UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This is a full-time and benefits eligible position. Hybrid and flexible work schedules are available. UIC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. In addition all full time benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which include; Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan as well as paid leave which includes; Vacation, Holiday and Sick. In addition we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Description:

The Assistant Director is part of the Storytelling and Content Strategy team within UIC's central communications unit, Strategic Marketing and Communications (SMC), and is responsible for finding, developing and promoting great stories about UIC, its programs and its students, faculty, staff and alumni. Story development includes all steps from inception to distribution, including discovery, ideation, conducting interviews, writing, fact-checking and proofing, coordinating with the Creative Communications team for photography and video shoots, preparing stories for publication, and developing plans for dissemination and promotion. The position will primarily cover student and academic stories, representing UIC's 16 colleges and schools, for today.uic.edu, UIC's news website, and will help to promote the stories to key UIC audiences, including current students, prospective students, faculty, community/business leaders, alumni and donors.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Uncover, write, publish and promote stories and content aligned with team content strategies and university’s priorities to drive awareness, interest and engagement among targeted audiences.

• Evaluate and assess content and content packaging for diverse audiences

• Collaborate with all teams of Strategic Marketing and Communications to expand the reach and influence of UIC stories.

• Participate in weekly content meetings and represent SMC and Storytelling and Content Strategy teams in campus or project meetings as needed.

• Contribute to strategic content and editorial planning, ensuring campus stories are adequately covered and optimized for impact among audiences.

• Develop and maintain relationships with deans, college communicators, advancement and alumni relations, key faculty and administrators, and other contacts to mine and produce distinct and interesting content. Work with partners to cross promote stories on college and unit specific channels.

• Regularly review website content for accuracy and relevance.

• Contribute to copy writing, fact-checking and proofing for marketing collateral, talking points, scripts and other various communication materials as needed.

• Performs other duties as they emerge in an ever-evolving communications and marketing landscape.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.
• Professional experience with strategic content planning.
• Professional experience producing/collaborating on highly visual, multimedia and multichannel stories.

Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of professional experience with writing and content production, with an emphasis on external facing communications or editorial and news-style writing.
• Experience working in a higher education or nonprofit, or similar, setting.
• Demonstrated experience producing highly visual, multimedia and multichannel stories. Demonstrated experience working with integrated marketing and communications teams.
• Experience with and knowledge of HIPAA and FERPA privacy regulations.
• Experience with and knowledge of AP style guidelines.

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required 180 days of employment.

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.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

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