Position Vacancy Announcement

SURS is the administrator of a cost-sharing, multiple-employer, public employee retirement system that provides retirement, survivor, disability and death benefits to employees of Illinois state universities, community colleges, and certain other affiliated organizations and agencies. SURS was created in 1941, by an act of the Illinois General Assembly, and is governed by the Illinois Pension Code (40 ILCS 5/15-101 et seq.). SURS provides benefit services to over 250,000 members who work for 61 employers. SURS is responsible for investing assets in a diversified portfolio of U.S. and foreign stocks, bonds, real estate and alternative investments. SURS maintains a defined benefit plan, which on June 30, 2023, had assets valued at approximately $23.2 billion. SURS also administers two defined contribution plans, the Retirement Savings Plan, which on June 30, 2023, had assets of approximately $3.7 billion and the Deferred Compensation Plan, which had assets of approximately $28.5 million. Northern Trust serves as SURS’ master trustee custodian.

Position: Reporting the Executive Director, the Communications Manager will plan, oversee and craft clear, concise, and effective communications to members, staff, employers, trustees, constituency groups, legislators and the press.

Position Title: Communications Manager

Civil Service Classification: Publications Manager

Position Type: Full-Time | Based in Champaign, IL

Main Duties

• Serve as writer, editor and creative director for all publications used internally and externally, as well as for presentations, plans, reports, surveys and other internal documents and forms.
• Coordinate special creative and design projects.
• Manage, write and edit contents of SURS external and internal websites and social media.
• Coordinate the design and the introduction of new information in a timely manner.
• Respond to media inquiries and assist with interviews and press questions. Write and distribute press releases and news stories. Monitor and distribute pertinent news clips internally.
• Manage the communications team, including webmaster and graphic designer, oversee weekly meetings, assign work projects, and create budget plan for department needs.
• Create media advertising plans/budgets and place ad insertions and notices.
• Work with subject matter experts throughout the organization for information and accuracy.

Required Qualifications

• 30 semester hours equals 1 year (12 months)
• 60 semester hours equals 2 years (24 months)
• 90 semester hours equals 3 years (36 months)
• 120 semester hours or higher equals 4 years (48 months)

OR

2. professional experience in editing and producing publications

AND

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven years’ experience in communications, journalism or marketing.
• Management experience with small-team dynamics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication, marketing and time-management skills.
• Experience with and understanding of layout and design.
• Experience and understanding of digital media.
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Command of AP Stylebook writing and editing.
• Familiarity with commercial printing and publishing.
• Experience dealing with trade media and/or mass media.
• Ability to collaborate with other team members to produce content.
• Ability to adhere to tight deadlines, prioritize workload and achieve clear, effective results.

Location

This position is eligible for hybrid work location (combination of remote workdays and office workdays) and will be based in Champaign, IL. During the initial training period, fully in-office workdays may be required.

Benefits

• Insurance
• Benefits, including medical, vision and dental
• Participation in SURS retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave and 11 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave after six months of employment
• Casual/business casual attire (dependent on job duties)
• Flexible work environment
• Free parking
• 37.5-hour standard work week

Application Process

To apply for this position, please click the apply button at the top of this job posting. Please fill out the online application and attach a copy of your resume and cover letter.