Job location: Hyde Park Campus

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2019-04-04
Req: JR04584
Please make sure to read the job posting in its entirety as it reflects both the University roles and responsibilities, followed by the specific description.

Department14495 EPIC

About the UnitThe Communications and Campus Engagement Manager will play a central role in implementing creative strategies to improve the Institute’s overall outreach and campus engagement efforts as part of a passionate and nimble team. This work will include maintaining a strong digital presence by managing the website, social media and digital marketing; providing public and media relations support; leading promotional efforts surrounding the Institute's programming; and initiating, growing and overseeing new opportunities for student development. The manager will be a self-starter able to work under minimal supervision, balance competing priorities, and manage a team of interns. The Communications Manager will report to the Senior Director of Communications and External Engagement. The Energy Policy Institute at Chicago (EPIC) is an interdisciplinary research and training institute focused on the economic and social consequences of energy policies. Established in June 2011, EPIC is a joint initiative of the Booth School of Business, The Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the Social Sciences Division. EPIC strives to marry world-class research and data analysis with comprehensive outreach and engagement in order to translate knowledge into impact.

Job FamilyCommunications

Responsible for planning, preparing, publishing, and disseminating University sponsored information both internally and externally. Prepares written, graphical, audio, and visual material to support the communications to press and government agencies.

Career Track and Job LevelCommunications

Plans, prepares and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the University's perspectives, programs, and accomplishments. Responsibilities typically include marketing, press relations, creative editorial and design services, and internal communications.

P2: Requires knowledge and experience in own discipline; still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills. Builds knowledge of the organization, processes and customers. Solves a range of straightforward problems. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction.

Role ImpactIndividual Contributor

ResponsibilitiesThe job plans, prepares and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the University's perspectives, programs, and accomplishments. Work is performed with a moderate level of guidance, and typically includes marketing, press relations, creative editorial and design services, and internal communications.

1) Plans, develops and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction., 2) Accomplishes assigned duties through two or more of the following: written communications; visual/graphic media, which may include Web site development and maintenance; speeches and personal contact. The incumbent is still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills., 3) Solves a range of straightforward problems, as work assignments are difficult and broad in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity., 4) Continues to build higher level knowledge of the University, processes and customers., 5) Performs other related work as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

1) Communications/Public Relations: Manage multiple Institute-run websites, social media accounts, and EPIC's e-mail marketing initiatives. This includes producing a monthly e-newsletter and maintaining robust stakeholder and media lists; Work with the multimedia manager to develop strategies and other creative solutions to boost online engagement; monitor and track online presence, record analytics and produce annual reports; Draft and edit occasional short news stories and other content under tight deadlines.  This includes summarizing events on complex energy/climate topics, and writing profiles of students, researchers and other programs; Conduct media mapping activities in preparation for research report releases with the goal of properly targeting the most appropriate journalists; Manage publicity and other responsibilities surrounding events and general programming; Recruit, train and supervise a team of paid and unpaid interns on event support and other communications-related tasks such as updating websites and analytics reports; Monitor the online presence (websites and social media) of associated schools and centers, as well as the University of Chicago's news and events pages, for energy-related updates that would be appropriate for cross-promotion; Monitor, track and report on media coverage of the institutes' researchers and issues of topical interest. Manage daily news monitoring e-mail.

2) Campus Engagement: Recruit and manage a cohort of volunteer EPIC student ambassadors to assist in the promotion and execution of student-oriented campus events and other programing. This includes assigning responsibilities and supervising performance, as well as soliciting feedback on ways to improve EPIC programs and services for students; Foster an interdisciplinary student energy community on campus through various strategies, including by organizing quarterly student socials and creating opportunities for the energy/environment/climate groups on campus to interact. Examples include movie nights, career-related events, etc.; Develop and maintain active relationships with student engagement professionals throughout campus, as well as key leads from each of the on-campus energy/environment/climate groups. Ensure all group members are knowledgeable about EPIC programing and pursue event and initiative partnerships; Provide career development opportunities for students interested in the energy field. This includes initiating a series of career talks and maintaining a robust internship/fellowship database; Ensure students are knowledgeable about the energy, environment and climate educational initiatives, opportunities and classes on campus. This includes ensuring that the class database is updated and utilized; Gather content, design, produce, and disseminate a weekly student newsletter that includes news and events on campus and off campus, as well as internship/fellowship opportunities; and Serve as an EPIC representative at student activity fairs and at energy/environment/climate group meetings throughout campus. Lead all efforts surrounding Orientation Week activities.  

Unit-preferred Competencies

1) Strong ability to identify, forge and maintain key relationships.

2) Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills. 

3) Knowledge of current trends and best practices in information technology and their applications to communication strategies and the engagement of young people, including through web, email and social media. 

4) Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web-based communication methods and tools such as MailChimp and WordPress required.  Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

5) Exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to work both independently with a high degree of initiative and collaboratively as part of a team. Ability to work effectively with management, staff, researchers, students, and outside vendors and collaborators. 

6) Strategic thinking, project management and planning skills. Ability to manage and prioritize communications needs, perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism and product quality. 

7) Excellent organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills, creativity, flexibility and attention to detail.    

Education, Experience, and CertificationsMinimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

1) Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.

Experience

1) Minimum of three to five years of relevant experience.

2) Experience should include managing websites and social media accounts in a professional capacity, and working in a stakeholder engagement role, preferably with young people.

3) Experience working with reporters preferred, with agency experience highly valued.

4) Experience in energy/environmental issues strongly desired and encouraged to apply.

Required Documents

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter

3) Writing Sample

NOTE: When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application

FLSA StatusExempt

Pay FrequencyMonthly

Pay GradeDepends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours37.5

Benefits EligibleYes

Drug Test RequiredNo

Health Screen RequiredNo

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNo

Posting Date2019-04-04-07:00

Remove from Posting On or Before2019-10-04-07:00

Posting StatementThe University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

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