Chicago Quantum Exchange – Director of Communications

Department
 

PME Quantum Exchange

About the Department
 

Job Summary
 

The Director of Communications manages the activities, resources, and communication channels of the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Communication is responsible for planning, preparing and disseminating information designed to keep the public informed of the University’s perspectives, programs, and accomplishments.
Working with CQE leadership and communication partners, the Director of Communications will be responsible for shaping and implementing the organization’s communications strategy. The director will also design and produce a comprehensive plan involving multiple media platforms to promote the excellent science, engineering and scholarship of the CQE’s leading faculty, other researchers, students, and alumni, enhancing the organization’s prominence among key audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes strategic communication plans, including long- and short-term goals, with methods of measuring the plan’s impact on and contribution to the CQE and its stakeholder institutions, such as university and national lab members, corporate partners, and others.
• Creates a distinct brand identity for the CQE, unifying key messages and strategies to communicate complex information to multiple audiences and constituencies through a wide variety of communications platforms, including digital, print, social and media.
• Builds and strengthens relationships with various constituencies and significantly enhance the CQE web and social media marketing efforts.
• Interfaces with and be the principal coordinator and trusted partner between communications professionals at CQE member institutions (Argonne, Fermilab, UIUC, UW-Madison) and CQE partner institutions, primarily companies.
• Directs the generation of content (to include original text, images, video, website and member publications) in all areas of media, including social media, to build meaningful connections and communicate the organization’s goals and messages.
• Manages content channels to ensure that all media/multimedia content is fresh, up-to-date, compelling, and accurately reflects the CQE and the organization’s priorities.
• Creates and maintains external communications materials, including websites, handouts, newsletters, and an annual report, that highlight the accomplishments of CQE, including research by the CQE members and partners, being mindful of their respective branding and positioning.
• Develops and plans marketing, press relations, creative editorial and design services, and internal communications.
• Assists in the planning and execution of public events that highlight the scientific work of CQE and its members; helps build an understanding of CQE’s expertise, achievements, and impact.
• Manages the CQE digital communications manager and science writer. Works with the CQE member communications teams to develop audio and video content, identifies and cultivate key spokespeople for CQE, campaigns, and other strategic projects, informing and coordinate with stakeholder communication teams.
• Prepares informative materials, scripts, talking points, and other communications for the leadership of CQE.
• Manages, plans, and oversees professional staff in the development of communications policies and programs.
• Provides leadership and supervision of communications staff. May manage the communications budget.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Degree in English, journalism, communications, marketing, or a related discipline from an accredited institution of higher learning.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of Communication experience in higher education, at a non-profit or marketing and communications agency.
• Experience in building awareness through strategic communications in science, engineering, or technology.
• Experience demonstrating success in developing and implementing media relations strategies with secured placements.
• Experience establishing contacts and cultivating new media relationships.
• Experience working cross-functionally within an organization to develop and implement high-impact communication strategies.
• Experience writing and editing for media, generating ideas, managing processes, stakeholder input, and content calendars.
• Experience interviewing, brainstorming, and collaborating, putting quality over quantity and expedience.
• Experience working with content creators to adapt stories for owned channels.
• Experience in higher education, non-profit, government, or a decentralized organization desired.
• Experience communications professional with a demonstrated capacity for multi-tasking, with good political judgment, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient and functional knowledge of M.S. Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), along with standard PR measurement tools and analytics.
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of email distribution software (such as MailChimp, Constant Contact, or Emma), Adobe Creative Suite and/or similar applications, and website administration (Drupal, WordPress, and Squarespace experience; CSS/HTML a plus).

Preferred Competencies

• 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.
• An understanding of and passion for the sciences, including experience working with research.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Organized self-starter, able to work strategically and independently.
• Effective bridge-builder, able to work across communities and keep critical stakeholders informed and engaged.
• 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.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Writing Sample
• List of References (3)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Communications

Role Impact
 

People Manager

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

No

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.