Former athletic director Jim Donovan’s new $200,640-year-job will focus on branding and marketing the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chancellor Tom Apple said Friday.

“I want us to have a brand,” Apple said. “I don’t want Hawaii students to go to Oregon or Washington when they can get a better education here.”

As director of external affairs and community relations, Dono­van will work on getting the university’s brand message to students of “Find Your Passion,” and promote the idea that UH-Manoa is a place that conducts “Research that Matters,” Apple said, referring to another branding phrase.

Two positions in the chancellor’s office are vacant, Apple said. Gregg Taka­yama, former director of community and government relations, has left UH and is now a state legislator. Another job, that of executive assistant to the chancellor, will also not be filled. Together the salaries total about $240,000, Apple said. “So we’re actually saving $40,000,” he said.

Donovan will not supervise his wife, Tracy Orillo Dono­van, who is a public information officer at UH-Manoa.