Harris Center for Effective Government Leadership
For more than three decades, the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy has been steadfastly committed to advancing policy based on evidence, not ideology. Guided by this exacting perspective, our exceptional community of scholars, students, and nearly 4,000 alumni take on the world’s most important problems using the latest tools of social science. As the second-largest professional school at the University of Chicago, Harris Public Policy offers a full range of degree and executive education programs to empower a new generation of data-driven leaders to create a real social impact throughout our global society. This is Harris Public Policy: Social Impact, Down to a Science.
The Associate Director of Communications at the Center for Effective Government (CEG), is dedicated to the Center’s mission and vision at the University of Chicago. Reporting to the CEG’s Executive Director, the Associate Director of Communications manages media relations, content development, public and community engagement, and digital communications to support CEG’s achievement of strategic priorities. This role is integral to fostering collaboration and message unification with partners across the University and beyond.

The Associate Director oversees CEG’s brand identity and graphic design standards in adherence with University guidelines; oversees writing, design, preparation and/or delivery of information about CEG; manages media relations, writes press releases, plans and organizes media coverage for major events, and responds to requests which may involve issues of a sensitive nature; oversees supervision of interns; and develops the communications budget in partnership with CEG Executive Director. The person in this position will also be responsible for website and social media content updates and implementation, email marketing, graphics management, annual report, and coordination of marketing for co-sponsored events.

This is a two-year funded position.

• Works in partnership with CEG leadership team to create an internal and external strategic communications plan that furthers awareness of CEG’s distinct identity, mission, and vision.
• Identifies and facilitates opportunities to further CEG’s visibility, fundability, and voice through global, national, local, and/or trade press engagements.
• Creates and oversees strategy, planning, and content development that drives measurable brand awareness and engagement within and beyond university communities.
• Support in developing strategy and cultivation of external partnerships, government relations, and development activities.
• Communicates directly with relevant external constituents as well as internal departments to facilitate practical solutions and advance the work and initiatives of the Center.
• Develops content and multimedia assets for written and digital communication channels and vehicles including real-time event coverage.
• Supports CEG’s development efforts and engagement with Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) team by creating collateral material for fundraising initiatives.
• Leads creation of a dynamic/interactive web presence including CEG website and other digital forms of outreach, community engagement, and impact.
• Coordinates communications and collaborations with multiple University of Chicago units and external partners, including University Communications, the Office of Civic Engagement, Office of the Provost, Harris School of Public Policy, community members/organizations, and others.
• Creates event recaps for CEG website and social media, and manages photo and video documentation approval process for speakers and other event participants.
• Applies software analytics tools to capture and report on audience engagement and trends, traffic, and attendance for virtual and in-person programming.
• Prepares, catalogs, and maintains image, branding assets, and video database for print, digital, and press needs.
• Hires and manages external vendors such as photographers, designers, videographers, website developers, advertising agencies, and printing houses.
• Researches and analyzes data to create annual reports, and other reports for grants and contracts.
• Assists with crisis and urgent communications, including emerging social issues.
• Manages public relations efforts, including initiation and nurturing of press, community, and vendor relationships.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned by the CEG Faculty Director and CEG Executive Director.
• Makes contributions to the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues.
• Serves as one of the main points of contact for CEG media partnerships alongside CEG Executive Director and CEG Faculty Director.
• Solves moderate to complex problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
• Develops, plans, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
• Makes contributions to the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Bachelors degree in communications, public relations, government, or a related field.

• Background developing brands, public relations, and building audiences in a university setting or similar environment.
• Writing press releases, pitching media, and communications crisis management.
• Prior experience working with a variety of government, civic and community-based organizations.
• Knowledge and command of evolving social media, email marketing, and web content management platforms.

• Strong computer skills including knowledge of email distribution software (such as MailChimp, Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator), and website administration.
• Knowledge of patron marketing strategy, campaign execution, branding, website development, search engine optimization, social media, and email campaign strategies.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and digital communication skills, including across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent proofreading and copyediting skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving, decision-making, interpersonal, and cross-department collaboration skills.
• Strong business acumen, emotional intelligence, and understanding of the relationship between traditional and digital communications (e.g., how to further engagement).
• Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Self-motivated.
• Capacity to work as a positive, engaged member of a team.
• Independently develop and implement short- and long-term goals.
• Ability to maintain calm and courteous demeanor with colleagues and all stakeholders and to work productively despite heavy workload, competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines.
• Presents a courteous, professional image at all times.

• Flexible hybrid office-remote schedule options.
• Occasionally, work a flexible schedule (other than 8-hour day and/or 37.5-hour week) including periodic travel to and from off-campus locations, and participation in evening events.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• List of references (required)

Communications
Individual Contributor
Exempt
Monthly
37.5
Yes
No
No
No