Associate Director of Communications - Engineering Administration
University of Illinois

Job Info

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Associate Director of Communications

Office of Marketing & Communications

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Office of Marketing & Communications in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for an Associate Director of Communications position. This position manages strategic communications and media relations efforts for The Grainger College of Engineering. It will develop, manage and execute communications and public relations strategies that increase brand awareness and enhance thought leadership recognition through earned and owned media.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Media Relations:

• Develop and manage college-wide public relations communication plans and tactics as well as responses to media inquiries;
• Manage participation of college faculty and staff in media interviews;
• Serve as the primary contact with PR vendors and consultants;
• Build and nurture relationships with influencers and media partners to amplify our brand promise, research excellence, innovation and leadership across disciplines;
• Craft and pitch stories to local, regional, statewide and national media outlets;
• Serve as point of contact for media inquiries, manage press conferences, interviews, statements, etc.;
• Develop and employ thought leadership media strategies and tactics in collaboration with consultants, freelancers, and college faculty and staff;
• Monitor industry and market-related news and events, assess and proactively pitch media;
• Analyze and regularly report on college-wide media coverage and its impact;
• Coordinate media training as needed for faculty and staff across the college;

Strategic Communications:

• Edit, create, maintain and publish information to all assigned communication channels and collateral, including but not limited to web properties, email, social media, video and print;
• Provide support to the Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications in developing public communications on behalf of college leadership including remarks, presentations, emails, newsletters, etc.;
• Provide coordination, editorial, writing and other services to projects as requested by college administrators, faculty and staff ensuring their communication and marketing projects are aligned with college marketing communications strategies;
• Be creative and resourceful in identifying and executing new projects that will enhance perception of the college and all its disciplines with key audiences;
• Build strong relationships with college-wide faculty and be familiar with their areas of expertise;
• Move quickly and flexibly, work on projects simultaneously, and resolve complex situations
• Supervise marketing communications staff and student workers, delegate work, review completed tasks, and provide guidance and mentorship
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.
• Five years of experience in journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in news and feature writing as well as copy development, proofreading, and editing.
• Experience in media relations, electronic communications, publication production, and strategic communication planning.
• Experience in using and knowledge of current social media platforms for strategic communications or brand and reputation development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Seven years of recent experience in editing, writing, media, public relations, or marketing.
• Communication and marketing experience in a college of engineering, university or non-profit setting.
• Strong interpersonal team skills and the ability to work independently.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven organizational skills
• Ability to stay Up-to-date on the latest trends in public relations
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team-based, dynamic environment that involves diverse group of developers, writers, designers, and videographers.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, media and others

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time Civil Service Public Information Associate position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The minimum salary is $75,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on March 21, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Rachael Coleman at rfoll2@illinois.edu . 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, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, 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. 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: 1015481
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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