Communications Specialist
The University of Chicago

Department

EPIC - Communications

About the Department

The University of Chicago is building a substantial research cluster (including an anticipated ten new faculty lines) on the science, technology, and policy of climate systems engineering. The goal of the Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi) is to advance understanding of the benefits, risks, and governance of technologies that might reduce the impacts of accumulated greenhouse gases, and to educate students who will face the challenges of managing industrial civilization on a fragile planet. CSEi's topical scope includes open-system carbon removal such as enhanced weathering, solar geoengineering, and interventions to limit loss of glacial ice; and we welcome research from across fields including the sciences, humanities, social sciences, public policy, and law.

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist, Climate Systems Engineering initiative, will manage communications channels, messaging, and the daily execution of the communications strategy for the Climate Systems Engineering initiative. This work includes managing campaign launches of new research; maintaining digital presence through web, social and email marketing; creating content and materials (reports, promotional materials, newsletter); and, acting as CSEi's central liaison to the communications team of the climate and energy Institute that the CSEi will be part of.

Climate systems engineering is a new and controversial field, requiring a deft hand in crafting accurate, accessible information that resonates with a range of viewpoints. Designing communications campaigns for the CSEi will require nuanced strategy, writing and content production flair, strong organizational skills, and digital savvy.

The Communications Specialist, CSEi, will report to the Executive Director of the Climate Systems Engineering initiative, with dotted line reporting to the Senior Director of Communications and External Engagement at the climate and energy Institute. The position will work closely with CSEi staff, faculty (including CSEi Director David Keith), and consultants, as well as with the Institute's communications team, and teams at central University Communications and partners across campus. The role will collaborate with and have access to the resources of the Institute communications team, including its designers, media relations, digital marketing, social media, and web mangers. The Communications Specialist will join a passionate team at an exciting moment of significant growth and development for the CSEi, the Institute, and the nascent field of climate systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Writes content and drafts news stories under tight deadlines, including writing profiles of researchers and other programming.
• Manages campaign launches for the release of new research, in coordination with the Institute communications team and communications staff in relevant schools and divisions. This includes writing research summaries, news releases, social media campaigns, and other content to promote CSEi research.
• Maintains daily digital communications for CSEi. This includes drafting social media and email marketing campaigns, as well as content showcasing the latest research, news, and events for CSEi's website.
• Coordinates CSEi media relations, including developing and maintaining media lists and creating pitch materials, as well as monitoring, tracking, and reporting on media activities and coverage.
• Develops strategies to build CSEi stakeholder engagement, including, but not limited to, conducting stakeholder mapping, and maintaining lists.
• Manages the promotion and assists in execution of programs, including overseeing the creation and distribution of advertising materials, assisting in carrying out programs, and creating content to summarize programs.
• Records and monitors analytics for the CSEi website, social media, and email marketing accounts, and shares relevant data with the Institute communications team to inform and coordinate strategies.
• Develops, plans, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
• Solves moderate to complex problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field.

Experience:

• Five to seven years of experience working in a communications or science writing role.
• Highly experienced in writing about complex climate, science, and/or technology issues, including research.
• Managing websites, email marketing and social media accounts in a professional capacity, as well as maintaining stakeholder/media lists.
• Experience or interest in media relations.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web-based communication methods and tools such as MailChimp, Hubspot, WordPress, and Google Analytics (or similar platforms).
• Knowledge of best practices in digital engagement and their applications to communication strategies, including through web, email, and social media.
• Knowledge of working with reporters and within the media landscape.
• Knowledge of climate/environmental research, policy, and issues.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong writer who can digest and translate complex subjects for a general audience.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Manage and prioritize diverse job tasks, perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism and product quality.
• Excellent organizational skills, flexibility, and attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• Office environment; writing and typing, work at a computer for multiple hours.
• Some evening and weekend work.
• Fast-paced environment.
• Periodic meetings at other campus locations.

Pay Range

• $90,000 - $100,000 per year.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter to include interest in position (required)
• References Contact Information (3) (required)
• Example of Past Work; writing, communications campaign, etc.

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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