Strategic Communications Associate

UIC; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois Chicago seeks a Strategic Communications Associate to provide professional communications, public information, content development and event support for UI Health as UIC's academic health enterprise.

You will work with the Sr. Director of Communications & Events to develop, coordinate and execute materials across diverse health-enterprise projects, spanning education, research, fundraising and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, digital media, or a related field.
• One year of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, or web/digital media.

Responsibilities

• Identify and craft official correspondence for the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs.
• Develop and publish communications for public engagements and events.
• Edit and write informational and public-facing materials for web pages and presentations.
• Coordinate content structure and dissemination across channels.
• Support event planning, pre- and post-event communications and logistics.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Public relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

CMS/Web content

Event planning tools

Job description

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Position Summary

This position provides professional communications, public information, content development and event support to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs (OVCHA) aimed at strengthening the reputation and identity of UI Health as UIC's academic health enterprise. The Strategic Communications Associate will work closely with the Sr. Director of Communications & Events in the OVCHA to develop, coordinate and execute communications through written, digital presentation, planning, and event materials in support of diverse health enterprise-wide strategic projects and initiatives. Projects may cross multiple functional areas such as education, clinical practice, research, academic operations, fundraising, marketing, community engagement and public information.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify and craft official correspondence on behalf of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs (including letters of support, stewardship letters, administrative messages, etc.). Work with unit leaders to develop and coordinate communications around new initiatives, upcoming events and other priorities.
• Research, coordinate, develop and publish communications for public engagements (presentations, remarks, etc.) that support UI Health’s mission to educate future generations of healthcare leaders, innovate and discover - all to benefit the health and wellness of our communities. May include extensive research, source approvals, and connection with University leadership to achieve reputational goals. Research, verify and synthesize information to ensure accuracy, consistency and appropriate messaging for public and targeted audiences.
• Act as an internal communication resource for units within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs to synthesize, edit and write informational and reputation building messages for unit web pages, engagement communication, and event needs. Develop and edit public-facing information, web content, presentations, informational materials and other communications. Facilitate effective communication within the OVCHA, including preparing updates, memos, emails and other communications for OVCHA employees and units. Develop and disseminate information through appropriate channels, including website, email, presentations and other digital platforms.
• Work with the OVCHA communication team to establish, maintain, and improve content organizational structure that supports the communications function. Maintain organized communications materials and effective information-sharing processes regarding content, ideas, communication activities, and project developments among team members. Design and implement communications related cross-training plans and rollout strategies.
• Collaborate with OVCHA and health enterprise partners to support event coordination and logistical needs. Provide support with pre-event planning communications activities, on-site event coordination and post-event strategies. Attend regular meetings, in partnership or as delegated to connect with stakeholders and partners from across the University. Coordinate with others to gather and review information and determine appropriate audiences, messaging and communications channels. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.

Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, digital media, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, research, or a complex institutional environment.
• Experience developing executive communications, web content, social media, presentations, public-facing materials, or event communications.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work accordingly to meet stringent deadlines.
• Display creativity, initiative, and strategic thinking to conceptualize, plan, implement, and rework programs that support enterprise goals and objectives. Self-motivation to develop new strategies and ideas to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
• Ability to motivate team members to achieve project goals, participate as a member of diverse and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to navigate complex relationships across the health system and assist other team members and customers as necessary.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to maintain effective working relations with management and staff of all levels, colleagues, and other strategic partners.

Looking for more University of Illinois positions?

We invite you to search for positions at each of the University of Illinois locations, the University of Illinois System Office and the University of Illinois Foundation. The University of Illinois System Office supports the primary missions of teaching, research, public service, and economic development for all of the Universities and offers positions in all locations. The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving agency for the University of Illinois and also offers position in all locations. Click the links below to search for other University of Illinois positions.

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.

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, LifeInsurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $70,000 - $85,000 / Annual Salary

Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.