Content and Digital Communications Specialist

• →Drafts and distributes press releases, media advisories, and event previews.
• →Plans and executes communications campaigns for the Speaker Series, Fellows, Civic Engagement and Career Development programs, from strategy through evaluation.
• →Develops and maintains the editorial calendar across press, newsletter, web and social channels.
• →Builds and maintains relationships with journalists; identifies and pitches story opportunities to secure coverage of IOP programs, speakers and Fellows.
• →Monitors, analyzes and reports on media coverage and communications metrics, and recommends adjustments to strategy.
• →Produces high-quality written content across formats, including newsletter and event copy, donor communications, board materials, talking points, and social media
• →Ensures a consistent institutional voice across platforms and audiences.
• →Drafts donor-facing materials, including appeals, impact reports, and stewardship communications.
• →Translates program outcomes and data into compelling narratives for the annual report, donor impact reports, website and media.
• →Develops board communications and materials in coordination with the Director.
• →Plans, develops and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction.
• →Solves a range of straightforward problems, as work assignments are difficult and broad in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity.
• →Performs other related work as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in public relations, marketing, English or related field.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in communications, media relations, journalism or public relations.
• Background working with college students or on a college campus.
• Understanding of relational organizing.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, as well as social media and CMS/CRM tools.

• Exceptional time management and organizational skills to meet external and internal deadlines.
• Excellent writer with flexibility in tone and voice, matched to channels.
• Excellent communications skills for the effective delivery of the Institute’s vision, mission and brand.
• Entrepreneurial, creative thinking about how to improve the Institute’s communications and outreach efforts.
• Knowledge of and passion for politics and igniting in young people a similar passion.
• Proven ability to be a valuable part of a team.
• Eagerness to try new things.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Writing Sample of 500 words or less (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

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FLSA Status

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Pay Range

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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