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This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12390347 Director of Strategic Communications - Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement dependent with unit operational needs.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

As one of the nation\'s leading research institutions, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been shaping the future since 1867. Our research enterprise drives student experiences and community engagement, powering innovation and positive change locally, nationally, and globally.

The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) elevates the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a pioneer in sustainability, energy, and environmental leadership. We achieve this through cutting-edge research, high quality educational programs, high-profile events, and innovative campus sustainability initiatives.

Job Summary

The Director of Strategic Communications is responsible for guiding and developing marketing and communications strategies that support Institute of Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) goals and elevate the visibility and awareness of the Institute and its activities in research, education, and campus sustainability. As iSEE\'s chief communications officer, the Director of Strategic Communications is a member of the Institute\'s leadership team. They will work collaboratively with the Director and Associate Directors, along with staff, affiliated faculty, students, and external stakeholders to develop and execute communications and marketing strategies, goals, and actions to advance the mission of the Institute.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications
  • Set and implement marketing and communication goals and objectives including, but not limited to, identifying key audiences; conducting appropriate market research methods to gather information; and establishing performance metrics to measure outcomes and impact of marketing and communications activities.
  • Build a science communications strategy that nationally promotes iSEE\'s research activities, raises Illinois\' profile for sustainability research, and helps raise awareness of faculty expertise with research funding organizations and stakeholders.
  • Develop communication products and marketing strategy to promote awareness of iSEE\'s educational, campus sustainability, and research activities/events to internal and external audiences.
  • Oversee website and social media strategy and updates.
  • Understand and guide adherence to the university brand and style.
• Management and Supervision
  • Supervise and create a collaborative team culture for the communication and events staff by identifying and leveraging individual strengths and providing mentoring and professional development opportunities.
  • Participate in iSEE leadership and team meetings to identify opportunities to support organizational initiatives and strategically develop communications, materials, and programs that promote and publicize these activities/events.
  • Manage professional vendors selected to work on outsourced communications and marketing projects.
• Collaboration
  • Build and foster collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to stay informed about new findings, opportunities, initiatives, programs, products, and services. These partners include the Office of Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, UI Strategic Communications and Marketing, a d other Chief Communications Officers on campus, and external service providers such as advertising agencies, graphic designers, independent contractors, and local media.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with iSEE leadership and staff, research project leads, and other key personnel, and provide leadership and expertise on effective communication.
  • Represent iSEE at meetings, trainings, workshops, and events geared toward campus communicators.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in Communications, Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted based upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
• Minimum of eight years of experience in a strategic communications and/or management position.
• Experience developing strategy, managing projects, and leading teams to create effective campaigns and advance organizational goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong writing and editing skills.

Effective communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Knowledge of social media strategy and the ability to develop multi-media materials with an active, professional social media profile and engagement track record.

Attention to detail.

Highly creative with a keen eye toward opportunity.

Ability to build relationships and perform effectively in a profes