University of Illinois
Assistant Director - University Communications
University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Assistant Director - University Communications
Hiring Department : University Communications
Location : Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID : 1026283
Posting Close Date : July 25, 2024
Salary Range:
$50,000 - $65,000 commensurate with experience
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This is a full-time and benefits eligible position. Hybrid and flexible work schedules are available. UIC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. In addition all full time benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which include; Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan as well as paid leave which includes; Vacation, Holiday and Sick. In addition we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
Description:
The Assistant Director, University Communications plays a pivotal role in enhancing the public image and reputation of the university through effective media relations, storytelling and reputation/crisis management. This position entails a steadfast dedication to upholding institutional integrity, safeguarding privacy and confidential information, managing crises effectively and fostering strategic partnerships. It requires a dynamic individual with excellent communication skills, traditional and new media expertise, and a keen understanding of higher education environments. The primary aim is to highlight and engage the university's strengths in teaching, research, student success and public service through proactive local and national media coverage.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Seek, prepare, write, review, and effectively disseminate compelling media content, news releases, media advisories, and other communications materials to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information to media contacts.Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, national and international media outlets to effectively pitch stories, arrange interviews, and secure media coverage highlighting the university's accomplishments, faculty experts, student success, research breakthroughs, and key events.Monitor media coverage and social media conversations related to the university, analyzing trends, sentiment, and emerging issues to inform communication strategies and messaging.Identify and foster relationships with expert sources, faculty, staff and students to ensure a consistent stream of positive story ideas and coverage for UIC's 16 colleges.Proactively write, pitch and place UIC research, events, major grants/funding and faculty experts for topical, breaking, and trending news stories.Respond to news media inquiries, schedule, and negotiate interviews and written content on deadline.Cultivate and curate an aligned and collaborative landscape of storytelling across all channels and media.Assist in providing crisis communications support and media training to address potential issues or emergencies, develop talking points and statements, and provide timely responses to stakeholders. Requires the ability to manage confidential data and information and ensure privacy standards are upheld.Track and evaluate the effectiveness of media relations strategies and initiatives, using metrics and analytics to assess impact and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.Coordinate activities with audio/video specialists, graphic designers, multimedia producer, social media strategist and others to activate and support multiplatform storytelling.Perform other duties as they emerge in an ever-evolving marketing and communications landscape.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
1. Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.
2. One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.
3. Proficiency in crisis communications, advanced media relations skills, strategic content creation and dissemination, and a portfolio showcasing media relations, issues and crisis management, and storytelling.
Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:Three to five years of relevant experienceDemonstrates proficiency and passion for news, media relations, and storytelling.Proficiency in media monitoring tools, social media platforms, and content management systems.Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, especially during high-profile events or crisis situations.Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws about health care, including federal privacy issues.Demonstrates excellence in news judgment, communication skills, and sense of what is best for the UIC brand; effective interviewing and news gathering.Ability to write clearly and concisely, strong editing and proofing skills.Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail and the ability to steadily handle multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and not comprising quality.Knowledge of higher education issues, research trends, and academic culture is highly desirable.Possess a strong commitment to teamwork, creativity, and willingness to learn.Flexible about shifting priorities and entrepreneurial and resilient when faced with ambiguity.Nimbly adapts to new systems, knowing when it is necessary to ask for help and when it is appropriate to propose better ways of doing things.Possesses collaborative and growth mindset and deeply values teamwork.Commitment to the mission and values of UIC, including a strong commitment to accessibility and diversity, equity and inclusion.
To Apply:
For fullest consideration click on the
Apply Now button , please fully complete all sections of the onlineapplication including adding your full work history with specific details ofyour duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully completethe education, licensure, certification and language sections. Youmay upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts anddiplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required 180 days of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Hiring Department : University Communications
Location : Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID : 1026283
Posting Close Date : July 25, 2024
Salary Range:
$50,000 - $65,000 commensurate with experience
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This is a full-time and benefits eligible position. Hybrid and flexible work schedules are available. UIC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. In addition all full time benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which include; Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan as well as paid leave which includes; Vacation, Holiday and Sick. In addition we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
Description:
The Assistant Director, University Communications plays a pivotal role in enhancing the public image and reputation of the university through effective media relations, storytelling and reputation/crisis management. This position entails a steadfast dedication to upholding institutional integrity, safeguarding privacy and confidential information, managing crises effectively and fostering strategic partnerships. It requires a dynamic individual with excellent communication skills, traditional and new media expertise, and a keen understanding of higher education environments. The primary aim is to highlight and engage the university's strengths in teaching, research, student success and public service through proactive local and national media coverage.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Seek, prepare, write, review, and effectively disseminate compelling media content, news releases, media advisories, and other communications materials to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information to media contacts.Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, national and international media outlets to effectively pitch stories, arrange interviews, and secure media coverage highlighting the university's accomplishments, faculty experts, student success, research breakthroughs, and key events.Monitor media coverage and social media conversations related to the university, analyzing trends, sentiment, and emerging issues to inform communication strategies and messaging.Identify and foster relationships with expert sources, faculty, staff and students to ensure a consistent stream of positive story ideas and coverage for UIC's 16 colleges.Proactively write, pitch and place UIC research, events, major grants/funding and faculty experts for topical, breaking, and trending news stories.Respond to news media inquiries, schedule, and negotiate interviews and written content on deadline.Cultivate and curate an aligned and collaborative landscape of storytelling across all channels and media.Assist in providing crisis communications support and media training to address potential issues or emergencies, develop talking points and statements, and provide timely responses to stakeholders. Requires the ability to manage confidential data and information and ensure privacy standards are upheld.Track and evaluate the effectiveness of media relations strategies and initiatives, using metrics and analytics to assess impact and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.Coordinate activities with audio/video specialists, graphic designers, multimedia producer, social media strategist and others to activate and support multiplatform storytelling.Perform other duties as they emerge in an ever-evolving marketing and communications landscape.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
1. Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.
2. One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.
3. Proficiency in crisis communications, advanced media relations skills, strategic content creation and dissemination, and a portfolio showcasing media relations, issues and crisis management, and storytelling.
Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:Three to five years of relevant experienceDemonstrates proficiency and passion for news, media relations, and storytelling.Proficiency in media monitoring tools, social media platforms, and content management systems.Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, especially during high-profile events or crisis situations.Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws about health care, including federal privacy issues.Demonstrates excellence in news judgment, communication skills, and sense of what is best for the UIC brand; effective interviewing and news gathering.Ability to write clearly and concisely, strong editing and proofing skills.Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail and the ability to steadily handle multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and not comprising quality.Knowledge of higher education issues, research trends, and academic culture is highly desirable.Possess a strong commitment to teamwork, creativity, and willingness to learn.Flexible about shifting priorities and entrepreneurial and resilient when faced with ambiguity.Nimbly adapts to new systems, knowing when it is necessary to ask for help and when it is appropriate to propose better ways of doing things.Possesses collaborative and growth mindset and deeply values teamwork.Commitment to the mission and values of UIC, including a strong commitment to accessibility and diversity, equity and inclusion.
To Apply:
For fullest consideration click on the
Apply Now button , please fully complete all sections of the onlineapplication including adding your full work history with specific details ofyour duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully completethe education, licensure, certification and language sections. Youmay upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts anddiplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required 180 days of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation