Associate Director of External Communication Job at Loyola University of Chicago

Position Details

Job Title Associate Director of Communication Position Number 8102527 Job Category University Staff Job Type Full-Time FLSA Status Exempt Campus Chicago-Water Tower Campus Department Name UNIV MARKETING & COMMUNICATION Location Code UNIVERSITY MARKETING & COMMUNICATION Is this split and/or fully grant funded? No Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Responsibilities

The Associate Director of External Communication reports to the Assistant Vice President for Communication, is a member of the Communications Team, and oversees one direct report. The Associate Director is a skilled strategist who leads proactive media relations in service of the University's mission and reputation.

The Associate Director will have a clear focus on proactive and innovative storytelling in collaboration with the larger marketing and communication team and the department's strategic plan and brand pillars.

This mission-critical role plays a key part in expanding awareness of Loyola University Chicago and differentiating its unique position as a leader in higher education based on academic excellence and Jesuit, Catholic educational methods and values.

The Associate Director will seek earned media opportunities with priority schools and divisions; build quality working relationships with media; collaborate with and support integrated marketing campaigns; monitor and assess media coverage and share relevant reports; leverage media coverage internally and externally working with social media managers and others; and advocate for maximizing media coverage across other areas such as Enrollment Marketing, Office of the Provost, and Office of the President. The Associate Director will train community members to work with media, develop and place op-eds with key media outlets, and conduct effective interviews. The Associate Director will serve as a source, resource, and professional guide to journalists from Loyola's student media, including the Phoenix newspaper and Rambler Report newscast. The Associate Director will also provide strategic counsel to Assistant Vice President and University leadership in issues management situations - and serve a key role in responding to issues.

Attributes:

* Superlative communicator and creative storyteller who can identify and develop stories, press releases, web and video content that elevate the University's reputation and authentically represent its quality, values, and Jesuit Catholic mission.

* Earns the confidence of stakeholders across the University, especially related to crisis communications and sensitive issues management.

* Ability to work across the organization and hierarchy to build collaborative relationships across University Marketing and Communications, across academic units, as well as the Division of Student Development, Enrollment Marketing, and Advancement.

* Organizational and planning skills with an eye for detail to manage a pipeline of stories and projects efficiently and effectively.

* Ability to stay calm and to pivot quickly to take advantage of media opportunities or respond to reputational issues

* Learning mindset to convey a range of nuanced subject matter and tones

* Anticipatory mindset to identify opportunities and reputational risks, define scenarios, and present situational analyses and frameworks for strong narrative, meaningful listening, and strategic response.

* Strong and respectful conflict resolution skills for crucial conversations

* Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills

* Executive discretion and discernment

* Demonstrated record of relationship building and working effectively in hybrid and remote modes

* Inspirational leader and trusted advisor to colleagues across Loyola

Duties and Responsibilities

* Develop and direct external communications strategies and tactics that strengthen Loyola's mission and lift Loyola University Chicago's brand. This includes:

* Establishment of yearly communication calendars and plans coordinated with Loyola operations and milestones

* Build out and maintain an effective and up-to-date crisis communications plan

* Collaborate in crafting official statements and rapid response

* Active media outreach and proactive storytelling

* Collaborate in crafting official statements

* Contribute to integrated marketing campaigns in support of strategic plan, campus master plan, and advancement campaigns

* Creation of public relations themes, narratives, and campaigns around academic quality and brand pillars

* Management of reactive media inquiries, hot-button issues, and campus controversies, collaborating with appropriate stakeholders

* Collaborate and coordinate across UMC, with MarCom managers, and with stakeholders on integrated campaigns that unify mission, brand, and voice

* Help research, write, and edit foundational communications (e.g., president's report, fact book, impact report, Loyola Today news hub, Examens)

* Contribute to integrated marketing and comms around IDIEI, civil discourse, and the character of the University

* Advise and partner with school marketing and communications managers on external communications

* Collaborate closely with University social media to coordinate messaging and monitor threats and response

* Develop effective plans and protocols for strategic operational excellence.

* Manage direct report, Assistant Director of Internal Communication

* Collaborate and oversee editorial, production, cadence, and distribution of internal emails, newsletters; consult as needed

* Team closely with Assistant Director on rapid-response situations

* In consultation with the Assistant Vice President, work with the Assistant Director to develop integrated communications plans for proactive opportunities and issues responses. Support the Assistant Director in expanding communications efforts to include more proactive storytelling and comprehensive channels.

* Consult, advise, and support as needed; develop and complete annual performance evaluations.

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience

Bachelor's degree required in Journalism, Communications, or related field; advanced degree in Business, Marketing, or Communications preferred.

Significant background, 5-8 years, in Public or Media Relations, Marketing, or related communications experience.

Qualifications

Excellent written and verbal communications skills with adaptive writing agility for a variety of mediums (i.e., news releases, social, web, and other copy for relevant platforms to maximize earned media coverage and content.

Well-versed in evolving media landscape and contemporary best practices and working knowledge of vendor tools like Cision, Businesswire, etc.

Proficient or in solid command of in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Excel, etc., Zoom and others.

Working knowledge of social media channel deployment (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn), and Sprout Social or other social media management, distribution and monitoring or listening platforms.

Proven success in PR pitching and high-profile media placements; active media network with focus on regional and national news and higher education.

Ability to collaborate with various teams including advancement, UMC, Student Development, HR, President's office, Provost's office, deans, special events, Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management, etc.

Demonstrated project management skills and ability to manage various deadline-driven projects simultaneously.

Superior interpersonal skills and ability to coordinate activities productively with functions and units outside his/her/their own sphere of control to ensure successful communication of desired messages.

Sophisticated in people management and a passion for mentoring, career pathing, and professional development

High ethical standards and integrity required

Certificates/Credentials/Licenses

None.

Computer Skills

Proficient or in solid command of in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Excel, etc. Zoom and others.

Working knowledge of social media channel deployment (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn), Sprout Social or other social media management, distribution and monitoring or listening platforms.

Supervisory Responsibilities Yes Required operation of university owned vehicles No Does this position require direct animal or patient contact? No Physical Demands None Working Conditions Irregular Hours Open Date 07/30/2024 Close Date Position Maximum Salary or Hourly Rate $95,000/ann Position Minimum Salary or Hourly Rate $85,000/ann Special Instructions to Applicants About Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is a private Jesuit University founded in 1870 by the Society of Jesus. One of the largest Catholic Universities in the United States, Loyola's professional schools include programs in medicine, nursing, and health sciences anchored by the Loyola University Medical Center, and the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Comprised of thirteen colleges and schools, Loyola University Chicago offers more than 80 undergraduate and 140 graduate/professional programs while enrolling approximately 17,000 students. In addition to offering a world class educational experience, Loyola University Chicago strives to be an employer of choice by offering its staff and faculty a wide array of affordable, comprehensive, and competitive benefits. Our benefits are centered on health and wellness, financial security, equity, and work-life balance. We offer medical, dental, vision, 403(b), HSA, FSAs, tuition benefit, pre-tax transit benefits, EAP, and more. To view our benefits in detail, click here.

As one of the nation's largest Jesuit, Catholic Universities, Loyola University Chicago fosters a transformative cultural experience that honors Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse, mission driven workforce that enables a culture of inclusivity. We act with the heart of a nonprofit organization and an academic enterprise with ethical practices that advance the Jesuit Mission. Loyola actively seeks to build a community of diverse opinions, perspectives, and backgrounds that support our Jesuit tradition, while helping Ramblers foster a sense of belonging and affinity for all.

Loyola University Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion (except where religion is a bona fide occupational qualification for the job), national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by law.