Northwestern University · 2 weeks ago
Associate Director, Marketing and Communications - Trienens Institute
Evanston, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$87K/yr - $95K/yr
5+ years expNorthwestern University is seeking an Associate Director for the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy, responsible for developing and executing the Institute’s marketing and communications strategy. The role involves overseeing a team to elevate the Institute's visibility through strategic outreach and content creation, while collaborating closely with leadership and various stakeholders.
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Hiring Manager
Eric Noll
Responsibilities
Oversee the strategic vision and integrated brand positioning for the Trienens Institute and ISEN Centers, ensuring alignment with financial, reputational, and programmatic goals
Direct the implementation of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies across digital, print, and social platforms in collaboration with the Senior Communications Manager and MarComm team
Create and produce original multimedia content (e.g., copy, video) that highlights sustainability and energy leadership, partnering with University Marketing & Communications to amplify reach
Design strategic campaigns and collateral to support Institute initiatives, events, and fundraising efforts, including materials for Alumni Relations and Foundation Relations
Manage Institute publications and freelance contributors to ensure high-quality, consistent output
Cultivate and maintain relationships with academic units, corporations, nonprofits, and alumni to enhance visibility and engagement
Conceptualize and promote thought leadership events that showcase cutting-edge research and policy in sustainability and energy
Guide the development of strategic collateral to position Institute programs and infrastructure for philanthropic and sponsored support
Develop and implement a comprehensive Institute strategy designed to continually grow and improve programs and build internal/external engagement with appropriate consultation from Institute leadership
Represent the Institute with central offices such as Alumni Relations and Development, and Corporate Engagement, to pitches Institute’s existing and/or new projects and programs for Institute-sourced or University-sourced philanthropic or sponsored support, including but not limited to prospective donors, new Executive Council members, Center funding, corporate sponsorship, etc
Iteratively benchmark Institute and its new and existing programs against academic peers/competitors to establish credible brand, engagement, and development positioning
Develop, plan & implement strategies, goals & approach for programs & events/co-sponsored events (speakers, roundtables, symposia, etc) in coordination with Institute partnerships and research teams
Oversee creation of events designed to implement program/project objectives
Collaborate with internal/external partners to ensure that events are implemented and meet or exceed planned goals
Oversee the budget for Institute marketing and communications related activities
Compile donor reports annually in conjunction with the Office for Alumni Relations and Development (ARD)
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as journalism, communications, public relations, or related field; OR appropriate combination of education and experience
5 years' experience managing program development in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated project management experience
Preferred
Masters degree in journalism or a communications-related field
5+ years professional experience working in public relations, journalism, or communications (or equivalent experience)
Experience leading an operational team
Prior experience working at a university, particularly a research university
Project Management certification
Excellent writing and editing skills; creative drive to generate compelling communications materials for varied audiences
Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills
Familiarity with basic HTML / website content-management platform, Adobe product suite (Photoshop, InDesign, etc), Canva, etc
Comfort with multi-tasking and work in a high-energy, fast paced environment
Ability to prioritize with firm deadlines, and to work independently
Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with a variety of constitutes, including faculty, board members, administrators, students and co-workers
Breadth of sustainability and energy knowledge, particularly as demonstrated with a writing portfolio spanning topics in science/technology, financial, and policy/regulatory environments
Demonstrated experience / original work in graphic design and multimedia communications (photography, magazine, audio, video, etc.)
Benefits
Meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans
Retirement benefits
Tuition discounts
Comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities
Flexible work arrangements
Programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care
Employee career development
Tools and resources for developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education
Company
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research and teaching university that offers academic programs across various fields of study. It is a sub-organization of Northwestern Athletics.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$98.02MKey Investors
National Peanut BoardAdvanced Research Projects Agency for HealthGRAMMY Museum
2024-10-30Grant
2024-10-04Grant· $34M
2023-11-28Grant· $0.02M
Leadership Team
Diego Klabjan
Professor
Henry Bienen
Interim President
Recent News
2026-01-11
Digital Journal
2026-01-11
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