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 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, 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 Chicago School seeks an experienced and strategic leader for the Executive Director for University Communications role. The Executive Director will lead the institution's communications strategy and amplify its brand and impact through close collaboration with Marketing and executive leadership. This leader will develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan that aligns with the university's mission, vision, and strategic goals, ensuring consistent and compelling messaging across all channels and stakeholder groups.
Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Executive Director for University Communications will lead a team of communications, public affairs, and public relations professionals. The Executive Director will collaborate with leaders across Marketing, Advancement, Admissions, Academic Affairs and other departments to shape narratives that showcase The Chicago School's impact and drive engagement with key audiences, including prospective students, current students, alumni, faculty and staff, donors, and the broader community. This leader will be an exceptionally close collaborator with the Marketing team, who oversees several components of the university’s brand, public relations, and communications.
This position is based in Chicago, Illinois, with the flexibility for hybrid remote work. Occasional travel (10%-20%) to other campus locations or conferences may be required.
KEY RESPONSIBILITES
Strategy and Leadership
-
Develop and implement a comprehensive, integrated communications strategy that elevates The Chicago School's brand, amplifies its mission and impact, and supports key institutional priorities (including the development of a new College of Osteopathic Medicine in Chicago).
-
Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to identify compelling stories, initiatives, and achievements to highlight through various communications channels.
-
Partner with Marketing to align communications and brand-building efforts to influence key outcomes around brand awareness, content production and impact, and media attention.
-
Identify and cultivate relationships with critical influencers, stakeholders, organizations, and events who can further the reach of The Chicago School’s mission and impact.
Content Creation and Quality Management
-
Oversee the development and execution of engaging content (e.g., videos, graphics, and written content) across various platforms, including social media, communications and announcements, and collateral and other materials.
-
Ensure all content meets or exceeds quality standards related to compliance, brand identity and messaging, and visual impact, portraying The Chicago School is the best possible manner.
-
Collaborate with Marketing to ensure cross-team alignment of strategy, areas of responsibility, and clear performance metrics related to content.
-
Continuously identify innovations, trends, and other opportunities to leverage emerging technologies and/or platforms to enhance the university's digital presence and reach.
Media Relations and Public Affairs
-
Collaboratively define and execute a stakeholder engagement strategy to further the university’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives that spans local, regional, and national audiences, with a near-term emphasis on the Chicago area.
-
Strategically build and maintain positive relationships with key policymakers and stakeholders in local, state, and federal markets to further the university’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
-
Collaborate with Marketing to develop and implement proactive strategies to increase the reach of the university's brand, overall visibility and impact, and elevate expertise on relevant critical topics
-
Serve as a key spokesperson at external events and with external audiences – and develop the university’s capacity to effectively convey messages, manage crises, and build relationships with stakeholders, media, and the public.
-
Identify potential issues, develop crisis communication plans, and proactively manage reputation risks, ensuring the university’s image and credibility are maintained during challenging situations.
Team and Resource Management
-
Provide visionary leadership to the university communications team, fostering an inclusive, productive, collaborative, and innovative work environment focused on exceptional and consistent outcomes.
-
Hire, manage, and coach team members, promoting professional growth and ensuring the team has the necessary skills and resources to achieve its goals.
-
Cultivate strong partnerships with stakeholders across the university, including academic departments, student services, advancement, and other administrative units, to align communications efforts and ensure consistent messaging.
-
Systematically track team output and outcomes and regularly report to executive leaders about productivity and impacts related to the university’s vision and strategy.
-
Continuously pursue process improvements and new solutions (e.g., technology, workflows, etc.) that enable more effective communication and collaboration across teams.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Master's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field or demonstrated equivalency through skills and experience.
-
8+ years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public relations, or marketing.
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and consistent messaging for a variety of audiences.
-
Demonstrated experience in effectively managing day-to-day operations and activities.
-
Demonstrated experience in building, leading, and managing high-performing teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
10+ years of senior-level communications or public relations experience, preferably in higher education.
-
Proven creativity, innovation, and ability to develop and execute successful, integrated communications campaigns that drive engagement and enhance brand reputation, particularly within nonprofit or resource-constrained environments.
-
Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, build consensus around communications strategies, and collaborate effectively within a matrixed organization.
-
Strong agility and nimbleness, with the ability to effectively manage change across a team, adapt to changing circumstances, and balance competing projects and priorities.
-
Experience serving as a media spokesperson and managing crisis communications situations.
-
Familiarity with the Chicago media landscape as it relates to marketing, public relations, and public affairs.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This opportunity is budgeted at $110,000 - $150,000 annual base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement, click the link below.
https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/
Compensation & Benefits
This opportunity is budgeted at $110,000 - $150,000 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.
https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/
The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note: For the protection of faculty, staff, students, and all who enter our facilities, The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidance.