Communications Coordinator - College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences is searching for a Communications Coordinator to create and implement strategic communications plans for the School of Earth, Society & Environment and its constituent departments and the Department of Astronomy that address key stakeholders, including current students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This position is part of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) and is embedded in the School of Earth, Society & Environment (75%) and the Department of Astronomy (25%).
Duties & Responsibilities
Communication Planning and Evaluation
In coordination with unit leadership and OCM, develop a comprehensive communications strategic plan for each unit in alignment with unit, college, and university strategic priorities and in adherence to college and university brand.
Assist with communications annual planning and priority setting for the units in concert with unit and OCM leadership.
Analyze and report on performance of communications tactics as defined in coordination with OCM.
Advise each unit's leaders on communication issues, including crisis communication.
News and Content Production
Cover and disseminate news happening within the units via unit, college, and university channels and outside media. This includes identifying news and feature stories, conducting interviews, and writing news and feature stories about faculty, students, staff, and alumni from each unit.
Serve as primary writer, content creator, and editor for unit communications aimed at various constituencies, such as faculty, staff, current and prospective students, alumni, donors, industry, and foundations.
Compile, edit, and create content for and manage unit communications channels, including departmental websites, e-newsletters, social media platforms, print publications, print or digital building displays, and other promotional materials.
Develop and disseminate content for current students. This may include use of digital signage, newsletters, flyers, and other channels.
Assist in developing and amplifying advancement-related communications, including for stewardship, in coordination with the college Office of Advancement and OCM.
Update and manage statistics and content related to each unit's history, accomplishments, and pride points.
Building Strong Working Relationships
Build and maintain strong relationships with the units' leadership as well as other unit leaders, staff, and faculty.
Foster relationships with alumni, external constituents, and affiliated campus units.
Work collaboratively with others on the OCM team, and when relevant with other marketing and communications staff at the University of Illinois and partner institutions.
Represent units on college and campus committees as requested.
Marketing
Work with other OCM staff to market each unit's degrees and programs to prospective students.
Ensure messaging related to student recruitment is consistent with college marketing plan.
Other Communication Tasks
Work with the University of Illinois Foundation and others to manage mailing lists according to campus and college guidelines.
Work within and contribute to college project management systems.
If needed, hire, train, and manage student interns to assist with communications.
Pursue professional development and training to stay abreast of trends, developments, and emerging tools in communication.
Other communications related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area. Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
Minor or significant coursework in a STEM discipline. Experience working in an academic or research environment.
Successful Candidates Will Have:
Ability to communicate effectively with others.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to interact with a broad array of internal and external constituents.
Ability to be self-motivated, work independently, and prioritize tasks.
Strong decision-making skills and judgment.
Familiarity with fundraising, alumni relations, and stewardship.
Ability to set and adhere to rigorous timelines with overlapping priorities.
Ability to gain a broad understanding of the mission of the School of Earth, Society & Environment and Department of Astronomy.
Experience using website content management tools, like Drupal.
Understanding of and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural and linguistic differences.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the deadline date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $45,000 - $60,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule (remote work and in-person work in Champaign-Urbana each week). Sponsorship for Work authorization is not available for this position.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact lascollegehiring@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
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, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.
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 Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .
