Communication Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hiring Department: University Communications

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Salary: The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), a leading institution committed to student access and success, is seeking an Associate Director, University Communications to join the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications team. A successful candidate excels in written and multimedia communication, crafting materials like op-eds, commentaries, press releases, and media pitches, while also offering crisis communications support and media training.

Working jointly with the communications and marketing teams of both the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications and the UI Health and/or OVCHA, the Associate Director, University Communications, takes charge of media relations, storytelling, and news/crisis management in partnership with UI Health, and/or the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and the seven health sciences colleges, including Applied Health Sciences, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work, and the School of Public Health, encompassing their diverse programs and specialties. The role involves seamless integration with UIC's health sciences, clinical programs, and the University Communications and Storytelling and Content Strategy teams of Strategic Marketing and Communications. The primary aim is to highlight and engage health sciences strengths in teaching, research, clinical care, and public service through proactive media coverage locally, nationally, and globally.

• Seek, prepare, write, review, and effectively disseminate media relations and crisis/issues management content for the hospital, OVCHA and/or the health sciences colleges, programs, and specialties through diverse media channels including print, broadcast, and multimedia.
• Function as the key point of contact for the hospital and/or health sciences colleges, facilitating external news contacts and collaborations for both current and emerging news coverage. As a vital part of the UIC’s emergency response team, contribute to communication efforts and support.
• Identify and foster relationships with local, national, and international news entities and organizational representatives, ensuring a consistent stream of positive coverage for the health science colleges and/or UI Health. Develop and maintain ongoing connections with media sources, faculty, staff, and students.
• Proactively write and pitch UIC and UI Health research, clinical stories, events, and major grants/funding; pitch and place UIC and UI Health experts and faculty for topical, breaking, and trending news stories.
• Respond to news media inquiries, schedule, and negotiate interviews and written content.
• Cultivate and curate an aligned and collaborative landscape of storytelling across all channels and media.
• Advise university and hospital leadership along with faculty and staff on media responses and strategies for protecting and stewarding the reputation of the institution.
• Provide crisis communications support and media training.
• In-depth ability to research and communicate complex information, such as medical research, clinical innovations, or health policy issues, to a broad audience, using knowledge of concepts within a specialized field.
• Plan and prepare stories; write, edit, proofread, and copy-edit a variety of technical articles, reports, brochures, and manuals for wide dissemination.
• Coordinate activities with audio/video specialists, graphic designers, digital media, and others to activate and support multiplatform storytelling.
• Perform other duties as they emerge in an ever-evolving marketing and communications landscape.

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Media, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Science, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in media relations, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field, including issues management, crisis communications, and storytelling.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local healthcare laws and regulatory requirements, including privacy and confidentiality standards for healthcare communications.
• Strong written communication skills, including professional experience writing, editing, and proofreading content for internal, external, media, or public audiences.

• Master's degree preferred
• Demonstrated experience identifying, developing, and prioritizing news stories; conducting interviews; and gathering information from multiple sources to produce accurate and engaging communications materials within a higher educational institution or healthcare setting.
• Experience working in highly collaborative environments requiring effective interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to maintain positive, solution-orientated relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize competing deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and quality.

The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.