Communications Manager

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12321527 Department UL Inclusive Economy Lab About the Department For generations, government policies and institutional choices have excluded many Americans from opportunities for education, employment, and wealth creation. Ending intergenerational poverty and building an inclusive economy-one that provides real economic opportunities for all communities-requires collaboration across sectors, as well as scientific evidence about what works and what doesn\'t. Traditional research can take years, and the results often don\'t reach those who need the information most-the people living with and working on these issues. The University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab solves this by working with policymakers, organizations, and communities to identify their most urgent and pressing challenges, co-generate evidence about what works, and translate that evidence into real policy changes that expand economic opportunity and improve lives. Founded in 2015, The University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab conducts rigorous research that expands economic opportunity for people harmed by discrimination, disinvestment, and segregation. One of five Urban Labs based at the Harris School of Public Policy, the Inclusive Economy Lab is led by Pritzker Director Marianne Bertrand, Chris P. Dialynas Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the Booth School of Business. We partner with policymakers, community-based organizations and others to identify their most urgent and pressing challenges, co-generate evidence about what works, and translate findings into policy changes that end intergenerational poverty. By identifying barriers to social mobility and racial equity and highlighting the programs and policies that have the most positive impact, our work creates aims to create greater economic opportunity. We specialize in evaluating programs with the potential to improve lives in four main areas: College and Career Success, Housing Stability, Financial Security, and Quality Jobs. Job Summary The Communications Manager works with the Executive Director, Faculty Director, and Leadership Team to craft communications strategies; academia, non-profit and community-based organizations, and other community groups; and identify and implement externally facing opportunities and initiatives to enhance the impact of the Inclusive Economy Lab\'s work. The Manager has primary responsibility for the external positioning of the Inclusive Economy Lab brand, including having key input on messaging, media relations, non-profit, community, and other partners, as well as management and implementation of the external relations plans for the lab. The Director leads and manages the responsibilities dedicated to external relations and communications work as well as any external resources and is the primary liaison with Harris School of Public Policy and University of Chicago communications, and civic engagement teams. Responsibilities Ensures that external relations strategies are communicated effectively to appropriate stakeholders both inside and outside the organization. Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with University communications, civic engagement, and federal relations staff in support of the Lab\'s goals. Develops and manages a communications budget and oversees a stable of communications freelancers to support and execute on communications plans. Serves as executive editor for the organization\'s website, blog, and social media. Ensures consistent voice across internal- and external-facing documents and program descriptions, including project two-pagers, presentation decks. Manages the Lab\'s external relations calendar and coordinates internal and exte nal newsletters. Supports the Lab\'s recruiting and fundraising goals in partnership with the Executive Director, People Operations Manager, Program Directors and University of Chicago Alumni Relations and Development staff. Develops customized donor engagement and recruitment materials, including annual/impact reports and customized thank you materials. Makes contributions to the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues. Solves moderate to complex problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. --- Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. --- Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor\'s degree. Experience: 5-7 years of external relations, public affairs, communicati