University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · 11 hours ago
Senior Communications Specialist-(Hybrid)
Urbana, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$60K/yr - $65K/yr
1+ years expThe University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a leading research institution seeking a Senior Communications Specialist. The role involves developing and executing internal and external communications strategies, producing high-quality content, and supporting organization-wide initiatives.
Higher Education
No H1B
Responsibilities
Partner with AITS and SOSS leadership to develop and maintain communication strategies aligned to organizational goals and major initiatives
Create messaging frameworks, content calendars, and communication plans to ensure proactive and coordinated engagement
Develop strategic documents including annual reports, IT metric reports, executive summaries, and presentations for senior leadership
Monitor effectiveness of communications through analytics, stakeholder feedback, and reporting; recommend improvements based on insights
Maintain awareness of System Office structure, administrative IT activities, and organizational priorities
Write, edit, and produce clear, engaging content for announcements, articles, newsletters, executive communications, and project-related messaging
Conduct research and interviews with subject matter experts to support content development as needed
Copy edit and quality-check AITS communications for accuracy, clarity, consistency, tone, and accessibility
Develop and refine presentation materials, templates, and visual assets to support AITS organizational communications
Produce print and digital publications, brochures, and supporting collateral for the AITS
Maintain and update web content for System Office websites, ensuring compliance with brand standards, accessibility requirements, and stakeholder needs
Collaborate with IT, communications partners, and project teams to maintain microsites or project pages
Support mass communication processes including message distribution, list creation, and approvals through campus communication entities (e.g., DDDH, BMG/AFO channels)
Work with change management staff and project managers to support communication components of change initiatives
Contribute to drafting, editing, and reviewing complex or political project-related communications, ensuring alignment with broader organizational messaging
Support stakeholder communication planning and assist in implementing strategies defined by change management leadership
Participate in creative development of visual and multimedia content (graphics, video, templates)
Ensure all communications adhere to System Office and campus-level branding and policy standards
Other duties as assigned that are appropriate for a Senior Communications Specialist
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field
One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area
Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required
Preferred
Master's degree in communications or, creative writing, graphic design, English-related field
Three years experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area, that included writing and style editing
Possess Valid Certification with NCSA (National Customer Service Association)
At least five years' experience in a communications office, preferably in a higher-education environment
Experience in managing tasks and/or projects-as well as developing plans and adhering to established goals and timelines
Experience working with or in higher education, experience at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign campus strongly preferred
Experience with content creation and web development tools
Experience working in a team environment
Benefits
Health
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
A Retirement Plan
Paid time Off
Tuition waivers for employees and dependents
Company
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is dedicated to building upon its tradition of excellence in education, research, public engagement and economic development.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Robert Whitmore
Co-Founder | Evolution & Impact of Societies in Africa | *EISA*
Shelley Giordano
Co-Founder Academy for Home Equity in Financial Planning University of Illinois
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