Senior Director, Strategic Communications, Marketing, and External Engagement
University of Chicago (UC)
Application
Details
Posted: 05-Feb-25
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: JR28970
Location: Massachusetts
Job Description:
Builds strategies, leads campaigns, and develops messaging to an array of constituents, including prospective and current students, alumni, current and future donors, policy and business leaders, major national and international media, stakeholders internal to the University, and the climate-curious public. Collaborates with the Instituteâ™s senior leaders in creating new programs and products, and in fostering the formation, growth and visibility of the Institute and its programs and initiatives. Collaborates with the University's central communications, communications directors at the schools and divisions, admissions, and alumni relations to identify key markets and develop targeted messaging and creative content to drive student recruitment and enrollment, fundraising, and generally increase the Instituteâ™s prominence. Prepares budget projections for the Communications function.
Prepares talking points, speeches, and op-eds for the Institute Director and other leaders. Works closely with senior staff members to anticipate communications needs, understand various audiences and constituencies, and respond quickly and professionally using the appropriate tone. Strategically advises the Director and other leaders on issues pertaining to messaging, timing, and overall communications.
Builds and maintains the brand of the Institute, works with a design consultant to form the Instituteâ™s visual identity and identity standards, and ensures all products deliver a consistent brand and message. Develops content including fundraising and promotional documents and other collateral materials (brochures, proposals, newsletters, etc.), and manages content design and distribution. Assesses the effectiveness and impact of communications campaigns through both quantitative and qualitative metrics to enable the ongoing optimization of resources.
Develops strategies to engage external audiences with the Institute, including by overseeing the development and execution of the Institute's digital marketing efforts such as multiple Institute-owned websites, social media portfolios, and email platforms. Strategically builds and oversees the maintenance of a communications database of contacts that includes, without limitation, students, faculty, alumni, friends of the Institute, media, and other stakeholders. Improves strategies and content through search engine optimization techniques and measures progress by tracking key performance indicators.
Creates and manages media plans for paid and earned media. Cultivates and maintains relationships with strategically targeted reporters. Identifies newsworthy stories about the Institute, manages the writing of press releases and other public relations materials, and proactively pitches to targeted national and international reporters including print, electronic, radio, and television. Responds to all media and public requests for information in a timely manner. Oversees the monitoring and reporting of media coverage of Institute researchers and issues of topical interest.
Maintains the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and may respond to requests on sensitive or controversial issues.
Develops the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Is accountable for maintaining the unit's goals and communications strategy in publications, announcements, and speeches.
Provides leadership and supervision of communications staff. May manage the communications budget.
Performs other related work as needed.
PreferredQualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, English or a related field.
Master's degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, English or a related field.
Experience:
Minimum of 10-15 years of relevant experience, including 5 years in a management position.
Background developing and supervising staff with an orientation to outcomes and a commitment to excellence, teamwork, and professional growth.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web-based communication methods and tools such as Mailchimp, Hubspot and WordPress or similar platforms.Â
Knowledge of graphic design and/or desktop publishing software.
Preferred Competencies
A breadth of communications and marketing expertise, including knowledge of media and public relations, digital marketing, and print publication development.
Excellent writing and editing skills in a range of applications from formal statements to editorial articles to marketing copy.
Plan, organize, coordinate, and direct multiple projects and activities with competing priorities and varied deadlines while maintaining professionalism and product quality.
Demonstrated ability to be a strategic thinker, solve problems and exercise a high degree of judgment and diplomacy and a commitment to confidentiality.
Navigate a complex environment and anticipate the needs of senior leaders.
Work independently with a high degree of initiative and as part of a team.
Collaborate well and work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse professional environment.
Knowledge of current trends in information technology and their applications to communication strategies.
Working Conditions
This position is remote, with minimal travel to campus or external locations.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
Three Professional References Contact Information (required)
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.
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