University of Chicago · 4 months ago
Senior Director, Global Communications
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$165K/yr - $190K/yr
10+ years expThe University of Chicago is a prestigious institution known for its commitment to economic research and global impact. They are seeking a Senior Director of Global Communications to manage internal and external communications, enhance the visibility of the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics, and develop outreach programs to engage stakeholders worldwide.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Strategy/Vision - works as part of the BFI leadership team on overall strategy, goals, and vision for the institute
Research Translation/Producing Outreach Materials - with the support of BFI’s Senior Economic Writer, works with UChicago scholars to create policy-relevant and accessible summary documents to accompany research, such as policy briefs, op-eds, blogs, testimony, speeches, video clips and podcasts, etc. This involves developing relationships and working closely with University of Chicago economists to understand their research and to identify the most effective and appropriate ways to communicate their research
Research Dissemination/Media Outreach - leads strategic outreach to media regarding BFI research and, as appropriate, other UChicago economics research. This includes the development and cultivation of media relationships, particularly among national economic reporters, as well as maintaining and growing BFI’s working paper series. Also serves as primary liaison to communications staff throughout UChicago to coordinate BFI’s work with other relevant offices
External Stakeholder and Policy Outreach - in coordination with BFI leadership and external advisers, creates and builds opportunities for BFI to routinely engage with US and global economic policymakers and policy-relevant institutions. This will include, but not be limited to: direct policy engagement which includes Capitol Hill and Administration visits, round-tables with media outlets, Capitol Hill briefings and/or other public events; NGOs; the private sector; and new opportunities for internships in economic policy for UChicago students
Communications - with the support of communications staff, manages/leverages all BFI communications and communications assets for both internal and external audiences, including BFI websites, social media, newsletters, programming announcements (events, awards, etc.) and more. This includes oversight of the BFI editorial calendar and quality control over all BFI content
Events - in coordination with BFI’s Executive Director and with the support of the events team, leads execution of BFI events, both internal (research conferences) and external (high-profile public events on policy-relevant topics). Working with the BFI communications staff, oversees event marketing such as event pages on website, event announcements, call for papers, etc
Management - directly leads three distinct teams: Communications, Events, and Digital Media - each led by a dedicated manager. Provides strategic oversight for professionals across web/social media, communications, design, and event planning. Engages with and directs multiple external consultants and advisers as needed. Manages the budgets for all three teams, partnering with the Finance team on invoicing, expense tracking, and forecasting
Implements innovative strategies in managing media interface, including publications, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and responding to requests on sensitive or controversial issues. Proactively engages in 'news of the day' to frame and distribute important announcements and updates
Oversees the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Is accountable for maintaining the unit's goals and communications strategy in publications, announcements, and speeches
Develops and manages the communications budget
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume/CV (required)
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, economics, English or a related field
Graduate degree
10-15 years working in an economic research/policy communications environment in a leadership role
Significant management experience
Demonstrated experience working directly with academic researchers
Background with common web/communications tools and software platforms
Knowledge of and experience with online tools and social media platforms
Project management skills
Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling and style
Knowledge of MS Office Suite
Demonstrated ability to influence a diverse group of people to meet goals and deadlines, build and manage teams, and work collaboratively with senior leadership
Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with multiple stakeholders
Capability to understand complex research and identify the best way to communicate said research to a variety of different audiences
Comfort and experience working with members of the media
Handle multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously
Creativity and think outside-the-box
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
Problem-solving skills
Work independently with a high degree of initiative
Work as a member of a team
Attention to detail with excellent organizational skills
Set priorities and meet deadlines
Benefits
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
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Funding
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Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
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