Communications & Digital Media Manager

The Communications & Digital Media Manager will play a central role in implementing creative strategies to improve the Institute’s overall communications efforts and digital strategy as part of a passionate and nimble team. This work will include designing and implementing a strategy to raise the Institute’s digital profile, including through the management of multiple websites and social platforms; conducting audience analysis and providing stakeholder and media relations support; and leading promotional efforts surrounding the Institute's programming. The Manager will be a self-starter able to work under minimal supervision and balance competing priorities; while also focusing on community organizing, youth organizing, event planning and program leadership. The Communications & Digital Media Manager will report to the Senior Director of Communications and External Engagement.

Responsibilities

Manages multiple Institute-run websites and EPIC's e-mail marketing initiatives. This includes producing regular emails to stakeholders, a monthly e-newsletter and maintaining robust stakeholder and media lists.
Manages multiple social media accounts, including creating and maintaining a content calendar and developing, purchasing and monitoring the success of social advertising. Develops new ideas to improve the Institute's social media positioning and engagement.
Develops strategies and other creative solutions to boost online engagement and grow EPIC’s e-mail marketing lists; monitors and tracks online presence, records analytics, and uses data to inform EPIC’s digital and social strategies.
Conducts stakeholder and media mapping activities in preparation for new programming or research with the goal of properly targeting the most appropriate audience and expanding stakeholder engagement.
Manages publicity and other responsibilities surrounding events and general programming.
Monitors the online presence (websites and social media) of associated schools and centers, as well as the University of Chicago's news and events pages, for energy-related updates that would be appropriate for cross-promotion.
Drafts and edits occasional short news stories and other content under tight deadlines. This includes writing profiles of students, researchers and other initiatives.
Monitors, tracks and reports on media coverage of the institutes' researchers and issues of topical interest. Manages daily news monitoring e-mail.
Plans, develops and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction.
Accomplishes assigned duties through two or more of the following: written communications; visual/graphic media, which may include Web site development and maintenance; speeches and personal contact. The incumbent is still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills.
Solves a range of straightforward problems, as work assignments are difficult and broad in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity.
Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
Experience:

Minimum of three to five years of relevant experience.
Managing websites, email and social media accounts in a professional capacity.
Agency experience highly valued.
Experience in energy/environmental issues strongly desired and encouraged to apply.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web-based communication methods and tools such as MailChimp and WordPress (or similar platforms).
Preferred Competencies

Knowledge of current trends and best practices in digital engagement and their applications to communication strategies, including through web, email and social media.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to work both independently with a high degree of initiative and collaboratively as part of a team.
Work effectively with management, staff, researchers, students, and outside vendors and collaborators.
Strategic and creative thinking, project management and planning skills.
Manage and prioritize job tasks, perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism and product quality.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills, creativity, flexibility and attention to detail.
Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

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.

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