Assistant Dean Strategic Communications, CHST

Assistant Dean for Strategic Communications, CHST

Assistant Dean for Strategic Communications, CHST

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About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .

Minimum Starting Salary:$80,000 annually

Job Summary:

The Assistant Dean for Strategic Communications is a senior leadership position within the College of Health, Science, and Technology (CHST). The Assistant Dean serves as a member of the College Cabinet and provides strategic direction for all external and internal communications, public relations, donor engagement, and employer relations activities. This position exercises broad independent judgment and decision-making authority to advance the College's visibility, reputation, and strategic partnerships.

The Assistant Dean is a key advisor to the Dean on messaging, positioning, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management. This role is responsible for building and sustaining relationships with external audiences—including donors, employers, media, alumni, community partners, and prospective students—while ensuring internal communications support faculty success, program growth, and student recruitment and retention. The position leads strategic planning and evaluation of communications and engagement functions rather than routine content production or transactional tasks.

Strategic Leadership and College Cabinet Service: Serve as a member of the College Cabinet, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and institutional decision-making at the college level. Function as the primary communications and engagement advisor to the Dean, providing strategic counsel on messaging, positioning, crisis communications, and reputation management. Translate college priorities, academic strengths, and institutional goals into integrated communication and engagement strategies.

Exercise broad independent judgment in setting priorities, sequencing initiatives, and allocating resources in alignment with college and university objectives. Represent the College at university-level communications and advancement meetings, serving as a liaison between CHST leadership and central administration.

Public Relations and Faculty Visibility: Develop and execute a proactive public relations strategy that elevates the College’s research, academic programs, and institutional impact. Build and manage media relationships to increase coverage of faculty expertise, scholarly achievements, grants, and applied research outcomes. Partner with faculty to identify and promote newsworthy accomplishments, translating academic work into compelling public narratives. Coordinate with university communications and marketing to position CHST faculty as subject-matter experts for media inquiries and public commentary.

Oversee the development of faculty profiles, impact stories, and thought leadership content for external audiences.

Donor Engagement and Advancement Communications: Collaborate with university advancement and development staff to create donor-facing communications that articulate the College’s strategic priorities, funding needs, and impact. Develop compelling cases for support, impact reports, and stewardship communications that strengthen donor relationships and giving. Support the Dean in preparation for donor meetings, cultivation events, and fundraising campaigns through strategic messaging and materials development.

Identify and communicate stories of student success, faculty innovation, and program outcomes that resonate with philanthropic audiences.

Employer Relations and Workforce Partnerships: Lead strategic communications that strengthen relationships with employers, industry partners, and workforce development stakeholders. Develop engagement strategies and materials that communicate the value of CHST graduates, credentials, and applied learning experiences to regional and national employers.…