Director of Communications
$110,000–$125,000 year
On-siteChicago, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Manage the Data Science Institute's communications staff, set goals aligned with DSI strategy, and evaluate performance while overseeing the development of internal and external communication mechanisms. Lead the continued development of the DSI brand and messaging, oversee the website for security and compliance, and drive strategy and content creation for newsletters, the website, and social media channels. Act as a strategist and project lead to plan, develop, and disseminate information about the Institute's programs, research accomplishments, and point of view, providing communications training for staff and researchers. Craft internal and external messages on behalf of faculty and executives, including responses to sensitive issues, speeches, and talking points, while creating communications plans for research initiatives and graduate programs. Coordinate with internal and external counterparts to achieve consensus for major news releases, analyze data to assess communication effectiveness, and serve as project manager for donor engagement and annual reports.
Required Qualifications
- college or university degree in related field
- knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Published writing sample (link or PDF of article, blog, op-ed, web copy, etc.)—STEM content
Desired Qualifications
- Graduate degree in a related field
- Experience working in higher education or data science organizations
- Experience working with researchers
- Experience with public relations, journalism, marketing, content marketing, digital storytelling, website management, and/or social media
- Experience with developing recruitment marketing strategies to enhance student enrollment
- Experience with strategic planning
- Supervisory experience
- Strong computer skills including knowledge of email distribution software, Adobe Creative Suite and/or similar applications
- Advanced skills in WordPress, Google Analytics or similar platforms; CSS/HTML a plus
- Experience using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint
- An understanding of and passion for data science and AI
- Ability to develop strategic communications for a large organization
- Excellent written and spoken communications skills (including knowledge of correct English usage, Chicago and AP style guides)
- Effective strategic professional who can clearly communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Organized self-starter, able to work strategically and independently
- Effective bridge-builder, able to work across communities
- Ability to successfully manage a workload that balances long-range planning with the unanticipated daily demands of managing publicly visible projects
- Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships with diverse constituencies
- Able to work with a diverse workforce in a complex decentralized environment
- Exceptional organizational skills
- A resourceful problem-solver and critical thinker, able to be proactive in leveraging opportunities and anticipating and averting problems
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