Freelance External Affairs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are:

For 140 years, National Louis University has been driven by one core belief: education changes lives. Since our founding, we've stayed grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity, and we've never wavered from the idea that education is the greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community built on continuous improvement and a genuine commitment to serving those we teach. Through education, we empower change and build stronger, healthier communities. Our hard-working team runs on collaboration and mutual respect, for one another and for every student we serve.

What You Will Do:

The Director of Communications supports the university’s brand, reputation, and strategic priorities through the development and execution of integrated communications plans. Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, this role leads day-to-day communications activities, including content development, media relations support, internal communications, and brand consistency across channels. The Director partners with university stakeholders to deliver clear, effective, and timely messaging that advances institutional goals.

Communications, Planning and Execution:

• Implement communications plans that align with institutional priorities and approved university initiatives.
• Develop clear and effective messaging for key audiences in support of major announcements, campaigns, and projects.
• Collaborate with university departments to support communications needs and ensure alignment with brand and messaging standards.
• Assist with crisis and issues communications by preparing draft messages, talking points, and supporting materials as needed.

Media Relations and External Communications:

• Support proactive and reactive media relations efforts to enhance institutional visibility.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media pitches, statements, and related communications materials.
• Assist CMO in managing the relationship with the Public Relations agency and help maintain relationships with media contacts and external partners.
• Identify and promote stories that highlight student success, academic excellence, faculty achievement, and community impact.

Content Development and Editorial Support:

• Write, edit, and manage content across channels, including web, email, social media, feature stories, and executive communications.
• Ensure consistency of voice, tone, and brand standards across all communications.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to gather content, review drafts, and manage approvals.
• Support website updates and ongoing content maintenance.

Internal Communications:

• Develop and coordinate internal communications that support alignment, transparency, and engagement across faculty and staff.
• Collaborate with HR, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and other departments on communications needs and message distribution.
• Maintain consistent messaging across departments and communication channels.

Project Coordination and Performance Support:

• Coordinate communications projects, deadlines, and deliverables across internal teams.
• Work with external vendors, agencies, and freelance contributors as needed.
• Track basic communications metrics such as media coverage, engagement, and content performance.
• Use performance data to improve communication effectiveness and refine future content.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or related work.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Demonstrated experience supporting communications planning, media relations, and content development.
• Experience working collaboratively across departments and with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Familiarity with digital content strategy and analytics tools preferred.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued.  We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.

The salary range of the grade for this position is $72,187 to $108,281 annually.  Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.  Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity. 

Please Include the following along with your application:

• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Current NLU employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form