Assistant Director for Communications and Content Strategy

Communications and Marketing

The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois invites applications from qualified individuals for a 100% full-time Assistant Director for Communications and Content Strategy in the Communications and Marketing office.

School of Information Sciences

Communications and Marketing

Assistant Director for Communications and Content Strategy

The iSchool at Illinois makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals through teaching, research, and public engagement. Our mission is to lead the way in understanding the use of information in science, culture, society, commerce, and the diverse activities of our daily lives. We engage in inclusive community partnerships, working beyond geographic boundaries to benefit the social good. We believe in the power of information to change the world.

For more information about iSchool, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

As key member of the communications and marketing team, the Assistant Director for Communications and Content Strategy supports the development, planning, and implementation of strategy to advance the School of Information Sciences’ reputation and program rankings, student and faculty recruitment, and engagement with alumni and donors. The position will oversee production of the alumni magazine and promotional materials; execute content strategy, which includes writing news and feature stories;

and manage media relations.

Content Management and Supervision (60%)

• Plan and execute news and feature writing and manage content calendars.
• Oversee production of the Intersections magazine, serving as managing editor for content development; writing articles; overseeing design services and vendors; and making strategic and financial recommendations.
• Supervise full-time staff, including performance management, training, and daily oversight.
• Spearhead promotional efforts for all academic programs.
• Guide and oversee the creation of recruitment materials, print communications, and promotional items.
• Work closely across iSchool units to produce digital and print communications for a variety of audiences, including prospective and current students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Communications Strategy (30%)

• Contribute to overarching communications strategy in conjunction with the Assistant Dean for Communications and Marketing.
• Lead and develop content strategy for the communications and marketing team to promote the excellence of the iSchool’s programs, research, and engagement, with content designed to engage a wide range of audiences.
• Serve as a point person for media relations, including identifying and building relationships with media contacts, pitching stories, handling press inquiries, and providing media training to faculty as needed.
• Provide guidance and consultation with communications and marketing team members regarding social media content strategy.
• Provide leadership in developing communications strategy for special and ongoing projects, including fundraising campaigns and special events.
• Administer communications policy for faculty research promotion.

Additional Support (10%)

• Serve as part of the web team by creating, managing, and developing content for the iSchool website.
• Serve as liaison to the University of Illinois campus communicators group, participating in meetings and sharing best communications practices.
• Complete other related duties to enhance the mission of the unit.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
• 2 years of experience in project management.

• Master’s degree in relevant discipline.
• 3 years’ experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience writing about technical or STEM-related topics.

• Proven ability to research, write, and edit content for publications, digital communications, and social media on a deadline.
• Demonstrated…