Job Details

Community Relations Specialist

Position Number: 6315764
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Position Type: Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

Community Relations Specialist

University of California Santa Barbara

Job Posting Details

Position Number: 40034135

Payroll Title: MARKETING SPEC 3

Job Code: 007552

Job Open Date: 6/20/2025

Application Review Begins: 7/8/2025; open until filled

Department Code (Name): DRAM (DRAMATIC ART/DANCE DEPARTMENT)

Percentage of Time: 100%

Union Code (Name): 99 (Non-Represented)

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff (Career)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: Grade 22

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $77,000 to $79,500/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for the position is $77,000 to $139,200/year.

Work Location: THTR 1604

Working Days and Hours: M-F; 8am-5pm, Some evening and weekends required for all mainstage shows for opening and closing night. Also, some events and productions. Working hours may be flexed to later times to accommodate this.

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: n/a

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

The Department of Theater and Dance fosters an inclusive, vibrant and stimulating environment that encourages creative self-expression and critical thinking. Undergraduate programs include intensive, conservatory-style training for actors and dancers, as well as general degrees with a focus on Dance, Design, Directing, Playwriting, Theater and Community and Theater and Performance Studies. The department's nationally recognized and highly ranked graduate program offers a diverse array of interdisciplinary approaches to performance research within a global orientation. The department provides a lively forum for faculty to integrate teaching and research, at the cutting edge of their areas of expertise.

Benefits of Belonging:

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, with additional guidance provided by the Chair, the Director(s) of Performance, and in consultation with departmental faculty members, is primarily responsible for the marketing, communications and public relations in relation to dynamic calendar of departmental events open to the public and major initiatives of the Department of Theater and Dance. Is also responsible for administrative aspects of public events, such as management of front-of-house operations and staff, management and/or oversight of box office operations, negotiation of contracts and royalties for licensed materials, establishment of promotional and event staging budgets, and oversight of related purchasing.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
1-3 years of demonstrated experience in and knowledge of communication principles, public relations, and marketing techniques in the performing arts.
1-3 years of progressive experience with digital content creation, social media management, managing email marketing platforms and making basic webpage updates.
1-3 years of Graphic Design experience; creating programs, posters, and marketing materials

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong event management skills, specifically in patron management.
Ability to generate content for website, newsletters and marketing materials.
Knowledge of accounting and budgeting principles.
Aptitude for project management and delegation.
Able to plan, schedule, and coordinate communication campaigns, track progress, and meet deadlines.
Familiarity with producing elements of theater/dance events.
Competency in computing applications relating to promotion and communications.
Excellent demonstrated judgment and diplomacy.
Excellent verbal and written communications.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to meet deadlines independently.
Solid organizational skills and detail orientation.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Excellent networking and relationship-building skills and the ability to interact with confidence.

Special Conditions of Employment:

Work schedule frequently includes nights and weekends.
Satisfactory conviction history background check
UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegation or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

35% Marketing - In consultation with the Chair, Director(s) of Performance, departmental faculty members and College personnel, is responsible for the development of creative, progressive and cost-effective marketing strategies to refine and broaden the campus, local, regional and national profile and visibility of the department's public events. Envisions and implements methods of presenting to the campus and community a highly visible and favorable image of Theater and Dance. Responsible for the creation, distribution, execution and measurement of written marketing plans. To support execution of marketing strategy, builds enthusiasm and a team-building approach to implement specific and broad action items and identify related programming opportunities. Sets goals for marketing and ticket sales and devises strategies for achieving them, meeting regularly with key project director(s). Prepares regular reports on the effectiveness of these marketing plans. Establishes advertising schedules and administers placement of print, digital, online, television, radio and social media advertising. Works in consultation with performance faculty, artistic personnel, graphic artists and photographers to design and create cost effective collateral materials (digital and print formats of posters, postcards, brochures, etc.). Contracts, schedules and oversees logistical process in the fabrication of these materials.

