Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

Department FFIE Chicago Forum Programming About the Department The principle of complete freedom of speech on all subjects has from the beginning been regarded as fundamental in the University of Chicago...this principle can neither now nor at any future time be called in question. – William Rainey Harper, Founding President of the University of Chicago. Free expression and open discourse have been fundamental values at the University of Chicago since its inception.

Our center, the Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression (the Chicago Forum) builds on that historic commitment to promote the understanding, practice, and advancement of free and open discourse at the University of Chicago and beyond. Its initiatives include hosting multi-viewpoint events on a diverse range of topics, conferences for higher education leaders, workshops to develop skills for open discourse, support for academic research, and active contribution to media and public discussions.

The Chicago Forum seeks a dynamic Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications to shape and execute strategies that build brand awareness, position the Chicago Forum's national and global voice in our subjects of expertise, and drive meaningful engagement across all channels. Reporting to the Senior Director of Programs, this role is responsible for developing and leading integrated marketing initiatives to enhance visibility and foster relationships for the Chicago Forum.

The Director will serve as a key leader within a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to free inquiry, the engagement of diverse perspectives, and professional excellence. This individual will supervise a team of professional and student employees. The ideal candidate can translate the Forum's priorities into compelling campaigns, has superior organizational and communication skills, and is comfortable navigating complex landscapes in discourse in higher education and beyond.

• Develop and lead integrated marketing campaigns and engagement initiatives to build brand awareness and advance the Forum's mission across multiple platforms.
• Design and implement a comprehensive annual marketing strategy, ensuring consistent messaging and high-quality execution across all channels.
• Craft and uphold a unified brand identity - establishing visual identity, tone, and positioning for the Chicago Forum.
• Create and manage audience segmentation strategies to deliver personalized and relevant communications throughout the engagement lifecycle.
• Oversee the production and delivery of impactful content, including video, audio, and written materials, tailored for diverse audiences.
• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including University of Chicago marketing and communications teams.
• Lead the development and execution of crisis communication protocols and response strategies.
• Guide preparation of donor communications and promotional materials, including the annual report.
• Direct editorial strategy to promote content in all medium generated within and beyond the University, amplifying the Forum's thought leadership.
• Supervise, mentor, and inspire a team that includes the Digital Marketing & Communications Manager as well as professional and student employees.
• Ensure effective coordination and alignment of marketing efforts with organizational objectives, adapting to evolving needs and opportunities.
• Provide hands‑on support for evening and weekend events as part of a dynamic, collaborative team environment.
• Acts as a strategist or project lead to plan, develop and disseminate information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
• Makes high‑level…