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David Careers

Content and Digital Communications Specialist at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Posted today

disabledpersonChicago (IL)
Public Relations SpecialistsColleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

SENIORITY

Senior

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About the role

Communications Specialist The Communications Specialist is a key member of the IOP's small, fast-moving communications team in shaping and executing the Institute's public narrative. Working under general direction from the Strategic Communications Director, the Specialist independently manages projects from concept to completion and exercises judgment on messaging, media outreach and channel strategy. This is a writing-first role for someone who can craft a compelling media pitch as readily as a donor letter, who is building media relationships and knows how to work them, and who brings enthusiasm and strategic instincts to a high-visibility institution. The Specialist plays an important role in media relations, donor and stakeholder communications, and the IOP's digital presence, integrating the communications needs of the Institute's four core programs: the Speaker Series, Fellows Program, Civic Engagement Program, and Career Development Program. This position reports to the Strategic Communications Director.
Responsibilities:
  • Drafts and distributes press releases, media advisories, and event previews.
  • Plans and executes communications campaigns for the Speaker Series, Fellows, Civic Engagement and Career Development programs, from strategy through evaluation.
  • Develops and maintains the editorial calendar across press, newsletter, web and social channels.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with journalists; identifies and pitches story opportunities to secure coverage of IOP programs, speakers and Fellows.
  • Monitors, analyzes and reports on media coverage and communications metrics, and recommends adjustments to strategy.
  • Produces high-quality written content across formats, including newsletter and event copy, donor communications, board materials, talking points, and social media
  • Ensures a consistent institutional voice across platforms and audiences.
  • Drafts donor-facing materials, including appeals, impact reports, and stewardship communications.
  • Translates program outcomes and data into compelling narratives for the annual report, donor impact reports, website and media.
  • Develops board communications and materials in coordination with the Director.
  • Plans, develops and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction.
  • Solves a range of straightforward problems, as work assignments are difficult and broad in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity.
  • Performs 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree preferably in public relations, marketing, English or related field. Minimum 2 years of experience in communications, media relations, journalism or public relations. Background working with college students or on a college campus. Understanding of relational organizing. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, as well as social media and CMS/CRM tools. Preferred
Competencies:
  • Exceptional time management and organizational skills to meet external and internal deadlines.
  • Excellent writer with flexibility in tone and voice, matched to channels.
  • Excellent communications skills for the effective delivery of the Institute's vision, mission and brand.
  • Entrepreneurial, creative thinking about how to improve the Institute's communications and outreach efforts.
  • Knowledge of and passion for politics and igniting in young people a similar passion.
  • Proven ability to be a valuable part of a team.
  • Eagerness to try new things.
  • Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • Writing Sample of 500 words or less (required)
  • References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

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