Assistant Director, Communications
About the role
The Assistant Director, Communications serves as a key operational lead for UChicago Medicine's Internal & Operational Communications function. This role develops and executes communication strategies that support organizational priorities, operational readiness, workforce engagement, and strategic change across UChicago Medicine and the Biological Sciences Division.
Responsibilities
Partner with the Director, COO's Office, and enterprise leaders to develop and execute communication strategies supporting organizational priorities, operational initiatives, and change management efforts.
Serve as an internal communications consultant, advising leaders on messaging, audience, timing, and the most effective communication channels.
Participate in planning for major operational and organizational initiatives to ensure communications are integrated early and support organizational readiness.
Lead the day-to-day management of enterprise internal communication channels, publications, and editorial calendars, including employee newsletters, leader communications, physician communications, digital monitors, and employee intranet.
Combine strategic thinking with exceptional writing, editing, and project management skills to deliver timely, high-quality communications and continuously improve how information is shared across the enterprise.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience managing internal, organizational, or corporate communications.
Demonstrated success developing and executing communication strategies in a large, complex, highly matrixed organization.
Exceptional writing, editing, and editorial judgment, including experience developing communications for executive and employee audiences.
Prominent ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
Proven ability to support organizational change, operational initiatives, or enterprise-wide communication programs.
Experience in healthcare, academic medicine, higher education, or another similarly complex organization.
Journalism experience or demonstrated newsroom-style writing, reporting, and editing skills.
Experience managing internal communication channels, editorial calendars, and communication governance.
Familiarity with enterprise communication platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or similar technologies) and familiarity with communication analytics.
Experience managing freelancers, vendors, or external partners.
Basic graphic design experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience managing internal, organizational, or corporate communications.
Demonstrated success developing and executing communication strategies in a large, complex, highly matrixed organization.
Exceptional writing, editing, and editorial judgment, including experience developing communications for executive and employee audiences.
Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
Proven ability to support organizational change, operational initiatives, or enterprise-wide communication programs.
Experience in healthcare, academic medicine, higher education, or another similarly complex organization.
Journalism experience or demonstrated newsroom-style writing, reporting, and editing skills.
Experience managing internal communication channels, editorial calendars, and communication governance.
Familiarity with enterprise communication platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or similar technologies) and familiarity with communication analytics.
Experience managing freelancers, vendors, or external partners.
Basic graphic design experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools.
Skills
Strategic thinking
Exceptional writing and editing skills
Project management
Internal communications consulting
Communication strategy development
Change management
Healthcare industry experience
Journalism experience
Enterprise communication platform familiarity
Freelancer and vendor management experience
Graphic design experience
Benefits
UChicago Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Health insurance
Retirement plans
Employee assistance programs
Flexible spending accounts
Telemedicine services
Wellness programs
Professional development opportunities
Pay
The pay range for this position is $75,000 - $100,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Schedule
The position is hybrid, requiring the incumbent to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.