Assistant Dean for Marketing and Communications

Assistant Dean for Marketing and Communications

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois is a leader in engineering and computing education, research and public engagement. Our diverse community of faculty, students, and alumni is driving the future of technological advancements and innovation, relentlessly pursuing knowledge and empowering the next generation of engineers. Collectively, we are pushing boundaries to solve the world's greatest challenges and leave a legacy of excellence.

Job Summary

This position is part of the Dean's leadership team and is charged with interpreting, communicating, and marketing the College's excellence, impact, vision, mission, and priorities to internal and external audiences. This position has full oversight of the marketing and communication activities to support, recruit, and drive growth in the research enterprise, the educational mission, and the goals of expanding diversity and inclusion, through integrated marketing efforts to increase visibility and stature of the college.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead college-level communications and marketing team, providing strategic vision and individualized professional guidance and development.
• Work closely with departments and research units within the college to set and analyze measurable marketing goals driven by the strategic plan.
• Advise and guide the Dean and college leadership with respect to mission-critical, often sensitive topics and write, massage, and support messaging through efficient channels (often on a daily basis).
• Expand and improve college-wide brand and marketing strategy in alignment with campus-level strategies, including the expansion of marketing campaigns and communication materials includes digital outlets, magazines, reports, online visibility, print, interactive, video, social, and all other media.
• Represent the college in campus-wide communication, marketing, and branding efforts, as well as manage media relations.
• Explore, develop, and implement innovative marketing approaches that will be effective and have significant positive impact on the stature of the college.
• Establish, foster, and grow strong networking and relationships throughout the college and across the campus and various media outlets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in academia or industry.
• Previous supervisory experience that includes leading staff and managing operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of experience managing a marketing and communications operation.
• At least 3 years of experience within a large public university setting.
• Experience using data and analytics to develop marketing campaigns and measure effectiveness.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively with others, including with senior management.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply market research data to strategic visioning and planning initiatives.
• Ability to promote and demonstrate enthusiasm in support of professional and career development for a team of highly talented professionals.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, to organize effectively resources, establish priorities, and achieve desired results.
• Thorough knowledge of current and emerging marketing trends and best practices, including new and emerging strategies and technologies.
• Proven organizational skills.

Appointment Information

The Assistant Dean for Marketing and Communications position is a 100% full-time academic professional position, appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $170,000-$190,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 4, 2026. Full consideration will be given to applications received by that date. Applications may be reviewed as they are received, interviews may also take place, but no hiring decision will be made until after the closing date. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Sarah Ozier at slozier2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.