Strategic Communications Associate

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities.

UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position provides professional communications, public information, content development and event support to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs (OVCHA) aimed at strengthening the reputation and identity of UI Health as UIC's academic health enterprise. The Strategic Communications Associate will work closely with the Sr. Director of Communications & Events in the OVCHA to develop, coordinate and execute communications through written, digital presentation, planning, and event materials in support of diverse health enterprise-wide strategic projects and initiatives.

Projects may cross multiple functional areas such as education, clinical practice, research, academic operations, fundraising, marketing, community engagement and public information.

• Identify and craft official correspondence on behalf of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs (including letters of support, stewardship letters, administrative messages, etc.). Work with unit leaders to develop and coordinate communications around new initiatives, upcoming events and other priorities.
• Research, coordinate, develop and publish communications for public engagements (presentations, remarks, etc.) that support UI Health’s mission to educate future generations of healthcare leaders, innovate and discover - all to benefit the health and wellness of our communities. May include extensive research, source approvals, and connection with University leadership to achieve reputational goals. Research, verify and synthesize information to ensure accuracy, consistency and appropriate messaging for public and targeted audiences.
• Act as an internal communication resource for units within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs to synthesize, edit and write informational and reputation building messages for unit web pages, engagement communication, and event needs. Develop and edit public-facing information, web content, presentations, informational materials and other communications. Facilitate effective communication within the OVCHA, including preparing updates, memos, emails and other communications for OVCHA employees and units.
  
  Develop and disseminate information through appropriate channels, including website, email, presentations and other digital platforms.
• Work with the OVCHA communication team to establish, maintain, and improve content organizational structure that supports the communications function. Maintain organized communications materials and effective information-sharing processes regarding content, ideas, communication activities, and project developments among team members. Design and implement communications related cross-training plans and rollout strategies.
• Collaborate with OVCHA and health enterprise partners to support event coordination and logistical needs. Provide support with pre-event planning communications activities, on-site event coordination and post-event strategies. Attend regular meetings, in…