Director of Strategic Communications - Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment
University of Illinois

Director of Strategic Communications - Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement dependent with unit operational needs.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

As one of the nation's leading research institutions, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been shaping the future since 1867. Our research enterprise drives student experiences and community engagement, powering innovation and positive change locally, nationally, and globally.

The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) elevates the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a pioneer in sustainability, energy, and environmental leadership. We achieve this through cutting-edge research, high quality educational programs, high-profile events, and innovative campus sustainability initiatives.

Job Summary
The Director of Strategic Communications is responsible for guiding and developing marketing and communications strategies that support Institute of Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) goals and elevate the visibility and awareness of the Institute and its activities in research, education, and campus sustainability. As iSEE's chief communications officer, the Director of Strategic Communications is a member of the Institute's leadership team. They will work collaboratively with the Director and Associate Directors, along with staff, affiliated faculty, students, and external stakeholders to develop and execute communications and marketing strategies, goals, and actions to advance the mission of the Institute.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications
  • Set and implement marketing and communication goals and objectives including, but not limited to, identifying key audiences; conducting appropriate market research methods to gather information; and establishing performance metrics to measure outcomes and impact of marketing and communications activities.
  • Build a science communications strategy that nationally promotes iSEE's research activities, raises Illinois' profile for sustainability research, and helps raise awareness of faculty expertise with research funding organizations and stakeholders.
  • Develop communication products and marketing strategy to promote awareness of iSEE's educational, campus sustainability, and research activities/events to internal and external audiences.
  • Oversee website and social media strategy and updates.
  • Understand and guide adherence to the university brand and style.
• Management and Supervision
  • Supervise and create a collaborative team culture for the communication and events staff by identifying and leveraging individual strengths and providing mentoring and professional development opportunities.
  • Participate in iSEE leadership and team meetings to identify opportunities to support organizational initiatives and strategically develop communications, materials, and programs that promote and publicize these activities/events.
  • Manage professional vendors selected to work on outsourced communications and marketing projects.
• Collaboration
  • Build and foster collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to stay informed about new findings, opportunities, initiatives, programs, products, and services. These partners include the Office of Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, UI Strategic Communications and Marketing, and other Chief Communications Officers on campus, and external service providers such as advertising agencies, graphic designers, independent contractors, and local media.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with iSEE leadership and staff, research project leads, and other key personnel, and provide leadership and expertise on effective communication.
  • Represent iSEE at meetings, trainings, workshops, and events geared toward campus communicators.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted based upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
• Minimum of eight years of experience in a strategic communications and/or management position.
• Experience developing strategy, managing projects, and leading teams to create effective campaigns and advance organizational goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Effective communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of social media strategy and the ability to develop multi-media materials with an active, professional social media profile and engagement track record.
• Attention to detail.
• Highly creative with a keen eye toward opportunity.
• Ability to build relationships and perform effectively in a professional demeanor in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $100,000 to $125,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Erica Hanson at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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 .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1028080
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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