Illinois Public Media (IPM) seeks a Communication and Outreach Specialist to promote the programs, projects, and services of Illinois Public Media to the press, the public, the University, and other stakeholders, with special focus on outreach efforts that align with public media educational programming and mission.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Write, edit, and contribute to promotional efforts across social media, digital and print platforms:
With general direction and oversight from Communications Director, creates digital-first promotions, messages, and content creation for audience development and awareness. The focus of these efforts is determined by the Communications Director and is based on principal marketing strategies.
Serves as the editor of Illinois Public Media's e-newsletter, Aircheck, which includes curating, writing, and sending out its various content each week to more than 19,000 subscribers.
Manages the day-to-day social media execution across all platforms, including daily planning, curating, and writing posts for each platform. Platforms include Facebook, Instagram, and others.
Works with Communications Director and freelance editor to help plan, write, design, and produce Illinois Public Media's monthly member print publication, Patterns.
Under direction of Communications Director and working closely with Art Director, manages production of Illinois Public Media annual report, including writing, and editing. Solicits input from all major departments across the organization and works closely with Art Director to execute the design.
Works with Digital Fundraising Manager to create ongoing digital and social media strategy for Development. Writes and publishes social media marketing as well as social media promotion campaigns designed to raise money or reinforce fundraising efforts across the organization.
Serves as a collaborative member of the creative services team.
Under direction of Communications Director and working closely with the Digital Platform Manager, helps create and maintain portions of the Illinois Public Media web ecosystem.
Educational promotion and events:
Serves as liaison with target audiences to enhance awareness and increase use of Illinois Public Media educational services.
Plans events and/or attends community events to showcase PBS Kids programming and Illinois Public Media's educational initiatives.
Helps manage and promote WILL-TV Book Mentor Program, which works to get children ages 3-5 in local Head Start classrooms excited about reading through monthly readings, activities, events, and educational resources.
Has the primary responsibility for creating and implementing activities in the community around educational outreach and programming. Duties will range from determining the agenda to arranging for speakers, facilities, invitations and promotion, RSVPs, budgeting, and final reports.
May act as station representative at community educational events. Duties may include public speaking, working directly with young children, travel to events throughout the Illinois Public Media's coverage area.
Participate in general staff activities and engage College of Media:
Attend regular meetings to improve processes and stay up to date on internal events. May attend relevant training sessions/activities related to writing and promotion. Offers copy editing services when needed.
Attend meetings and work with College of Media/University of Illinois marketing teams to promote the College of Media and University of Illinois priorities via Illinois Public Media efforts.
Work with University of Illinois students in various capacities.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
Two (2) year (24 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience promoting educational and early learning activities and/or working in a youth educational environment.
Experience in writing for/creating print publications.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong writing and editing skills.
Strong social media skills.
Familiarity with public broadcasting.
Ability to project dynamic and pleasant personality in public appearances.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with the public, as well as with students, volunteers, and professional colleagues.
Interest in community involvement.
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 close of the search. The budgeted salary range for this position is $50,000.00 - $55,000.00. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
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 January 27, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Application materials should include a cover letter, a current resume, and at least three references, including contact information.
Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.
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 Jennifer Steiling at steiling@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 .
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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. 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 .
Requisition ID: 1027583 Job Category: Professional and Administrative Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
