and objectives for each department, providing guidance in meeting customer service, customer satisfaction, and financial goals. These departments include Conference Services, Catering, Dining Services, Rooms Operations, Housing Administration, Housing Services, University Apartments, the Community Housing Office, the UCLA Luskin Conference Center, the UCLA Conference Center at Lake Arrowhead, and the UCLA Guest House.

Housing & Hospitality Services (H&HS) supports the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University by delivering to our guests a wide array of quality services, products, and programs. The department currently operates within a $313M operating budget and employs approximately 2,600 FTE. Currently, H&HS provides room and board accommodations to approximately 12,000 single undergraduates, and 4,000 graduate student families, single graduates, upper division undergraduates, faculty and postdoctoral scholars. In addition, H&HS is responsible for the BRUIN WOODS Family Resort located in Lake Arrowhead, the UCLA Guest House, UCLA Vending Services, UCLA Catering and the UCLA Community Housing Office as well as the new UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center, a residential conference center on campus, which provides lodging, dining, and conferencing services in a facility with 254 rooms and over 25,000 square feet of meeting and dining space.

Job Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to manage a complex, multi-faceted university housing & hospitality-based marketing and communications program.
Required

Demonstrated record of successful marketing and communications achievements, including the fruitful fulfillment of plans to meet prescribed organizational goals and objectives.
Required

Skill in recognizing and developing short- and long-term marketing and communications objectives based on documented strategic and tactical planning.
Required

Excellent analytical skills to review and organize information to quickly and effectively conceive, conceptualize, and draw appropriate conclusions, problem-solve, and make recommendations for solutions.
Required

Demonstrated skill in diplomacy, negotiating and exchanging ideas with others to achieve consensus and arrive at mutually-beneficial decisions, conclusions, and solutions. Ability to tactfully and professionally interact with a diverse mix of individuals, including colleagues, university faculty and staff, clients, vendors, and those in the private sector, in a variety of circumstances and settings.
Required

Excellent communication skills to make written and oral presentations in a professional and persuasive manner, with the ability to manage, direct, and motivate individuals and groups.
Required

Ability to quickly establish rapport, professional credibility, and cooperative working relationships among all levels within the organization and across campus.
Required

Ability to structure, sequence, prioritize, and successfully complete work and meet deadlines while dealing with changing priorities and frequent interruptions.
Required

Ability to work independently, be proactive, and successfully manage a large volume of projects from inception through completion in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment.
Required

Demonstrated strong customer service and employee satisfaction focus to successfully meet organization-wide goals and objectives in these areas.
Required

Demonstrated knowledge and skills in graphic design, (including Adobe Creative Suite), production, photography, and printing concepts and processes to oversee, art direct, and participate in the development of marketing and communications pieces.
Required

Demonstrated writing and editing skills to oversee and participate in a variety of copy writing activities for print, digital,and web-based materials.
Required

Demonstrated ability to lead brainstorming and strategic planning sessions, overseeing the development of marketing and communications concepts and campaigns.
Required

Demonstrated knowledge of marketing practices and procedures, including current trends and technologies.
Required

Demonstrated experience working in marketing within the hospitality industry.
Required

Demonstrated experience working in marketing within the university environment.
Preferred

Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills to successfully manage human resources, including the hiring, training, evaluation, discipline, and termination of a professional and student staff.
Required

Demonstrated skill in managing financial resources, including a thorough understanding of budgets and the principles of accounting to be able to take full responsibility for the department’s budget. Ability to formulate, track, adjust, and reconcile a budget, variance reports, and operating statements.
Required

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree and five years related experience in marketing, communications, advertising or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Required

Demonstrated knowledge and skill in creating, directing, and overseeing a variety of digital communications, including website development and design, social media platforms, and other digital communications such as e-blasts and e-newsletters.
Required