Executive Director, Strategic Communications, Arts and Humanities

Department

University of Chicago Humanities Division

About the Department

The Division of the Humanities comprises 19 degree programs across 16 departments and committees, with approximately 650 students from around the world enrolled in our PhD, MFA, and MA programs.

The students and faculty in our departments dedicate themselves to the thoughtful consideration of humanities' place in the world.

This dedication is displayed through our interdisciplinary centers and programs. UChicago’s Division of the Arts and Humanities stands uniquely positioned to re-energize the mission, vitality, and centrality of humanistic scholarship and the arts nationally.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Dean of the Division, the Executive Director for Strategic Communications, Arts and Humanities is a key member of the leadership team responsible for shaping and executing innovative and far-reaching communication strategies that will advance division goals and objectives, enhance visibility, drive engagement, and strengthen the division’s reputation and brand identity.

The Executive Director manages communication teams supporting the Humanities Division, Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, Arts + Public Life, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts.

These teams are responsible for planning, preparing, and disseminating information, media materials, and developing programming / events designed to inform internal and external stakeholders of division initiatives, research, programs, accomplishments, and related activities.

Their efforts are aimed at enhancing the presence of Arts and Humanities within the university, local community, and on a global scale.

Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Dean, develops and oversees a unified communication strategic plan, aligning it with Arts and Humanities goals and objectives.
• Achieves division goals, objectives, and communications strategies in events / programming, social media, publications, announcements, etc.
• Provides visionary leadership and guidance to the Humanities Division, Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, Arts + Public Life, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts communication teams, fostering innovation and collaboration in achieving strategic outcomes.

Provides mentorship, guidance, and feedback to enhance individual and team performance and growth.

• Oversees the development and maintenance of the division’s brand identity, ensuring a strong, cohesive presence that resonates with target audiences.
• Leads and monitors campaigns to promote the brand, including advertising, promotions, and public relations activities.
• Analyzes brand performance and campaign effectiveness through data metrics and analytics. Provides insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Develops and implements communication policies and best practices, ensuring compliance with University and Division guidelines and industry standards.
• Stays informed about emerging trends and best practices in communications, marketing, and programming to continuously improve policies and best practices.
• Oversees and leads media relations and public relations efforts, building and maintaining positive relationships with media outlets to amplify the division's visibility.
• Serves as the Division's spokesperson as needed. Ensures a consistent and unified communication approach.
• Oversees media activities, including writing or proofreading press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and responding to requests on high impact, sensitive, or controversial issues.
• Fosters increased collaboration between departments and Arts units to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communications and marketing efforts.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to maximize division and Arts event activities and attendance.
• Oversees communication department budgets, resources, and operations, ensuring optimal utilization of funds and achieving cost-effectiveness.
• Develops communication strategy, provides leadership and management of communications staff, liaises with other University and Unit offices as appropriate.
• Manages the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and responding to requests on sensitive or controversial issues.
• 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 :

MBA or master's degree in communications with a focus on communication and marketing, or strategic management.

Experience :

• Extensive experience in communications and / or public relations.
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategic communication plans that align with organizational goals.
• Leading successful communications campaigns.
• Leading and developing high-performing communications teams.
• Working effectively with other departments, such as development, to achieve common goals.
• Creating and executing communication strategies that support fundraising efforts.
• Engaging diverse audiences and communities, and developing and promoting educational initiatives.
• Practical experience in higher education and the arts and humanities sector.

Preferred Competencies

• Strategic thinking - develop and implement long-term communication strategies.
• Leadership and management - proven experience in leading teams and managing projects.
• Public relations and media relations - expertise in managing media relationships and public image.
• Digital literacy - proficiency in digital marketing, social media, and emerging communication technologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication. Strong skills in crafting messages, storytelling, and public speaking.
• Forward thinking - anticipate future trends, embrace new ideas, and foster a culture of creativity and innovation.

Application Documents

• Resume / CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

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

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.

Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information.

The Report can be accessed online at : . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E.

61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.