Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications & Marketing-Hybrid

Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications & Marketing-Hybrid

Office for University Relations

The System Office seeks an Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications & Marketing. The Assistant Vice President Strategic Communications and Marketing will lead the development and implementation of a transformative marketing and communications strategy that celebrates, informs, and educates about the University of Illinois System's extraordinary accomplishments in ways that are relevant and resonate with key stakeholders. The AVP will work closely with system-wide partners to ensure that there is a synergistic approach to matters related to core messaging, reputational issues, earned media and brand management. Additionally, the AVP will execute innovative campaigns utilizing print, social, digital and emerging media, and assume a leadership role, along with the Vice President External Relations and Communications, in integrating the efforts of communications and marketing teams across the three universities through system-wide cohort coordination. This position can work from any of the System Office campuses, Chicago, Urbana or Springfield.

Additional responsibilities included:

Create the overarching strategy, goals, metrics and tools to promote and raise the visibility of the University of Illinois System and ensure consistency, alignment and accuracy of information across all of its communications platforms, especially dynamic updates through digital and social media. Lead the development of an integrated communications plan that effectively engages all internal and external stakeholders. Serve as the strategic leader of the function. Actively build relationships across the U of I System community with key stakeholders, including communication and marketing leaders at the three universities. Lead the branding of the system enterprise. Develop, manage and evolve a strategic brand framework, architecture, design and messaging. Serve as the system's chief spokesperson with many external audiences and constituencies on a variety of issues. Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic press and media strategy. Collaborate closely with executive communications staff. Plan, coordinate and oversee initiatives designed to inform and educate the public, media and key stakeholders about the University of Illinois System and its missions of excellence in teaching, research, public service, healthcare and economic development. Develop strategic communications and media relations plan for the system and coordinate communications as appropriate with system universities. Oversee a robust and proactive media and marketing plan utilizing traditional and developing platforms to ensure that the University of Illinois System is visible in all key markets. Work closely with senior communicators, faculty, staff, and leadership across the system to ensure consistent messaging and aligned strategic communication efforts. Assess the system's public relations and crisis communication needs and provide leadership in the development of a program that addresses these needs and effectively promotes and protects the image, brand, and reputation of the system. Guide and prioritize the system's approach to commercial media, print and branding; internal communications; and collaborate on advocacy and government affairs activity and community relations efforts. Ensure each university and System Offices unit is dedicated to following system-wide marketing and communication policies, procedures and guidelines. Lead marketing strategy development, implementation and measurement.

Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in marketing, communications or related field, Masters preferred. Ten years of professional level communications, marketing, branding and media relations experience.

Knowledge and Experience:

Demonstrated digital marketing experience across paid and owned media. Experience working with and managing external agencies and freelance support. Ability to use independent and sound judgment in evaluating information and the ability to communicate effectively with personnel from across the University of Illinois System. Demonstrated ability to build strong, solution-oriented, collaborative relationships across an enterprise. Demonstrated media relations experience. Familiarity with marketing tools and modern techniques for executing and measuring performance of marketing and communications activities. Excellent problem-solving skills that require the ability to identify problems, gather data, establish facts, and present valid conclusions in response to problems. Ability to establish measurable goals and objectives for themselves and others that contribute to organizational and departmental success. Experience developing effective strategic communications/marketing plans Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience supervising individuals and teams . Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality are imperative.

#LI-JM1 Appointment Information This is a full-time, 12-month Academic Professional position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by 2/13/2023 by 6:00 p.m. 

System Human Resource Services (217) 333-2600 erhr@uillinois.edu

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 217-333-2600, or by emailing erhr@uillinois.edu.