Senior Coordinator of Strategic Communications - IGPA

System Office

System Office positions, such as this position, are not eligible for the employee referral program

Job Summary

Duties & Responsibilities

• 1. As part of IGPA's senior management, work with other institute leaders and IGPA scholars to continually refine and improve IGPA's communications strategy. Recommend effective methods for implementing that strategy with IGPA's audiences across all media formats, including social media. Develop and implement metrics to accurately measure the effectiveness of each strategy.
• 2. Collaborate with the IGPA director, IGPA scholars, and, when appropriate, other faculty, centers or institutes to develop evidence-based strategies to, with the aim of prioritize among potential public engagement activities on the basis of potential public policy impacts.
• 3. Act as IGPA's primary liaison to news media to promote faculty research, expertise, programs and activities. Work with other IGPA personnel and news media personnel to secure placement of IGPA's work on news media programs and in publications.
• 4. Responsible for maintaining and enhancing IGPA's brand and organizational presence. Implements its communications standards, practices, and style in compliance with University System Office standards and practices.
• 5. Facilitate the translation of academic research into publications and presentations that are useful to a policymaking audience, news media, potential funders and the general public. This may include advice to scholars, supervision of IGPA staff and/or direct production of materials.
• 6. Lead the production of news releases and web content that promote IGPA's research, expertise, and analysis. Lead and manage the writing, design, editing and distribution of news releases and web content, etc. Supervise the work of other staff, external designers and photographers as necessary to achieve high quality dissemination products. Conceptualize and manage efforts to enhance IGPA's external presence in all formats in a cost-effective manner.
• 7. Other duties, responsibilities, and special projects appropriate for this position as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree. A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position. (Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public policy or related field.
2. Five years of professional-level experience, preferably in the public policy, academic research and/or news-gathering realms.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 1. Proven ability to meet deadlines and complete work assignments with minimum supervision. Proven ability to exercise sound judgment in making recommendations and decisions.
• 2. Demonstrated research, analytical and organizational skills; experience in guiding/managing a project from concept to completion.
• 3. Proven team leadership skills and strong interpersonal skills that demonstrate a record of establishing trust and reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to develop and maintain effective relationships. Excellent verbal and written communications skills to effectively interact with IGPA's varied external clients, as well as University and departmental officials/staff.
• 4. Ability to prepare correspondence and other documents that are tactful, concise, clear, and effective.
• 5. Proven ability to comprehend complicated and detailed subject matter and translate it using all media formats to meet the needs of quick-read audiences that can include state and national political leaders, civic and business leaders, University officials and the general public.
• 6. Advanced skills using Microsoft Office suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Creative Suite, experience working with website content management systems, such as Drupal, as well as other desktop publishing/web publishing skills.
• 7. Demonstrated ability to create visually appealing marketing and other publicity products that express a message in an accurate and concise fashion.
• 8. Knowledge of strategy and tactics to produce effective use of social media formats, especially Twitter.
• 9. Demonstrated success with visualizing data and trends.
• 10. Knowledge of public policy and the policymaking process, especially in Illinois.
• 11. Knowledge of University of Illinois policies and procedures.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 - Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 11/27/2023. Salary is commensurate with experience.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on November 27th, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact johannam@uillinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1021203
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu