Communications Director

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Climate Jobs Institute, School of Labor & Employment Relations

Job Summary

Support the Climate Jobs Institute by developing and leading the institute’s communication strategy. Communicate research findings to policymakers, state clean energy workforce programs, labor and environmental groups, industry leaders, environmental justice communities, and the general public. Collaborate with CJI faculty, staff, research consultants, and student research assistants to amplify research findings and policy recommendations, ensuring that they reach their intended audiences.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Oversee the publication of key research reports and other deliverables, in coordination with research staff. This will include translating research findings into accessible and engaging materials to share with a wide variety of audiences and will involve managing publication timelines, editing, proofreading, and formatting documents.
  • Manage CJI’s website, social media, and newsletter. 
  • Collaborate with leadership to develop CJI’s overall public communications strategy. 
  • In collaboration with research staff, develop dissemination plans to share research findings broadly, including identifying target audiences and dissemination strategies.
  • Coordinate and lead outreach and recruitment activities for CJI research projects, including developing messaging and marketing materials to recruit participants. 
  • In coordination with research staff, plan and execute stakeholder engagement events, conferences, and workshops. 
  • Assist with developing grant and funding proposals for the Climate Jobs Institute related to research topics. 
  • Develop style, communication, and design guides and templates to ensure consistency of message, brand, and language, and compliance with copyright laws and commercial rights. 
  • Provide responsive customer service and answer public inquiries in a positive, prompt, and helpful manner. 

Additional Physical Demands

The work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions.

Travel Requirements

5% Periodic travel is required. Occasional overnight travel may occur.

Specialty Factors

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field. Two (2) years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area. Demonstrated experience managing public communication campaigns and managing the development of communication materials from concept to completion.

Preferred Qualifications

  • M.A. or M.S. in communications, English, writing studies, business marketing, graphic design, or related field. Degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies.
  • 3-4 years of experience designing and managing public communication campaigns and managing the development of communication materials from concept to completion.
  • Photography and videography experience.
  • Technical writing experience, particularly with writing and editing research reports on technical topics for publication, using appropriate style guides.
  • Experience crafting presentations and documents that translate research and complex concepts for various audiences.
  • Experience organizing research symposia, workshops, or other events.
  • Familiarity with many of the following research topic areas including climate and clean energy policy, renewable energy and other low-carbon economic sectors, environmental justice, labor unions, and workforce training and economic development programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent writing, editing, graphic design, and proofreading skills.
  • Ability to write and edit web resources and social media communications.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines with a high degree of attention to detail.
  • Ability to convey research and tell stories in an engaging way through written reports, graphics, social media posts, video, and other mediums.
  • Working knowledge of AP Style, copyright laws, and commercial rights.
  • Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with experience providing quality customer service.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs and familiarity with design software (Adobe Suite, Canva).

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 – Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 11/4/2024. The salary range for the position is $80,000.00-$100,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while considering internal equity.  Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. Hybrid work may be considered for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 11, 2024. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Richard Benton at rabenton@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1027094
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

 

To apply for this job please visit jobs.illinois.edu.

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