25% Communications, Public Relations - Communications: Responsible for the planning, approval and execution of departmental communications, particularly as they pertain to all public events and major initiatives. Creates press releases and public service announcements related to departmental season productions for use by appropriate campus, regional and national media (online, print, radio, television, etc.), performing arts organizations, and the university community. Serves as a department contact person to media representatives and maintains positive relations through professional, consistent written and verbal communication. Attends show-specific production meetings and meets with artistic team members as necessary. Responsible for the design, creation, publication and distribution of select production programs. Public Relations: Responsible for the planning, approval and execution of public relations strategies. Initiates and cultivates contracts with UCSB Students, faculty, staff and community groups and motivates them to identify opportunities to reach target groups and areas of potential growth. Initiates and plans community relations events, such as special rehearsal events, opening night special events, donor/alumni events, departmental kick-off and end of year celebrations, the Arts Walk and Spring Insight events, etc. Works with the Development Office on events for donor cultivation. Works closely with the Production Manager (Mgr Prod Dir) to integrate these events into a complex production calendar. Builds and models expectation for constructive internal (within department and university) and external (public-facing) communications. Acts as ambassador for Theater/Dance in all correspondence. Website: In consultation with academic administration and the college's information and technology department and departmental leadership, continually develops and maintains marketing and community relations aspects of departmental website.

25% House and Box Office Management - House Management: Responsible for the hiring, training, scheduling and supervision of front-of-house staff for all departmental public events, including but not limited to, house managers, ticket takers, ushers and security. Demonstrates and implements a high level of customer service in patron relations. Orchestrates and implements, in consultation with project directors and department leadership, hospitality for continuing and potential donors. Requires a thorough knowledge of safety and health regulations as they pertain to public attendance at departmental venues. Box Office Management: Establishes departmental policies (within university guidelines) and manages the oversight of box office services for onsite and online sales and reservations. Schedules, arranges or provides box office services or contracts with outside agencies or university departments to sell tickets to Theater and Dance events, either on or off campus. Works with the Financial and Administrative Assistant to ensure that university cash handling and accounting procedures are followed as they pertain to departmental personnel. Hires, trains and manages additional box office personnel as needed. In-Person Management: Available evenings and weekends in the office for first two opening nights and one closing night of productions with ticket sales and House Management Staff. To ensure House Management staff are operating smoothly, to lead the student team, and to navigate any issues as they arise.

10% Fiscal Management - In collaboration with the Chief Administrative Officer and in communication with the Production Manager, responsible for the establishment and administrative oversight of promotional and front-of-house operational budgets for the production area of the department. Works closely with the Financial and Administrative Assistant to track, analyze, and project costs and revenues for the academic/fiscal year, including requests for the reimbursement of entertainment expenses, payments to vendors and other fiscal transactions associated with the staging of departmental public events. Secures the performance licenses (written, music and visual materials) for departmental productions with theatrical publishers, managers, agents and/or playwrights and translators. Coordinates initial rehearsal scripts after securing permission to use as needed for production from various agents.

5% Miscellaneous Duties - Attends meetings of select committees. Provides input for planning the production calendar as it pertains to communications and marketing requirements. Hires, trains and manages student or limited administrative employees who assist with a variety of production tasks. Works with the Financial and Administrative Assistant to facilitate ordering of supplies and materials supporting the promotion of the department. Facilitates departmental production archives, including press coverage, playbills, video documentation and promotional/production photos; processes inquiries from media outlets, alumni, students and faculty members regarding the access or use of archival information.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs. As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations:

The University of California endeavors to make https://jobs.ucsb.edu accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805-893-4664 or email katherine.abad@hr.ucsb.edu. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Privacy Notification Statement

Privacy Notification Statement and Notice of Availability of the UCSB Annual Security and Fire Safety Report Disclosures

Application Status: If you would like to check the status of your application, please log into the Candidate Gateway where you applied and click on 'my activities'.

To apply, please visit: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucsb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=79141&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=31&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant