Director of Communications

About this role

Department PSD Data Science: Staff Leadership About the Department The Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago was established to support the development of emerging efforts in data science and AI across the University. The staff in the Data Science Institute support the University’s community of scholars, their shared ideals, and the core values that make the University a singular intellectual destination. Together with the University's deans and department chairs, the Data Science Institute provides the opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage our faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work. We are part of the Physical Sciences Division which includes departments and several interdisciplinary research institutes and centers. 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: ---

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 organiza

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