Director, University Communication

Loyola University Chicago

Overview:

Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is one of the nation’s largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, with nearly 16,000 students.

Nearly 10,000 undergraduates hailing from all 50 states and 82 countries call Loyola home. The University has four campuses: three in the greater Chicago area and one in Rome, Italy, as well as course locations in Beijing, China; Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Vernon Hills, Illinois (Cuneo Mansion and Gardens); and a Retreat and Ecology Campus in Woodstock, Illinois. The University features 10 schools and colleges, including the Quinlan School of Business, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Stritch School of Medicine, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Communication, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, School of Education, School of Law, School of Social Work, and Graduate School.

Consistently ranked a top national university by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola is also among a select group of universities recognized for community service and engagement by prestigious national organizations like the Carnegie Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

https://www.luc.edu


Position Details

Director, University Communication
Job
Full-time
7/31/2019
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

JOB SUMMARY:

Directs internal and external communication initiatives, including proactive and reactive media relations, focusing on brand reputation and enhancement. Advisor on all crisis communications and issues management. Creates and supports implementation of strategic communication and social media plans for the University. Creates yearly communication calendars and plans, and inputs into budgets for various initiatives. Serves as communications and media champion to others at University. Oversees messaging and quality control of internal communications tools across University. Reports into AVP, Integrated Content and Communication.

Works closely with Content Team ensuring collaboration and cross-functional approach to plans and initiatives to achieve maximum impact and measureable outcomes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

News and Media Relations

  • Leads on all University reactive and proactive media relations in service of the University; clear focus on proactive and innovative, storytelling media relations.
  • Monitors all media coverage for schools and divisions, shares media reports (and regular dashboard), advocates for media coverage sharing in other areas (Enrollment Marketing, Advancement, etc.).
  • Collaborates with schools and divisions to develop public relations strategies that help raise awareness of the University and its various schools, centers, departments. Ensures strategies align with overall University Marketing and Communication dept. strategic plan.
  • Ensures effective implementation of social media strategy and policy across the University and oversees management of central University social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
  • Actively collaborates with departments to leverage all news being announced across the University.
  • On point to manage the development and successful implementation of Campus Communicators; a program leveraging embedded communicators across the University responsible for story mining, storytelling, promotion, and advocacy of strategic communications in service of the University’s overall goals and priorities.
  • Conducts media training on an as needed basis (faculty experts and administrators).

Internal Communications

  • Oversees all internal channels for distribution of impactful communications including email, e-newsletters, digital screens, internal videos, etc.
  • Advises on key messaging, senior leader stakeholder management, and internal issues management.
  • Consistently monitors and evolves communications, messaging/tone, channels and metrics.

Reputation Management

  • Serves as strategic advisor on all crisis communications plans, and address gaps, identifies vulnerabilities, and oversees annual case study review for senior management.
  • Advises on all issues and crises communications on behalf of the University, including strategy, messaging, distribution, and responding to media. Lead duties filled by Communication Manager.
  • Serves on the Emergency Preparedness Committee as communications lead. Identifies vulnerable areas that will affect ability to communicate in a timely, accurate manner.

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree required, in Journalism, Communications or related field; advanced degree in Business, Marketing or Communications preferred. 
  • Significant background, 8-10 years, in Public or Media Relations, Marketing, or related communications experience.

Qualifications:

  • Working knowledge of media/integrated marketing and social media best practices is required. 
  • Proven success in PR pitching and high profile media placements; active media network with focus on regional and national news and higher education. 
  • Ability to collaborate with various teams including advancement,UMC, Student Development, HR, President’s office, Provost’s office, deans, special events, Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management, etc. 
  • Superior verbal, written, communications planning skills required; solid command of various computer software and social media channels. 
  • Demonstrated project management skills and ability to manage various deadline-driven projects simultaneously. 
  • Superior interpersonal skills and ability to coordinate activities productively with functions and units outside his/her own sphere of control to ensure successful communication of desired messages. 
  • Understanding and proof of success in driving results in a collaborative, consensus-driven organization. 
  • Sophisticated in people management and a passion for mentoring, career pathing and professional development. 
  • High ethical standards and integrity required.

Computer Skills:

  • Proficient in MS office, MS Publisher, Adobe, and Emma.
  • Working knowledge of social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn), and Sprout Social


« Back