Job Description

Assistant Director of Communications, Cancer Center (Full Time) Posting Number
req26438 Department
Cancer Center Division Department Website Link
https://cancercenter.arizona.edu/ Location
Tucson Campus Address
1515 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA Position Highlights
We are seeking a creative versatile, and motivated Communications Manager to oversee a team that will document and promote our Cancer Centers’ research, educational programs, and other activities on the web, in print, social media and through other media. The Manager will work with faculty to identify, document, promote key findings, accomplishments, awards and activities to the public. The candidate will possess a wide range of skills including website editorial management and maintenance, print and digital graphics design, and other interests and capabilities that would be assets to our communications efforts.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications plans covering the Cancer Center’s research accomplishments, awards, grant activity, educational programs, and key initiatives through articles, announcements, press releases, and feature content.
• Oversee promotion of member achievements to internal University of Arizona audiences and external stakeholders through targeted publications, special features, magazines, and promotional materials.
• Direct production and editorial management of electronic newsletters and engagement initiatives.
• Communicate leadership direction to communications staff and translate it into work priorities.
• Manage development, maintenance, and enhancement of the department website to keep content accurate and current.
• Oversee collection and publication of website content, including upcoming events, new publications, faculty and staff profiles, shared resources, and donor opportunities.
• Develop editorial guidelines for a portfolio of articles, graphics, and digital content.
• Review the effectiveness of the website and digital channels against engagement and usability goals and determine improvements to content and functionality.
• Influence University of Arizona Communications and Banner Communications and Marketing teams to align messaging, develop joint oncology service line marketing, and advance media coverage of Center activities.
• Advise senior leadership on communications for outreach, development, and fundraising initiatives.
• Serve as liaison to the NCI Public Affairs Network and University of Arizona public affairs and marketing groups to advance shared communications objectives.
• Oversee communications and marketing for UACC events, including workshops, retreats, special events, conferences, and site visits.
• Direct creation of marketing materials for high-profile events.
• Supervise and develop communications staff, providing direction, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Develop and maintain a consistent visual identity for the department across communications platforms.
• Direct development and production of print and digital collateral, including newsletters, brochures, and promotional materials.
• Oversee creation and management of a photographic and graphic asset library.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as desktop publishing software for image editing and print design (Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat).
• Ability to conceive, initiate, and manage communications projects from start to finish.
• Strong oral and interpersonal skills, ideally including experience working in an academic environment.
• Superior editing and proofreading skills, including an ability to maintain and enforce consistent style.
• An ability to learn, understand, and summarize technical information quickly, and to write about science and technology in a clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive manner for both scientific and lay audiences.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum
  of 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial
  experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four years of related experience in scientific communications is desirable.
• Writing and communications experience in a relevant field experience working for a scientific journal or experience in the public relations or communications field in a university, or not for profit is desirable.
• Technical expertise with website hosting, architecture, and development, while is not necessary; a familiarity with these topics and experience working on website development projects would be an asset.
• A portfolio showing the ability to design professional quality print and graphic publications is a plus.
• - Experience using Online content management systems.

FLSA
Exempt Full Time/Part Time
Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week
40 Job FTE
1.0 Work Calendar
Fiscal Job Category
Communication and Marketing Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay
$75,540 - $98,201 Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade
10 Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator Career Stream and Level
M2 Job Family
Communications Job Function
Communications & Marketing Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies
1 Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Drew Memmott | dmemmott@arizona.edu Open Date
7/6/2026 Open Until Filled
Yes Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.