Director, Strategic Communications

** Department
* * IOP:
Administration
** About the Department
** The University of Chicago Institute of Politics (IOP) was founded in 2013 by alumnus David Axelrod (AB ’76) to ignite in students a passion for public service, meaningful dialogue, and active participation in democracy. Nonpartisan by design, the IOP has quickly become a national leader in preparing the next generation of public servants. With more than 300 internships annually, student-led civic engagement programs, a world-class fellowship bringing in top policymakers and journalists, and one of the country’s most respected political speaker series, the IOP is a hub for conversation and action at the highest levels.

It is a model for civil discourse and free expression, which is the through line in all of its programming.
Four core programs form the heart of the Institute:

● Career Development: a dedicated team providing students with one-on-one career advising and hands-on opportunities to explore careers in politics and public service. Each year the IOP provides over 300 paid internship opportunities worldwide in politics, public policy, government, nonprofits and journalism.

● Civic Engagement: a program that enables students to take an active role in solving social and political challenges in their communities during the academic year and to develop their leadership skills via student-led programs, workshops and trainings, political exploration treks and special programs.

● Pritzker Fellows Program: resident and visiting fellowships where distinguished political officials, policymakers, journalists, diplomats and others come to campus for an academic quarter to work closely with and mentor students.

● Speaker Series: enriching political and policy discourse on campus and in the greater Chicagoland area by providing a forum for diverse insights on key issues of the day. More than 1,400 speakers have come to campus from across the political spectrum, a testament to the IOP’s non-partisan commitment to elevating public conversation around important contemporary issues.
** Job Summary
** The Director of Strategic Communications serves as the chief storyteller and brand strategist for the IOP. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role shapes how the Institute is seen by students, the University, media, and audiences nationwide. The Director leads all aspects of communications, media relations, digital engagement, event promotion, content creation, and brand management, while driving high-profile projects and partnerships with leading media and tech organizations.

This is a leadership role requiring creativity, strategic thinking, and flawless execution. As the media ecosystem shifts, we’re looking for someone who can bring fresh, innovative approaches to telling the IOP’s story. The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator, an innovative manager, and a collaborative partner who can elevate the IOP’s profile on campus and far beyond.
** Responsibilities
* ** Partners with IOP leadership to design and implement internal and external communications strategies that expand the IOP’s thought leadership, visibility, and impact.
* Leads brand strategy, marketing campaigns, and audience engagement efforts across all program areas.
* Elevates the IOP, its Fellows, and leadership as go-to voices through national op-eds, broadcast hits, and digital platforms.
* Manages all media relations, cultivating relationships with journalists, securing coverage of IOP events and fellows, and responding to press inquiries.
* Oversees the IOP’s website, digital platforms, and social media campaigns across Facebook, Linked In, Instagram, and X.
* Directs the creation of high-quality content (video, audio, written) showcasing the IOP’s Speaker Series, Fellows programs, internships, and civic engagement initiatives.
* Oversees communications and strategy for projects such as the Campaign Journalism Conference, the Iowa Project, and the Disinformation Conference, often in partnership with media partners.
* Guides the production of promotional and development materials, including the annual report and Board of Advisors packets.
* Provides counsel on…