Northwestern University
Assistant Director of Communications (2-year term)
Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, us, 60208
Department:
IPR - Inst for Policy ResSalary/Grade:
EXS/8
Job Summary:
The Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research & Science (CORNERS) at Northwestern University, housed in the Institute for Policy Research (IPR), conducts rigorous, community-engaged research into the ways that Neighborhood Science can be used to understand and address gun violence and other pressing social issues. Working closely with our community and civic partners through an engaged research process, we collect and analyze a wide range of data on the complex networks of residents, institutions, and organizations that make up the connective tissue of communities and - by extension - our cities. Learn more about CORNERS here: www.cornersresearch.org.
CORNERS is seeking a skilled Assistant Director of Communications to guide CORNERS' design and execution of a center-wide communications strategy. The Assistant Director will be responsible for advancing CORNERS' communications strategy-clearly and compellingly conveying its story, highlighting its research, and emphasizing the relevance and impact of its work. The Assistant Director will lead the Center's content and brand strategy, internal communications, messaging, media relations, and partner outreach and engagement. The primary purpose of the role is to promote CORNERS to diverse external and internal audiences, raising awareness of the Center's work locally and nationally and thereby bolstering its prominence as a leading academic partner in public safety.
The ideal candidate for the Assistant Director of Communications role will be highly motivated, creative, and inquisitive, with demonstrated experience and success in both research and communications, ideally within the field of violence prevention. This position will report directly to CORNERS' executive director and will work closely with CORNERS' senior leadership team.
This is a 2-year term position. Opportunity for renewal will be based on performance and available funding.
Note: This role requires regular local travel and occasional national travel, as well as periodic work outside of normal business hours.
Specific Responsibilities:
Content Strategy
Lead the successful execution of a communications plan for CORNERS, for discrete research projects and for the Center as a whole.Oversee the planning, development, and dissemination of content to amplify CORNERS' research partnerships, project deliverables, findings, and accomplishments.Manage CORNERS' web presence, including website, digital advertising, search engine optimization, and social media activities.Manage digital content production, including photography, videos, informational materials, and graphic design.Produce and distribute CORNERS' newsletters and email marketing/communications campaigns.Brand Strategy
Design and execute a strategic communications plan to advance CORNERS' brand identity.Oversee CORNERS' brand deployment and integrity.Work with operations/administrative staff to ensure consistency of physical/office branding.Work with designers and other external strategists to refine brand elements (e.g., logos, taglines and aesthetics) and support the development of visuals for deliverables.Internal Communications
Support CORNERS in developing and managing an internal communications strategy that enhances communication across the organization.Create internal communications tools, for example, develop internal-facing documents such as newsletters, communications trainings/best practice guides, and templates.Support staff in developing external-facing content such as presentations, project summaries, op-eds, press releases, etc.Support staff development of public speaking skills.Messaging
Help craft messaging for a wide range of stakeholders and support training of staff around core messaging.Ensure consistency of messaging across communications platforms, e.g., website, deliverables, presentations, etc.Serve as key liaison to external communications supports/strategists and connect staff with external resources/supports as needed.Outreach and Partner Engagement
Build and maintain an extensive email contact list database of CORNERS' stakeholders.Work with senior team to support the creation of Center development and fundraising materials.Work with research and policy director to develop informational and educational materials for policymakers working in CORNERS' areas of research.Work with senior team to guide development of partner-focused messaging and materials which highlight CORNERS' engaged approach.Support CORNERS' relationships with external and internal partners, including government and community partners, other research organizations, funders, and University representatives.Media Relations
Manage media inquiries, provide recommendations on media engagement, work with leadership to respond to media requests, and support the planning of media coverage for major events.Strategize around media interviews/events, including drafting talking points and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues.Support the development of relevant media content such as press releases, feature articles, op-eds, podcasts, TV interviews and radio shows.Serve as lead contact for local and national news outlets and NU communications and marketing offices (e.g., IPR, Global Marketing, etc.)Archive, organize, and update the Center's website with all of CORNERS' media appearances/mentions.Other
Support talent recruitment from university students and staff.Supervise staff and/or students.Support planning and execution of in-person and virtual events.Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, social science, or related fieldSignificant experience in both applied research and communications, with a total of at least 5 years of professional experience in an academic environment and at least 5 years of communications experience in a relevant setting.Research project management experience and experience in communications role in non-profit, agency, or research organization.Experience generating, designing, and disseminating an array of content for different audiences/stakeholders.Demonstrated experience communicating with a variety of stakeholders across a range of platforms to effectively reach diverse audiences.Experience collaborating with cross-functional team members to ensure information is shared, projects are completed on time, and goals are reached.Experience writing and editing content, as well as generating ideas, managing processes, and coordinating internal and external stakeholder input and calendars.Experience working on projects related to violence prevention and public safety in Chicago.Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
Strong writing and editing skills with ability to translate complex technical language into clear and compelling communications content.Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize and meet tight deadlines.Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely and generate enthusiasm for CORNERS' work among diverse stakeholders, with strong presentation skills.Creative and savvy in use of media technologies, including social media, for communications and ability to easily learn and adopt new approaches.Ability to develop and manage relationships and effectively interface with internal and external stakeholders within and across organizations.Big picture thinker with ability to connect the dots from a communications perspective between CORNERS' discrete projects, Center goals/initiatives, and the broader field (e.g., practice/policy).Demonstrated understanding of the field of violence prevention, community violence intervention, public safety, and Chicago neighborhoods.Superb interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, as well as strong collaboration skills.Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.Strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and ability to take initiative.Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
Successful completion of a master's degree in a related field.Target hiring range for this position will be between $82,000 - $89,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data
Benefits:At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
.
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
#LI-EN1
IPR - Inst for Policy ResSalary/Grade:
EXS/8
Job Summary:
The Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research & Science (CORNERS) at Northwestern University, housed in the Institute for Policy Research (IPR), conducts rigorous, community-engaged research into the ways that Neighborhood Science can be used to understand and address gun violence and other pressing social issues. Working closely with our community and civic partners through an engaged research process, we collect and analyze a wide range of data on the complex networks of residents, institutions, and organizations that make up the connective tissue of communities and - by extension - our cities. Learn more about CORNERS here: www.cornersresearch.org.
CORNERS is seeking a skilled Assistant Director of Communications to guide CORNERS' design and execution of a center-wide communications strategy. The Assistant Director will be responsible for advancing CORNERS' communications strategy-clearly and compellingly conveying its story, highlighting its research, and emphasizing the relevance and impact of its work. The Assistant Director will lead the Center's content and brand strategy, internal communications, messaging, media relations, and partner outreach and engagement. The primary purpose of the role is to promote CORNERS to diverse external and internal audiences, raising awareness of the Center's work locally and nationally and thereby bolstering its prominence as a leading academic partner in public safety.
The ideal candidate for the Assistant Director of Communications role will be highly motivated, creative, and inquisitive, with demonstrated experience and success in both research and communications, ideally within the field of violence prevention. This position will report directly to CORNERS' executive director and will work closely with CORNERS' senior leadership team.
This is a 2-year term position. Opportunity for renewal will be based on performance and available funding.
Note: This role requires regular local travel and occasional national travel, as well as periodic work outside of normal business hours.
Specific Responsibilities:
Content Strategy
Lead the successful execution of a communications plan for CORNERS, for discrete research projects and for the Center as a whole.Oversee the planning, development, and dissemination of content to amplify CORNERS' research partnerships, project deliverables, findings, and accomplishments.Manage CORNERS' web presence, including website, digital advertising, search engine optimization, and social media activities.Manage digital content production, including photography, videos, informational materials, and graphic design.Produce and distribute CORNERS' newsletters and email marketing/communications campaigns.Brand Strategy
Design and execute a strategic communications plan to advance CORNERS' brand identity.Oversee CORNERS' brand deployment and integrity.Work with operations/administrative staff to ensure consistency of physical/office branding.Work with designers and other external strategists to refine brand elements (e.g., logos, taglines and aesthetics) and support the development of visuals for deliverables.Internal Communications
Support CORNERS in developing and managing an internal communications strategy that enhances communication across the organization.Create internal communications tools, for example, develop internal-facing documents such as newsletters, communications trainings/best practice guides, and templates.Support staff in developing external-facing content such as presentations, project summaries, op-eds, press releases, etc.Support staff development of public speaking skills.Messaging
Help craft messaging for a wide range of stakeholders and support training of staff around core messaging.Ensure consistency of messaging across communications platforms, e.g., website, deliverables, presentations, etc.Serve as key liaison to external communications supports/strategists and connect staff with external resources/supports as needed.Outreach and Partner Engagement
Build and maintain an extensive email contact list database of CORNERS' stakeholders.Work with senior team to support the creation of Center development and fundraising materials.Work with research and policy director to develop informational and educational materials for policymakers working in CORNERS' areas of research.Work with senior team to guide development of partner-focused messaging and materials which highlight CORNERS' engaged approach.Support CORNERS' relationships with external and internal partners, including government and community partners, other research organizations, funders, and University representatives.Media Relations
Manage media inquiries, provide recommendations on media engagement, work with leadership to respond to media requests, and support the planning of media coverage for major events.Strategize around media interviews/events, including drafting talking points and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues.Support the development of relevant media content such as press releases, feature articles, op-eds, podcasts, TV interviews and radio shows.Serve as lead contact for local and national news outlets and NU communications and marketing offices (e.g., IPR, Global Marketing, etc.)Archive, organize, and update the Center's website with all of CORNERS' media appearances/mentions.Other
Support talent recruitment from university students and staff.Supervise staff and/or students.Support planning and execution of in-person and virtual events.Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, social science, or related fieldSignificant experience in both applied research and communications, with a total of at least 5 years of professional experience in an academic environment and at least 5 years of communications experience in a relevant setting.Research project management experience and experience in communications role in non-profit, agency, or research organization.Experience generating, designing, and disseminating an array of content for different audiences/stakeholders.Demonstrated experience communicating with a variety of stakeholders across a range of platforms to effectively reach diverse audiences.Experience collaborating with cross-functional team members to ensure information is shared, projects are completed on time, and goals are reached.Experience writing and editing content, as well as generating ideas, managing processes, and coordinating internal and external stakeholder input and calendars.Experience working on projects related to violence prevention and public safety in Chicago.Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
Strong writing and editing skills with ability to translate complex technical language into clear and compelling communications content.Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize and meet tight deadlines.Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely and generate enthusiasm for CORNERS' work among diverse stakeholders, with strong presentation skills.Creative and savvy in use of media technologies, including social media, for communications and ability to easily learn and adopt new approaches.Ability to develop and manage relationships and effectively interface with internal and external stakeholders within and across organizations.Big picture thinker with ability to connect the dots from a communications perspective between CORNERS' discrete projects, Center goals/initiatives, and the broader field (e.g., practice/policy).Demonstrated understanding of the field of violence prevention, community violence intervention, public safety, and Chicago neighborhoods.Superb interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, as well as strong collaboration skills.Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.Strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and ability to take initiative.Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
Successful completion of a master's degree in a related field.Target hiring range for this position will be between $82,000 - $89,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data
Benefits:At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
.
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
#LI-EN1