Associate Director of Research and Science Communications Job at University of I

Associate Director of Research and Science Communications

Hiring Department: Storytelling and Content Strategy

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1027444

Posting Close Date: 11/18/2024

Salary Range: $73,000 - $88,000 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.

This is a full-time and benefits eligible position. Hybrid and flexible work schedules are available. UIC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, paid leave, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Description:

The role focuses on stories related to UIC research and science, representing UIC's 16 colleges and schools on multiple channels, including today.uic.edu, UIC's news website. The Associate Director will review science and research story ideas for alignment with team best practices and university research protocol requirements in story selection. The role is pivotal in planning and producing integrated, multimedia and multichannel stories that advance UIC's reputation as Chicago's public research university. Story development includes all steps from inception to distribution, including discovery, ideation, interviewing, writing, fact-checking and proofing, preparing stories for publication, and developing plans for dissemination and promotion.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Uncover, produce, edit, publish and promote stories, blogs and various content aligned with team content strategies and university’s priorities.
• Translate/edit scientific and clinical language into accessible and compelling language for diverse audiences.
• Distill research leads into pitchable summaries to favorably position UIC’s research strengths.
• Gather and compile thorough background information and multimedia on research activity to accompany stories.
• Obtain required review/approval from partners in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research on research and science stories.
• Monitor news media coverage of science and research stories to inform strategies for story identification and distribution at UIC.
• Evaluate and assess content and packaging for diverse audiences.
• Co-manage and/or manage specific research-related channels, including social media channels, blogs and newsletters.
• Collaborate with all teams of Strategic Marketing and Communications to expand the reach and influence of UIC stories.
• Participate in weekly editorial meetings and represent SMC in campus or project meetings as needed.
• Contribute to strategic content and editorial planning, ensuring stories are aligned with university and SMC priorities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with deans, college communicators, faculty and other contacts to mine and produce distinct content.
• Regularly review website content for accessibility, accuracy and relevance.
• Contribute to copy writing, fact-checking and proofing for marketing collateral and communication materials as needed.
• Support various chancellor, provost and/or vice chancellor offices’ projects, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as they emerge in an evolving communications landscape.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

1. Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field.
2. One (1) year of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, or related fields.
3. At least five years of professional experience with science and research writing and content production.
4. Proven experience writing external facing communications or editorial and news-style writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated experience producing highly visual, multimedia and multichannel stories.
• Experience with and knowledge of HIPAA and FERPA privacy regulations.
• Experience with and knowledge of AP style guidelines.

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button. Please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.