Associate Director of Research and Science Communications

Hiring Department: Storytelling and Content Strat

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID

Posting Close Date: 11/18/2024

Salary Range: $73,000 - $88,000 commensurate with experience

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This is a full-time and benefits eligible position. Hybrid and flexible work schedules are available. UIC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. In addition all full time benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which include; Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan as well as paid leave which includes; Vacation, Holiday and Sick. In addition we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Description:

The role focuses on stories related to UIC research and science representing UIC's 16 colleges and schools on multiple channels, including today.uic.edu, UIC's news website. These include stories about research impact, student research experiences and successes, grant awards, paper publications and other campus research initiatives, for example. The Associate Director will judiciously review science and research story ideas for alignment with team best practices and university research protocol requirements in story selection. The role is pivotal in planning and producing integrated, multimedia and multichannel stories that advance UIC's reputation as Chicago's public research university, providing the broadest access to the highest levels of educational, research and clinical excellence. Story development includes all steps from inception to distribution, including discovery, ideation, interviewing, writing, fact-checking and proofing, preparing stories for publication, and developing plans for dissemination and promotion. The Associate Director works directly with SMC's Creative Communications team to plan and coordinate photography and video, with SMC's University Communications team to identify stories with potential for sharing with local and national news media, and with SMC's Brand Engagement team to cultivate and promote stories through social media.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Uncover, produce, edit, publish and promote stories, blogs and various content aligned with team content strategies and university's priorities to inform, inspire and engage target audiences.
• Translate/edit scientific and clinical language and jargon into accessible and compelling language for diverse audiences.
• Distill research leads into pitchable, bullet point summaries to favorably position UIC's research strengths via multiple channels.
• Gather and compile thorough background information and multimedia on research activity to accompany stories.
• Obtain required review/approval from partners in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research on research and science stories. Judiciously review science and research story ideas for alignment with team best practices and priorities and university research protocol requirements in story selection.
• Monitor news media and other universities' coverage of science and research stories to inform strategies for story identification and distribution at UIC. Monitor story performance and audience engagement.
• Evaluate and assess content and content packaging for diverse audiences.
• Co-manage and/or manage specific research-related channels, potentially including social media channels, blogs and newsletters.
• Collaborate with all teams of Strategic Marketing and Communications to expand the reach and influence of UIC stories.
• Participate in weekly editorial meetings and represent SMC and Storytelling and Content Strategy in campus or project meetings as needed.
• Contribute to strategic content and editorial planning, ensuring campus stories are aligned with university and SMC priorities, adequately covered and optimized for impact among audiences.
• Develop and maintain relationships with deans, college communicators, advancement and alumni relations, faculty and administrators, and other contacts to mine and produce distinct and interesting content. Work with partners to cross promote stories on college and unit specific channels.
• Regularly review website content for accessibility, accuracy and relevance.
• Contribute to copy writing, fact-checking and proofing for marketing collateral, talking points, scripts and other various communication materials as needed.
• Support various chancellor, provost and/or vice chancellor offices' projects, as assigned.
• Performs other duties as they emerge in an ever-evolving communications and marketing landscape.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

1. Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.

2. One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.

3. At least five years of professional experience with science and research writing and content production, with an emphasis on translating scientific topics for general consumer audiences.

4. Proven Experience writing external facing communications or editorial and news-style writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a higher education or nonprofit, or similar, setting.
• Demonstrated experience producing highly visual, multimedia and multichannel stories.
• Demonstrated experience working with integrated marketing and communications teams.
• Experience with and knowledge of HIPAA and FERPA privacy regulations.
• Experience with and knowledge of AP style guidelines.

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the onlineapplication including adding your full work history with specific details ofyour duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully completethe education, licensure, certification and language sections. Youmay upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts anddiplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required 180 days of employment.

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.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation