Associate Director of Communications
Marketing & Communications
Urbana, IL, USA
Posted on Sep 5, 2026
Duties Responsibilities Communications • Develop and execute strategic communications plans that enhance the reputation and visibility of the College’s academic departments among peer institutions and external stakeholders. • Serve as the primary communications liaison for department heads and chairs, and work closely with the College’s Marketing Communications team to advise on opportunities and helping identify strategic priorities. • Lead development of peer-facing reputation communications designed to elevate the College’s academic standing and research reputation. • Manage editorial content for the College’s monthly alumni newsletter and support broader alumni communications initiatives in partnership with the assigned marketing coordinator and the Office of Advancement. • Write speeches, talking points, presentations, correspondence, and executive messaging for executive associate deans and associate deans when representing the College. • Assist in development and execution of communications strategies related to academic rankings and reputation-building initiatives. • Manage and maintain peer institution and peer leader contact lists and communications databases. • Provide high-level writing, editing, proofreading, and messaging support for strategic College initiatives. Management Strategy • Build strong collaborative relationships with faculty, academic leaders, and administrative stakeholders across the College. • Guide strategic discussions with departments regarding communications priorities, messaging opportunities, and long-term reputation goals. • Provide communications support for department-level conferences, symposia, and other events • Coordinate complex communications projects from concept through execution while managing timelines and stakeholder expectations. • Collaborate with the Director of Brand Engagement and Creative Director to ensure alignment with College and University brand standards. • Monitor higher education, business school, and media trends and apply insights to reputation-building strategies. • Recruit, hire, and manage student employees as needed. • Work within and contribute to team project management systems. • Other communications and marketing duties as assigned.
