Communications Specialist, The College at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Department



COMM College Communications



About the Department



University Communications aims to increase the understanding, recognition, and advocacy of UChicago's impact as one of the world's leading research universities. Our teams focus on building the University brand, enhancing and protecting its reputation, and engaging our University community.



Job Summary



The University of Chicago College seeks a Specialist to join its communications team to support its work to increase recognition of the College as a preeminent liberal arts undergraduate program within a leading global research university to external and internal audiences.


Part of University Communications, the College communications team provides dedicated support to the undergraduate College while contributing to central efforts to further the University of Chicago's global reputation.


The College Communications Specialist will play an integral role in executing the College's communications initiatives, supporting the College's earned media efforts as well as developing content for the College's website and social media channels. The position reports to the Director of College Communications, Associate Dean of the College.



Responsibilities

• Develops media materials, which includes drafting press releases, advisories, op-eds, and pitches.


• Creates media lists and conducts reporter outreach to secure coverage of the College and its priorities in news outlets including, but not limited to major announcements, trends, showcasing College staff/faculty as thought leaders, highlighting unique events and other features to showcase the undergraduate experience.


• Researches and writes feature articles about student life, academics, student achievements, and news for the College website.


• Updates the College's public calendar and social media channels.


• Assists with other areas of communications in the College and its partners as needed, with an eye to highlighting supports available to undergraduates.


• Distributes mass emails of major announcements and helps facilitate email communications between the Dean of Students office and College students and families.


• Accomplishes assigned duties through two or more of the following: written communications; visual/graphic media, which may include Web site development and maintenance; speeches and personal contact. The incumbent is still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills.


• Continues to build higher level knowledge of the University, processes and customers.


• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications




Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:




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Preferred Qualifications




Experience:

• 2-4 years of experience in journalism, public relations, or communications.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and news judgment.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.


• Strong interpersonal skills and work both independently and as part of a team.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)


• Cover Letter (required)


• References Contact Information (3) (required


• Writing Sample (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.



Job Family



Communications



Role Impact



Individual Contributor



FLSA Status



Exempt



Pay Frequency



Monthly



Scheduled
Weekly Hours



37.5



Benefits Eligible



Yes



Drug Test Required



No



Health Screen Required



No



Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required



No



Posting Statement



The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or 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 Applicant Inquiry Form.


We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.


All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.


The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. Apply Now