Admissions Communications Manager - UME - Admissions/Recruitment - Full-time

Rush University Medical Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago seeks a Communications Manager to lead strategic admissions communications, enhance the applicant experience, and serve as the primary communications resource for engagement, messaging, and digital campaigns across the admissions lifecycle.

This role collaborates with Admissions leadership and the recruitment team to deliver timely, mission-aligned content; manages multiple channels, analyzes engagement metrics, and supports outreach events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3–5 years in communications, marketing, recruitment, or admissions.
• Experience developing communication strategies and targeted messaging.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong public speaking.
• Experience managing multiple channels and audiences.
• Familiar with communication platforms, email tools, CMS, and CRMs; able to learn admissions tech.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage applicant communication plans aligned with admissions timelines.
• Establish standards and templates for consistent messaging.
• Use admissions systems to manage communications and evaluate engagement.
• Collaborate with admissions leadership to support recruitment goals.
• Support digital communications across website, emails, and social media.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public speaking

Content management

CRM expertise

Multichannel communications

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

CMS platforms

Email marketing tools

Admissions software

Job description

Job Description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: UME - Admissions-Recruitment

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 AM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $29.36 - $42.61 per hour

Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush's anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:

Job Summary:

The Communications Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing strategic communications that support the medical school admissions process and enhance the prospective applicant experience. This position serves as the primary communications resource for applicant engagement, admissions messaging, digital communications, and communication strategy throughout the admissions lifecycle. This role collaborates with Admissions leadership and the recruitment team to ensure consistent, timely, and mission-aligned communication that supports admission and recruitment goals. The individual who holds this position will exemplify the Rush mission, vision, and values and act in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Other information:

Required Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three to five years of experience in communications, marketing, recruitment, admissions, enrollment management, student services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience developing communication strategies, managing digital content, and creating targeted messaging.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills; strong public speaking skills and ability to engage large and small groups in a variety of settings.
• Experience managing multiple communication channels and audiences.
• Experience with communication platforms, email marketing tools, content management systems, and CRM systems preferred. Ability to learn admissions technology platforms and databases.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education or medical education admissions.
• Experience with CRM/email marketing platforms.
• Experience analyzing communication engagement metrics.
• Experience supporting recruitment and enrollment initiatives.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized with an ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and interact with others professionally and cordially.
• Maintains confidentiality for applicants, students, and/or alumni.
• Requires occasional travel throughout the country, including overnight stays and occasional weekends, to represent RMC Admissions.

Physical Demands:

• Capable of lifting 20-30 lbs. with a handcart.

Competencies:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while fostering a positive team culture.
• Strong commitment to supporting a diverse population of prospective students, community members, staff, and faculty.
• Outgoing, ambitious, and passionate about assisting students.
• Highly customer-focused with strong multitasking skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage a high workload, and complete tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities,s or requirements.

Responsibilities:

Job Responsibilities:

Applicant Communications Strategy & Management

• Develop and manage comprehensive applicant communication plans aligned with admissions timelines and recruitment goals.
• Establish communication standards, templates, and guidelines to promote consistent, accurate, timely, and aligned messaging across admissions communications.
• Utilize admissions systems and communication platforms to manage applicant communications, support communication workflows, and evaluate engagement effectiveness.
• Partner with admissions staff to identify communication gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with admissions leadership to develop communication strategies that support recruitment and enrollment goals.

Digital Communications & Marketing

• Manage and monitor admissions communication channels to ensure content remains current, accurate, and aligned with recruitment priorities.
• Develop and coordinate digital communications through website, email campaigns, and social media platforms.
• Analyze communication engagement metrics and feedback to evaluate effectiveness and recommend improvements to digital and applicant communication strategies.
• Collaborate with institutional marketing/communications teams as appropriate.

Applicant Engagement & Advising

• Provide clear, professional guidance to applicants regarding admissions processes, requirements, timeline, and available resources.
• Develop resources that support applicant understanding of admissions expectations.
• Provide general feedback and guidance to reapplicants consistent with established practices and communication guidelines.

Admissions Evaluation & Interview Support

• Participation in holistic application review activities using established admissions criteria, committee-approved assessments, and mission alignment standards as needed to support admissions operations.
• Conduct applicant interviews utilizing a committee-approved assessment process.
• Facilitate applicant engagement activities, including interview day communications, information sessions, and Q&A sessions.
• Ensure applicants receive accurate and consistent messaging throughout the interview process.

Recruitment Communications & Outreach Support

• Develop and coordinate communication materials and messaging for recruitment events to ensure consistent representation of admissions requirements, processes, and institutional values.
• Assist with execution of virtual and in-person recruitment activities.

Strategic Initiatives & Operational Support

• Collaborate with admissions leadership and staff on cross-functional initiatives requiring communication strategy, stakeholder coordination, change management support, and enhanced applicant engagement.
• Support new and emerging recruitment initiatives, special events, and strategic priorities through targeted communication strategies and applicant engagement resources.
• Identify opportunities to improve communication effectiveness and contribute to initiatives that enhance the applicant experience.
• Perform other related duties and special projects consistent with the scope and purpose of the position.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Position Admissions Communications Manager - UME - Admissions/Recruitment - Full-time

Location US:IL:Chicago

Req ID 30624