Director of Communications

Department
PSD Data Science: Staff Leadership

Job Summary
The Director of Communications leads efforts to highlight groundbreaking research, partnerships, and educational programs in data science and AI, expanding the visibility of the Data Science Institute (DSI) and continuing to develop the brand and reputation of the Institute. Reporting to the Senior Director of Partnerships and Chief of Staff, the Director of Communications oversees the development and optimization of internal and external communication mechanisms and infrastructure within DSI to improve capabilities and brand alignment across a variety of programs, events, initiatives, and teams. Executes a strategic plan that incorporates all DSI programming and ensures goals align across distinct areas.

Responsibilities

• Manages DSI's communications staff, meeting regularly to provide support, helping set goals in alignment with DSI's strategy, reviewing work product, and evaluating performance.

• Leads the continued development of the DSI brand and messaging.
• Oversees DSI website, helping to maintain security, compliance, and brand alignment.
• Drives strategy and content creation for DSI's channels, including newsletters, website, and social media.
• Acts as a strategist and project lead to plan, develop and disseminate information designed to keep the University informed of the Institute's programs, research accomplishments and point of view.
• Provides communications trainings for DSI staff and researchers on best practices for websites, social media, and more.
• Creates communications plans for internal and external announcements that take into consideration points of conflict and complex interests of a wide range of stakeholders.
• Crafts internal and external messages on behalf of the Faculty Directors and Executive Director, including responses to sensitive or complex issues, speeches, scripts, talking points, and more.
• Writes articles and releases as needed.
• Creates and cultivates pathways for UChicago expertise in data science and AI to contribute to national conversations.
• Builds communications plans for research initiatives and graduate programs.
• Coordinates with counterparts, including internal and external institutions, departments, and organizations (UChicago departments and institutes, other partner institutions, Industry Affiliate members, nonprofit partners, etc.) to achieve consensus for major news releases.
• Analyzes data to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and develops plans for improvement.
• Assists the program directors with marketing of graduate programs through the development of campaigns and creation of collateral to ensure brand alignment.
• Serves as project manager for other communications projects (e.g., donor engagement, annual report, etc.).
• Hires and manages contractors (photographers, graphic artists, web development, etc.) as needed.
• Assists in the creation and promotion of campaigns that cultivate an environment of belonging for DSI constituents.
• Collaborates with University's central media relations and news teams to disseminate information designed to keep the public informed and maximize outreach efforts.
• Makes high-level contributions to the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues.
• Solves complex and unique problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
• Develops the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Is accountable for maintaining the unit's goals and communications strategy in publications, announcements, and speeches.
• Provides leadership and supervision of communications staff. May manage the communications budget.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate degree in a related field.

Experience:

• Experience working in higher education or data science organizations.
• Experience working with researchers.
• Experience with public relations, journalism, marketing, content marketing, digital storytelling, website management, and/or social media.
• Experience with developing recruitment marketing strategies to enhance student enrollment.
• Experience with strategic planning.
• Supervisory experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Strong computer skills including knowledge of email distribution software, Adobe Creative Suite and/or similar applications.
• Advanced skills in WordPress, Google Analytics or similar platforms; CSS/HTML a plus).
• Experience using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Preferred Competencies

• An understanding of and passion for data science and AI.
• Ability to develop strategic communications for a large organization.
• Excellent written and spoken communications skills (including knowledge of correct English usage, Chicago and AP style guides).
• Effective strategic professional who can clearly communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Organized self-starter, able to work strategically and independently.
• Effective bridge-builder, able to work across communities.
• Ability to successfully manage a workload that balances long-range planning with the unanticipated daily demands of managing publicly visible projects.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships with diverse constituencies.
• Able to work with a diverse workforce in a complex decentralized environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• A resourceful problem-solver and critical thinker, able to be proactive in leveraging opportunities and anticipating and averting problems.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Published writing sample (link or PDF of article, blog, op-ed, web copy, etc.)-STEM content (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Communications

Role Impact
People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$110,000.00 - $125,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.