Job Description:

• In partnership with the Dean, develops and oversees a unified communication strategic plan, aligning it with Arts and Humanities goals and objectives.
• Achieves division goals, objectives, and communications strategies in events/programming, social media, publications, announcements, etc.
• Provides visionary leadership and guidance to the Humanities Division, Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, Arts + Public Life, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts communication teams, fostering innovation and collaboration in achieving strategic outcomes. Provides mentorship, guidance, and feedback to enhance individual and team performance and growth.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of the divisionâ™s brand identity, ensuring a strong, cohesive presence that resonates with target audiences.
• Leads and monitors campaigns to promote the brand, including advertising, promotions, and public relations activities.
• Analyzes brand performance and campaign effectiveness through data metrics and analytics. Provides insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Develops and implements communication policies and best practices, ensuring compliance with University and Division guidelines and industry standards.
• Stays informed about emerging trends and best practices in communications, marketing, and programming to continuously improve policies and best practices.
• Oversees and leads media relations and public relations efforts, building and maintaining positive relationships with media outlets to amplify the division's visibility.
• Serves as the Division's spokesperson as needed. Ensures a consistent and unified communication approach.
• Oversees media activities, including writing or proofreading press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and responding to requests on high impact, sensitive, or controversial issues.
• Fosters increased collaboration between departments and Arts units to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communications and marketing efforts.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to maximize division and Arts event activities and attendance.
• Oversees communication department budgets, resources, and operations, ensuring optimal utilization of funds and achieving cost-effectiveness.
• Develops communication strategy, provides leadership and management of communications staff, liaises with other University and Unit offices as appropriate.
• Manages the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and responding to requests on sensitive or controversial issues.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• MBA or master's degree in communications with a focus on communication and marketing, or strategic management.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in communications and/or public relations.
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategic communication plans that align with organizational goals.
• Leading successful communications campaigns.
• Leading and developing high-performing communications teams.
• Working effectively with other departments, such as development, to achieve common goals.
• Creating and executing communication strategies that support fundraising efforts.
• Engaging diverse audiences and communities, and developing and promoting educational initiatives.
• Practical experience in higher education and the arts and humanities sector.

Preferred Competencies

• Strategic thinking - develop and implement long-term communication strategies.
• Leadership and management - proven experience in leading teams and managing projects.
• Public relations and media relations - expertise in managing media relationships and public image.
• Digital literacy - proficiency in digital marketing, social media, and emerging communication technologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication. Strong skills in crafting messages, storytelling, and public speaking.
• Forward thinking - anticipate future trends, embrace new ideas, and foster a culture of creativity and innovation.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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