Job Description:

• Develops content and manages production for print and digital media consistent with APLâ™s narrative voice including program and project printed and digital materials, newsletters, and other APL printed and digital collateral including programming and exhibition collateral.
• In coordination with the Director of Engagements and Partnerships, supervises the Creative Entrepreneurship and Communications Manager, particularly on the responsibilities related to communications.  
• Manages creation, production, and dissemination of printed and digital publications for education, creative entrepreneurship, artist residencies, programming and exhibitions, development, and administration purposes, including annual Year in Review and informational brochures.
• Designs email campaigns, web, print, and social media graphics. 
• Develops and manages content for APL communications channels that include print (event posters, postcards, etc.); social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo); digital (websites, email campaigns, etc.); content development (news stories, blog posts, etc.); and strategic paid advertising and public relations efforts.
• Oversees creative direction for photography and video.
• Oversees supervision of communications staff, interns, or volunteers, and develops and manages communications budget.
• Develops and implements a strategic plan for APL communications, including the opening of the upcoming Arts Lawn, in partnership with APL and UChicago Arts leadership.
• Recommends communication strategies and marketing for new programs and new projects.
• Develops and implements event marketing strategies that drive attendance. 
• Manages public relations efforts, including initiation and nurturing of press, community, and vendor relationships.
• Hires and manages PR firms and full-service agencies, when appropriate. 
• Supports APLâ™s development efforts and team creating collateral material for fundraising initiatives.
• Application of software analytics tools (Google Analytics, Squarespace, Eventbrite, Facebook, Hootsuite) to capture audience engagement and trends, traffic, and attendance for virtual and in-person programming.
• Creates and executes pitches to local and national media to secure media placement.
• Creates and manages systems for communications rollout of programs, projects, and spaces on the Arts Block. 
• Prepares, catalogs, and maintains image, branding assets, and video database for print, digital, and press needs.
• Coordinates communications efforts with University of Chicago units including University Central Communications, UChicago Arts, Office of Civic Engagement, UChicago News, and Office of the Provost, as well as other cultural institutions. 
• Serves as a member of the UChicago Arts staff and assists with various programs and projects.
• Trains office staff on office procedures and compliance protocols. Coordinates special projects.
• Researches and analyzes data to create reports, and may create other reports for grants and contracts.
• Performs one or more of the following marketing functions: marketing communications /advertising; Web blogs or digital marketing; market research; development or review and update of the marketing infrastructure and management of external sales agency relationships.
• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on sales and circulation activity. Analyses possible solutions using standard procedures. Conducts market research, analyzes results and develops marketing strategies based on findings. May participate in developing new products and services, and determining new markets.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Masterâ™s degree in communications, arts, design, marketing, journalism, or related field.

Experience:

• Five years of experience working in marketing and/or communications.
• Background developing brands, public relations, and building audiences for the arts and/or University campus programs.
• Experience with writing press releases, pitching media, and communications crisis management.
• Prior experience working with a variety of civic arts organizations.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Strong computer skills including knowledge of email distribution software (such as MailChimp, Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), and website administration (Squarespace experience; CSS/HTML a plus).
• General knowledge of patron marketing strategy, campaign execution, branding, website development, search engine optimization, social media, and email campaign strategies.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and spoken communications skills, including knowledge of correct English usage, Chicago and APA style guides.
• Handle confidential information with utmost discretion.
• Successfully manage a workload that balances long-range planning with the unanticipated daily demands of managing publicly visible projects. 
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, planning, problem solving, and project management skills. Take initiative, work independently and contribute as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships with diverse constituencies and marketing to communities of color, specifically African American and Latino.
• Manage conflict with grace and tact and propose creative, win-win solutions.
• Must be self-directed and self-motivated, able to set goals and develop projects.
• Clear, effective, and tactful oral and written communication skills; ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Manage a workload, prioritizing and executing multiple tasks simultaneously with an ability to view a project in its entirety.
   

Working Conditions

• Considerable office work including ability to sit and use computers for 2 to 4 hours.
• Travel to various campus and city locations.   
• Work a flexible schedule (other than 8-hour day and/or 40 hour week) and travel to and from off-site locations.  

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.

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: 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.

About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

Connections working at University of Chicago (UC)