Job Description:

• Builds a comprehensive communications strategy for the UChicago Urban Network to drive strategic priorities and unify messaging.
• Enhances both the visibility and impact of each of the individual units that together comprise and contribute to the UChicago Urban Network.
• Manages a communications strategic plan to ensure UChicago is a top-of-mind destination and resource for faculty, students, partners, donors, policymakers, and others interested in learning more about how to make an impact on urban-related challenges.
• Ensures that key constituencies understand the comprehensiveness, uniqueness, and importance of UChicagoâ™s Urban focus through frequent outreach and communications.
• Builds consensus and brings people together around unified urban themes and outreach.
• Works closely with the Manager of Media Relations for the UChicago Urban Network to identify and communicate urban-related news stories.
• Partners with the Office of Federal Relations to identify key stakeholders and other constituents to increase the visibility of the achievements of our research and initiatives.
• Evaluates urban research, initiatives, and other project activities to help convey the collective strength and expertise of the individual units.
• Convenes internal and external stakeholders to provide counsel and guidance on strategic plans, programming, and events.
• Leads cross-departmental teams for announcements and leadership communications concerning key UChicago Urban priorities.
• Writes, assigns, or collaborates on messaging, presentations, web content, and op-eds or other pieces for external media.
• In partnership with University Communications, coordinates crisis communications involving the UChicago Urban Network or emerging issues that affect its reputation.
• Develops, plans, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
• Makes contributions to the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Masterâ™s degree.

Experience:        

• Professional experience in relevant communications, public relations, or related roles; includes public policy, government relations and/or advocacy communications and experience.
• Familiarity with urban-related research and initiatives as well as issues facing urban communities in areas including education, housing, policy, sustainability/environment, social and health sciences, and the arts and humanities.
• Develop strategic communications plans and messages.
• Experience in managing communications in a complex environment.
• Demonstrated ability to influence people to meet goals and deadlines and work collaboratively with senior leadership, consultants, colleagues, and other constituents.
• Working with or for governments, NGOs, think tanks, or other public policy entities.
• Overseeing production of marketing and communication materials.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• A working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as social media and web tools.
• Create distinctive PowerPoint presentations.

Preferred Competencies

• High-level strategic planning to shape events and issues through proactive messaging and outreach.
• Exceptional oral and written communications skills for the effective delivery of the UChicago Urban Networkâ™s priorities.
• Act as a liaison between the UChicago Urban Network and various external agencies, organizations, and institutions with whom the UChicago Urban Network may collaborate.
• Work effectively across the University, including faculty and staff across units.
• Possess the skills and willingness to take initiative and proactively anticipate organizational needs.
• Exceptional time, project management and organizational skills including the ability to meet external and internal deadlines.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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 the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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