Visiting Director of Communications and Media Relations

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Job Description

The University of Illinois Chicago, College of Business Administration is seeking the ideal candidate to fill the role of Visiting Director of Communications and Media Relations. The Visiting Director of Communications and Media plays a pivotal role in articulating the vision and accomplishments of the College of Business through compelling storytelling and strategic media relations. This position is focused on elevating the college's visibility and fostering connections with business professionals, corporate leaders, alumni, and other essential stakeholders to fortify these relationships. Leading promotional strategies, media engagements, speech crafting, video production, collateral creation, and narrative initiatives, the director drives forward the mission and influence of the College of Business through impactful communication and storytelling endeavors.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage communications and media relations staff to effectively reach prospective and currentstudents seeking business education, business professionals, corporate leaders, alumni, andother essential stakeholders through communication, storytelling, and media.

• Guide Media Relations using multiple channels including broadcast, print, radio, television, andonline platforms. Strategically plan media events, news releases, and engagements. Cultivateties with news outlets to highlight UIC Business achievements and coordinate responses,interviews, and newsworthy events.

• Lead promotional strategies to boost the organization’s standing with stakeholders and enhance its visibility. Develop cutting-edge, key messaging and content to effectively cultivate and strengthen relationships with external stakeholders. Develop and maintain UIC Business collateral and other materials.

• Develop key messaging and content that resonates with the target market's demographics to meet the Strategic Priorities of UIC Business.

• Oversee the preparation of speeches and executive remarks for college leadership. Provide strategic coaching and briefing sessions for media appearances and interviews.

• Direct video production activities with audio/video specialists and production teams. Provide participants with communication tools and offer guidance on effective delivery techniques.

• Manage compelling storytelling through channels such as the college website, newsletters, social media, video platforms, podcasts, and business or higher education publications.

• Develops, implements, monitors, and leverages CBA data and metrics collection processes related to communication efforts to evaluate and inform creative innovation, efficiency, distribution, and cost-effectiveness decisions in all areas.

• Perform other duties as assigned and participate in special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, media, public relations, or a related field.

• Five (5) years of relevant experience

• Portfolio of work that demonstrates experience in communications, media relations and storytelling.

• Exhibits expertise and enthusiasm for news, media relations, storytelling, communication proficiency, impactful interviewing, and efficient news gathering.

• Capacity for clear and concise writing, adept editing, and strong proofreading abilities.

• Demonstrate a firm dedication to collaboration and teamwork.

• Demonstrates exceptional adaptability to changing priorities, able to navigate shifts in direction, and discern when to seek support or suggest improvements.

Application Procedure

All applicants must apply via the UIC job board (https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/9496?c=uic) by the close date of May 30, 2024. 

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899