Associate Director, Strategic Communications - Higher Education

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

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