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

Job Description:

Department



COMM College Communications



About the Department



The University of Chicago College is one of the most influential undergraduate institutions of liberal learning in the world. Devoted to advancing knowledge and to encouraging the habits of critical reflection, rigorous discussion, and uninhibited discourse, UChicago affirms the power of imaginative educational practices to advance creative learning and enrich civic life.



Job Summary



The University of Chicago College, a preeminent liberal arts undergraduate program within a leading global research university, seeks a Communications Manager to join its College communications team and support the development and execution of editorial and social media content. With a focus on furthering brand awareness and engagement for the College, this individual will develop and publish website stories, social media posts, and newsletter content that spark a sense of pride in the College community while also deepening recognition of UChicago's transformative undergraduate education.


Part of University Communications, the College communications team provides dedicated support to the undergraduate College while contributing to central efforts to further the global reputation of the University of Chicago. With specialization in brand strategy, content creation, media relations, and digital communications, University Communications serves as a strategic partner and center of excellence across the University.


The College Communications Manager will play an integral role in executing the College's communications initiatives, supporting the development of content for use across the College's website, UChicago News site, and social media channels. This position reports to the Director of College Communications, Associate Dean of the College.



Responsibilities

• Manages the College's editorial and social content calendar; tracks upcoming events/activities, key dates, and deadlines; and ensures a steady cadence of content throughout the year, including writing, editing, publishing, and monitoring social media content.


• Highlights large campus and student events such as Orientation Week and Convocation, including developing content for editorial and social media coverage.


• Conceptualizes, researches, writes, and publishes feature articles about student life, academics, student achievements, and College news.


• Recruits and hires student talent, and manages operations of the undergraduate College Editorial Team. This includes running weekly meetings, assigning story and social media coverage duties to students, and editing student-written features.


• Participates in weekly content meetings with the University Communications team, including providing updates on upcoming stories from the College.


• Connects with and fostering ongoing relationships with campus partners and uses institutional knowledge to identify relevant storylines, events, and news that can be leveraged across College channels.


• Curates and publishes quarterly e-newsletter to share top-line news and events taking place around the College with students, families, faculty, and staff.


• Maintains and assesses monthly College metrics and contributes to University Communications metrics reports.


• Ensures that the College website remains up to date, including developing copy and new pages for the site as needed and assisting/advising College partners with publishing updates to their respective pages on the site.


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


• Develops, plans, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.


• 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.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:




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Preferred Qualifications




Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as creative writing, journalism, marketing, English, or communications.

Experience:

• Background in journalism, public relations, or corporate communications.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with website content management and social media scheduling tools.


• Experience managing social media accounts.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.


• Writing and editing skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Attention to organization and detail.


• Problem-solving abilities.


• Strong collaboration skills.


• Flexibility.


• Strong interpersonal skills.


• Work both independently and as part of a team.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)


• Cover Letter (required)


• References Contact Information (3)(required)


• Writing Sample

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