Director of Communication & Marketing-LAS

Job Summary:

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) at the University of Illinois Chicago is seeking a full-time Director of Marketing and Communications. The Director of Marketing and Communications plans, implements, and assesses a comprehensive communication and integrated marketing strategy for LAS. This position will work with faculty and staff throughout the College and University on a full range of internal and external communications and marketing efforts that support LAS’s reputation, enrollment, alumni relations, advancement, faculty excellence, student development, and internal communications. The Director will oversee the development and execution of communication efforts using multiple media platforms (print, social media, web, email, video, etc.), monitoring the return on investment for each platform and representing the College in media and communication matters.

The Director of Communication & Marketing reports to the Dean of LAS and collaborates closely with Strategic Marketing and Communications (SMC) and peers across campus.

The ideal candidate values a collaborative approach, can motivate and influence their team as well as a wide array of communications stakeholders across the College and the campus, and understands the value of data-informed and analytical approaches to communications efforts.

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, English, or a related liberal arts and sciences field required. 
• A related master’s degree is preferred.
• At least five (5) years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field, with preference to such experience in an institution of higher learning (e.g., alumni relations, advancement, admissions, recruitment, and/or development) or a non-profit organization.
• Excellent writing, editing, presentation, organization, and computer/pc skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and other related software and database applications.
• Solid understanding of traditional, digital, and social media communications and marketing concepts and principles, especially in the context of higher education, including knowledge of marketing research, data capture and analysis, digital media platforms, digital content and media buying.
• Solid understanding of web content management, web accessibility and search engine optimization, and comfort with trends and best practices for higher education digital communications strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Record of effective collaboration and leadership capability to manage and work effectively with a wide variety of people across multiple units.
• Experienced content producer, editor, and writer familiar with the range of content channels available to advance institutional communications and marketing strategies.
• Experience with both social media and graphic design.
• Record of effective development of ideas into measurable and metrics-driven branding campaigns designed to meet established goals.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and assign, monitor and recommend staffing and resource allocation including in-sourcing and out-sourcing. 
• Ability to develop and lead projects, including with contractors.
• Knowledge of and experience in higher education environments including supporting the unique mission and goals of a diverse, multi-cultural collaborative environment.