Communications Specialist

Siebel Center for Design

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Siebel Center for Design (SCD) is a one-of-a-kind hub for creativity and collaboration dedicated to practicing, modeling, and teaching human-centered design. As a catalyst for multidisciplinary innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, SCD brings together diverse perspectives to reimagine our campus, community, and world. Our dynamic team works collaboratively in a state-of-the-art, 60,000-square-foot facility that fosters exploration, prototyping, and transformative learning. Nestled at the intersection of multiple disciplines, SCD is more than a space—it’s a movement, driving meaningful change through design thinking. If you’re passionate about strategic communication and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, we’d love to hear from you.

The Siebel Center for Design in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Communications Specialist position. This position is responsible for assisting with managing and executing the Siebel Center for Design’s marketing and communications strategy across multiple platforms, ensuring consistent brand voice and engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Content Strategy

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of undergraduate marketing team members who serve as content creators for SCD.
• Coordinate weekly workflow, delegate assignments, provide feedback, and ensure content aligns with the overall marketing strategy and SCD’s brand standards.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Programming & Marketing to shape campaign direction and storytelling priorities.

Social Media Management

• Oversee SCD’s social media presence across platforms, including scheduling content through Buffer, drafting captions, ensuring timely engagement, and monitoring analytics.
• Guide student creators in developing posts, graphics, and multimedia content that reflect SCD’s mission and values.

Email Marketing, Inbox, & Audience Management

• Manage SCD’s email communications, including monthly newsletters (e.g., The Readout, Affiliate Newsletter), event announcements, and targeted campaigns.
• Maintain and organize subscriber lists, manage audience segmentation, and track engagement through the Illinois Webtools platform or comparable tools.
• Monitor and respond to messages in SCD’s shared email inbox, ensuring timely, accurate, and professional communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Web Content & Development Coordination

· Maintain and update SCD’s website using SiteManager and other tools.

· Collaborate with the student web developer to identify improvements in usability, layout, and accessibility.

· Provide guidance on front-end design and content structure to ensure the website reflects current programs, events, and initiatives.

Content Editing & Storytelling

· Edit and refine written content for clarity, tone, and brand consistency.

· Contribute to storytelling efforts by attending SCD programs and events to gather photos, quotes, and insights that inform future marketing strategies and narratives.

Graphic Design Support

· Collaborate with the Graphic Design Specialist and student designers to fulfill creative needs.

· Provide light design support using Canva or Adobe Creative Suite when needed.

· Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
• Demonstrated experience managing or contributing to social media or marketing campaigns.
• Demonstrated experience with website development and content management systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading or supervising student employees or interns in a creative or marketing environment.
• Experience developing integrated marketing campaigns across multiple platforms.
• Experience with photography and basic graphic design tools (e.g., Canva or Adobe Creative Suite).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the University of Illinois brand standards and campus communication tools or systems.
• Demonstrated interest in design thinking, creativity, innovation, or experiential learning..
• Strong writing and editing skills with an eye for detail and tone.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, take initiative, and work within a team environment.
• Basic understanding of human-centered design and/or design thinking.
• Strong storytelling and photography skills, with an understanding of brand narrative development.
• Demonstrated skill in front-end web development (HTML, CSS, or similar) and accessibility standards for digital content.
• Familiarity with analytics tools for social media, web, and email performance measurement.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $50,000- $55,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on January 5, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. 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 Dawn Creath at dcreath@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

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, 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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. 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: 1033935
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu