Director of Executive Communications and Issues Management – Strategic Communications and Marketing

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has many stories to tell. From Nobel Prize-winning theories to biomedical innovations to the birthplace of special education and accessibility standards, we have a 150+ year tradition as a place where people refuse to accept “that’s just how it is” as a suitable reason to stop asking hard questions. This is a university that forces the world to redefine the word “impossible” on a regular basis. The Strategic Communications and Marketing team at Illinois leads that storytelling through many channels.

We’re looking for a talented, versatile writer to lead communications for the chancellor and tell the Illinois story through a variety of mediums—speeches, statements, quotes, op-eds, emails, etc. This position will work closely with the Associate Chancellor to manage issues and handle crisis communications on behalf of university leadership. This position will help shape storytelling and play an integral role in developing content that builds and protects the institution’s reputation and moves the university forward on its missions of learning, discovery, engagement and economic development.

Job Summary

Responsible for oversight and creation of public messaging, speeches, statements and other public-facing communications from the chancellor and designated representatives. Plan, research, write and edit public communications for Office of the Chancellor and other key campus administrative units. Assist the Associate Chancellor for Strategic Communications and Marketing in execution and management of issues communication strategy and responses and in managing media relations around campus strategic initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Communications

• Serve as primary writer for all public-facing communications (mass communications, speeches, op-eds, correspondence etc.) from the chancellor or the chancellor’s designee.
• Research, write and edit speeches, white papers, essays, letters to be presented by the chancellor or designees as official representatives of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
• Maintain editorial oversight of all public communications issued by or behalf of the chancellor to ensure language, information and intended purpose is aligned with campus and university strategic goals and that the integrity and reputation of individual leaders and of the institution are protected.
• Coordinate with director of institutional communications on mass communications and major projects.

Crisis and Critical Institutional Communications

• Directly advise chancellor and senior administration on campus crisis and issue response communications strategy and implementation.
• Assist Associate Chancellor for Strategic Communications and Marketing in execution and management of crisis communication strategy and responses and in managing media relations around campus strategic initiatives.
• Work directly with chancellor, vice chancellors, deans and senior administrators to develop strategies and vehicles for public information and communication of critical campus accomplishments and aspirations to key internal and external audiences.
• Serve as official campus spokesperson in absence of the associate chancellor.
• Serve as liaison to ensure appropriate StratCom leaders (director of social media, director of institutional communications, communications associate for the Provost, media relations associate, etc.) are aware of current and emerging issues.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of chancellor appointed committees and represent Strategic Communications and Marketing and the Urbana campus in events, meetings or other activities as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field.
• 5 years demonstrated experience in directing executive communications activities in a higher education environment.
• 5 years of experience in crisis and issues communication management in a higher education environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• 10 years of experience in directing executive communications activities for senior leadership in a higher education environment.
• 10 years of experience in crisis and issues communication management in a higher education environment.
• An extensive and thorough knowledge of the Urbana-Champaign campus academic and administrative structure. Broad, general knowledge of higher education.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) as well as proficiency with Adobe Acrobat.
• Familiarity with a large research-oriented university is essential.
• Professionalism and ability to interact with senior administrative and academic officials.
• Oral and written and interpersonal communication skills, organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently while producing accurate work on deadline while exercising discretion and judgment.
• Ability to multi-task, often with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work in a team-based, collaborative environment.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after June 15, 2024. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The salary range for this position starts at $85,000.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Sunday, May 11, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Upload your cover letter, resume, and three professional writing samples that demonstrate your ability to write, preferably on behalf of organizational leadership (actual documents or links are both acceptable). Include names/contact information for three references. Immigration sponsorships are not available.

Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Pam Steele pamw@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .