Associate Director of Communications

Laseagrant; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Gies College of Business seeks an Associate Director of Communications to lead reputation initiatives and partner with department heads and college leadership. You will shape strategic messaging and oversee peer-facing communications with a cross-functional MarCom team.

You will write speeches and talking points, guide alumni communications, manage media relations, and help elevate the college's ranking and visibility in alignment with brand

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• Six (6) years of professional experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or related area.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications plans to enhance reputation and visibility of the College’s departments among peers and external stakeholders.
• Serve as primary communications liaison for department heads and chairs, coordinating with MarCom team to identify priorities and opportunities.
• Write speeches, talking points, presentations, and executive messaging for senior leadership; manage alumni communications and reputation initiatives.

Skills

Strategic comms

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Writing & editing

Speechwriting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field

Job description

Associate Director of Communications

Gies Marketing & Communications

The Office of Marketing and Communications at the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business acts as an in-house marketing agency, partnering with and supporting units across the College. Our growing team of more than 30 professionals plays a pivotal role in helping the college shape purposeful leaders through life-changing access to education, research, and innovation. Creativity, strategy, and collaboration are key to our team's success as we grow the reputation and brand of Gies Business, a Top 10 public business school with more than 9,000 residential and online students and 80,000 alumni across the world. All members of the Gies MarCom team contribute to the management and growth of the Gies brand.

Job Summary

As Associate Director of Communications, you will play a leadership role in shaping and advancing the reputation of Gies College of Business among peer institutions, academic leaders, alumni, and external stakeholders. This position serves as a strategic communications partner to department heads and chairs and College leadership, helping identify and execute communications opportunities that elevate the visibility and impact of the College's academic departments and faculty. In this role, you will work closely with the Director of Communications to develop and lead reputation-focused communications initiatives, including peer-facing outreach, alumni communications, executive speechwriting, and strategic messaging support for academic leadership. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and the Office of Marketing and Communications' cross-functional team of strategists, writers, designers, videographers, and project managers to ensure alignment with College priorities and brand strategy.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Communications Develop and execute strategic communications plans that enhance the reputation and visibility of the College’s academic departments among peer institutions and external stakeholders. Serve as the primary communications liaison for department heads and chairs, and work closely with the College’s Marketing & Communications team to advise on opportunities and helping identify strategic priorities. Lead development of peer-facing reputation communications designed to elevate the College’s academic standing and research reputation. Manage editorial content for the College’s monthly alumni newsletter and support broader alumni communications initiatives in partnership with the assigned marketing coordinator and the Office of Advancement. Write speeches, talking points, presentations, correspondence, and executive messaging for executive associate deans and associate deans when representing the College. Assist in development and execution of communications strategies related to academic rankings and reputation-building initiatives. Manage and maintain peer institution and peer leader contact lists and communications databases. Provide high-level writing, editing, proofreading, and messaging support for strategic College initiatives.
• Management & Strategy Build strong collaborative relationships with faculty, academic leaders, and administrative stakeholders across the College. Guide strategic discussions with departments regarding communications priorities, messaging opportunities, and long-term reputation goals. Provide communications support for department-level conferences, symposia, and other events. Coordinate complex communications projects from concept through execution while managing timelines and stakeholder expectations. Collaborate with the Director of Brand Engagement and Creative Director to ensure alignment with College and University brand standards. Monitor higher education, business school, and media trends and apply insights to reputation‑building strategies. Recruit, hire, and manage student employees as needed. Work within and contribute to team project management systems. Other communications and marketing duties as assigned.

Specialty Factors

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• Six (6) years (72 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications plans.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in higher education or academic communications.
• Experience with executive communications and speechwriting.
• Experience supporting rankings, reputation, or peer engagement initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership and faculty stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, multitask, and work in a team environment as well as work independently.
• A passion for education and a genuine interest in promoting the College’s mission.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment with designers, writers, videographers, and other marketing positions.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage projects.
• Superb interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to foster positive relationships and facilitate collaboration.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to think strategically while also managing tactical execution.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search closes. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for this position is $70,000 to $85,000. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non‑discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E‑Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217‑333‑0885, option #1, or [e-mail].

At the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first‑generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far‑reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.