Director of University Communications

Job Description:

ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL
The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals organizations and communities. We enroll over 6000 students across 40 academic programs culminating in a bachelors masters or doctoral degree or a professional certificate and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 45 years.
As an employee at The Chicago School you can become a member of an inclusive community committed to excellence. At The Chicago School we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic talented and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of University Communications provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the universitys communications function ensuring clear consistent and mission-aligned messaging across internal and external audiences. This role oversees the development and execution of communications strategies editorial storytelling leadership communications and institutional messaging that strengthen the universitys visibility reputation and engagement.
The Director of University Communications translates institutional priorities into coordinated communications plans and oversees the development of content across digital editorial and leadership channels. This role works in close partnership with the Marketing team to ensure alignment between institutional messaging brand campaigns and marketing initiatives supporting a cohesive and unified external presence. The Director collaborates regularly with Advancement Public Affairs Alumni Relations Marketing and academic leadership to ensure communications and marketing efforts are aligned complementary and strategically coordinated.
This role will manage the University Communications team build upon communications standards and workflows and ensure communications initiatives are executed efficiently and effectively.
Key Responsibilities
Communications Strategy & Planning
Develop and implement communications strategies that support institutional priorities and strengthen the universitys reputation
Translate institutional initiatives into coordinated communications plans messaging frameworks and timelines
Partner closely with Marketing to align communications strategies with institutional brand campaigns marketing initiatives and audience engagement priorities
Advise leadership and campus partners on communications strategy messaging and positioning

Internal Communications Leadership
Lead and support the development and execution of internal communications calendar and strategies to ensure faculty and staff are informed aligned and engaged
Oversee and support institutional internal communications channels including leadership messages staff announcements internal newsletters and organizational updates
Build on standards processes and timelines for internal communications to ensure clarity consistency and effectiveness
Ensure internal communications reinforce institutional priorities mission and culture

Editorial & Content Oversight
Oversee and refine editorial content including institutional announcements feature stories and leadership communications
Ensure content aligns with institutional voice brand standards and messaging priorities in coordination with Marketing and brand guidelines

Leadership Communications
Oversee communications supporting university leadership including digital presence messaging and thought leadership initiatives
Ensure leadership communications reflect institutional priorities and reinforce strategic positioning

Team Leadership & Staff Management
Supervise communications staff including full-time employees and/or student employees
Provide leadership coaching and professional development to team members
Establish team priorities workflows and performance expectations

Project & Workflow Oversight
Oversee communications workflows and ensure timely execution of communications initiatives
Coordinate communications planning and execution across institutional stakeholders and in alignment with Marketing timelines and campaigns
Ensure communications processes support efficiency consistency and quality

Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Marketing to ensure consistent messaging coordinated campaign execution and alignment between communications and marketing initiatives
Collaborate with Advancement Public Affairs Alumni Relations Marketing and academic leadership to support institutional priorities
Ensure communications efforts are strategically aligned with marketing strategies brand positioning and institutional engagement efforts

Reporting & Performance Oversight
Oversee communications reporting and performance tracking
Collaborate with Marketing to review engagement metrics of branded social media channels and assess effectiveness of campaigns
Adjust communications approaches based on performance insights and institutional priorities

Qualifications Required
Bachelors degree in Communications Journalism Public Relations Marketing or related field
710 years of progressive experience in communications public relations or related field
Demonstrated experience leading communications initiatives and managing staff
Strong writing editing and messaging development skills
Strong organizational and project management skills
Demonstrated experience collaborating with marketing teams on integrated communications and brand initiatives

The Chicago School offers a generous compensation and benefits package as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off medical and dental coverage company-paid life and disability insurance retirement plan with employer contribution multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA) tuition reimbursement professional development and regular employee appreciation events.

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Company:

The Chicago School