Strategic Communications Lead, Academic Reputation

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Gies College of Business is seeking an Associate Director of Communications to shape the college's reputation among peer institutions, alumni, and external stakeholders. This leadership role partners with the Director of Communications to identify opportunities and advance strategic messaging that elevates academic departments and faculty.

You'll lead collaboration with the cross-functional MarCom team—writers, designers, videographers, and project

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communications plans that enhance the reputation and visibility of the College's academic departments among peer institutions and external stakeholders.
• Advise department heads and chairs 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.
• 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.

Skills

Strategic communications

Executive writing

Speechwriting

Project management

Team collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Education

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

Job description

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Gies College of Business is seeking an Associate Director of Communications to shape the college's reputation among peer institutions, alumni, and external stakeholders. This leadership role partners with the Director of Communications to identify opportunities and advance strategic messaging that elevates academic departments and faculty.

You'll lead collaboration with the cross-functional MarCom team—writers, designers, videographers, and project