Associate Director of Communications

University of Chicago; United States; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago’s Office of the Vice President for Research seeks an Associate Director of Communications to advance the office’s research mission by crafting and managing strategic communications across internal and external audiences.

You will lead content creation for websites, social media, and print materials, develop executive messaging for the VP, and collaborate with University Communications and external partners to amplify research and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field required.
• 5-7 years of work experience in a related discipline.
• Experience in journalism, public relations, science communications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications strategies to raise visibility of research and partnerships.
• Write and edit content for websites, social media, and print materials.
• Create and manage channels for the Office of the VP for Research and its entities.
• Develop executive communications including talking points and presentations.
• Collaborate with University Communications and external partners to align messaging.

Skills

Writing & editing

Leadership

Diplomacy

Communication

Project management

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Tools

CMS platforms

Website management

Social media management

Job description

About the Department

The University of Chicago’s Office of the Vice President for Research leads research strategy, corporate engagement, entrepreneurship and innovation, and research support. The office collaborates with UChicago leaders, faculty, units, and external partners to identify and foster ambitious opportunities to expand the reach of research and innovation; drive collaborations, funding, and other activities to support research and scholarship; and advance collective research activities across the University.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Communications provides comprehensive communications support to the Office of the Vice President for Research at the University of Chicago, playing a key role in advancing the office’s research mission and amplifying the University’s eminence in research and innovation. Working closely with colleagues across the Office of the VP for Research and its entities, and in partnership with University Communications, this position supports the development and leads implementation of communications strategies, creates and manages content and channels, and ensures integrated, consistent messaging across internal and external stakeholders. This role also supports executive communications for the VP for Research and collaborates with corporate and institutional partners to advance shared communications goals. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and adaptable communications professional who brings strong writing and editorial judgment, thrives in a fast-paced academic environment, and has a genuine passion for translating complex scientific and research topics into compelling narratives for wide-ranging audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of communications strategies and tactics to enhance the visibility and impact of UChicago’s research strategy, corporate engagement and partnerships, entrepreneurship and innovation, and research support functions.
• Write and edit content that elevates awareness and understanding of the collective work, impact, and ambitions of the University and its partners’ research and programs.
• Create and manage channels for the Office of the VP for Research and its entities, including websites, social media, and print materials.
• Analyze, understand, and translate complex scientific and operational topics into accessible and impactful communications for both general and scientific audiences.
• Develop executive communications in support of the VP for Research, including talking points, presentation materials, announcements, and internal messages.
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance internal and external visibility for the University’s leadership in research and innovation and its role, ambitions, and impact as a preeminent partner to industry, other research institutions, government, and other entities.
• Develop measurement approaches; evaluate and continually refine communications based on key performance indicators.
• Collaborate with communications teams from corporate and other partners to announce collaborations, share partnership outcomes and impact, and ensure that messaging and storytelling align with each organization’s priorities, positionings, and requirements.
• Produce reports for corporate partners highlighting the outcome and impact of partnerships.
• Collaborate with teams across UChicago to help ensure key news from the Office of the VP for Research is highlighted in University-wide channels and through media outreach.
• Develops, plans, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization’s programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
• Solve moderate to complex problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Five or more years of professional experience in journalism, public relations, science communications, and/or related roles, including at least two years leading collaborative/cross-functional projects or programs.
• Experience in science and technology communications, including in higher education, research, government, or corporate sectors.

Preferred Competencies

• Leadership, diplomacy, and ability to build trust with senior management and across internal and external functions and organizations.
• Ability to work in content management systems and to manage digital platforms, including websites, social media, and newsletters.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Flexibility and adaptability to manage evolving and time-sensitive communications needs.
• Integrity and judgment with strong decision-making and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from a range of institutions and units.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High degree of discretion and tact and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions

Hybrid work schedule, which includes in-office presence multiple days a week.

Use computers extensively throughout the workday, 4 hours or more.

Stand for 2 to 4 hours.

Sit for 4 hours or more.

Use standard office equipment and troubleshoot IT equipment in a remote/hybrid environment.

Some evening and weekend work.

Application Documents

• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Job Family

Job Family Communications Role Impact Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5

Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No

Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt

Pay Range $95,000.00 - $110,000.00

Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

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.

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 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.

The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.

To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/