Director of University Communications

ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL

The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 45 years.

As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of an inclusive community committed to excellence. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of University Communications provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university’s communications function, ensuring clear, consistent, and mission-aligned messaging across internal and external audiences. This role oversees the development and execution of communications strategies, editorial storytelling, leadership communications, and institutional messaging that strengthen the university’s visibility, reputation, and engagement.

The Director of University Communications translates institutional priorities into coordinated communications plans and oversees the development of content across digital, editorial, and leadership channels. This role works in close partnership with the Marketing team to ensure alignment between institutional messaging, brand campaigns, and marketing initiatives, supporting a cohesive and unified external presence. The Director collaborates regularly with Advancement, Public Affairs, Alumni Relations, Marketing, and academic leadership to ensure communications and marketing efforts are aligned, complementary, and strategically coordinated.

This role will manage the University Communications team, build upon communications standards and workflows, and ensure communications initiatives are executed efficiently and effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement communications strategies that support institutional priorities and strengthen the university’s reputation
• Translate institutional initiatives into coordinated communications plans, messaging frameworks, and timelines
• Partner closely with Marketing to align communications strategies with institutional brand campaigns, marketing initiatives, and audience engagement priorities
• Advise leadership and campus partners on communications strategy, messaging, and positioning

Internal Communications Leadership

• Lead and support the development and execution of internal communications calendar and strategies to ensure faculty and staff are informed, aligned, and engaged
• Oversee and support institutional internal communications channels, including leadership messages, staff announcements, internal newsletters, and organizational updates
• Build on standards, processes, and timelines for internal communications to ensure clarity, consistency, and effectiveness
• Ensure internal communications reinforce institutional priorities, mission, and culture

Editorial & Content Oversight

• Oversee and refine editorial content, including institutional announcements, feature stories, and leadership communications
• Ensure content aligns with institutional voice, brand standards, and messaging priorities in coordination with Marketing and brand guidelines

Leadership Communications

• Oversee communications supporting university leadership, including digital presence, messaging, and thought leadership initiatives
• Ensure leadership communications reflect institutional priorities and reinforce strategic positioning

Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Supervise communications staff, including full-time employees and/or student employees
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development to team members
• Establish team priorities, workflows, and performance expectations

Project & Workflow Oversight

• Oversee communications workflows and ensure timely execution of communications initiatives
• Coordinate communications planning and execution across institutional stakeholders and in alignment with Marketing timelines and campaigns
• Ensure communications processes support efficiency, consistency, and quality

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Marketing to ensure consistent messaging, coordinated campaign execution, and alignment between communications and marketing initiatives
• Collaborate with Advancement, Public Affairs, Alumni Relations, Marketing, and academic leadership to support institutional priorities
• Ensure communications efforts are strategically aligned with marketing strategies, brand positioning, and institutional engagement efforts

Reporting & Performance Oversight

• Oversee communications reporting and performance tracking
• Collaborate with Marketing to review engagement metrics of branded social media channels and assess effectiveness of campaigns
• Adjust communications approaches based on performance insights and institutional priorities

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or related field
• Demonstrated experience leading communications initiatives and managing staff
• Strong writing, editing, and messaging development skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with marketing teams on integrated communications and brand initiatives