Director of Communications

About the Department

The Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago supports the development of emerging efforts in data science and AI across the University. Staff in the Data Science Institute uphold the University’s community of scholars, shared ideals, and core values. Together with the University's deans and department chairs, the Institute provides opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage faculty and scholars to pursue their finest work. The Institute is part of the Physical Sciences Division, which includes departments and several interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.

About the Role

The Director of Communications leads efforts to highlight groundbreaking research, partnerships, and educational programs in data science and AI, expanding the visibility of the Data Science Institute (DSI) and developing its brand and reputation. Reporting to the Senior Director of Partnerships and Chief of Staff, the Director oversees internal and external communication mechanisms and infrastructure to improve capabilities and brand alignment across programs, events, initiatives, and teams. The role executes a strategic plan incorporating all DSI programming and ensures alignment with organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Manages DSI’s communications staff, providing support, setting goals aligned with DSI’s strategy, reviewing work product, and evaluating performance.
• Leads the continued development of the DSI brand and messaging.
• Oversees the DSI website, ensuring security, compliance, and brand alignment.
• Drives strategy and content creation for DSI’s channels, including newsletters, website, and social media.
• Acts as a strategist and project lead to plan, develop, and disseminate information keeping the University informed of the Institute’s programs, research accomplishments, and point of view.
• Provides communications trainings for DSI staff and researchers on best practices for websites, social media, and more.
• Creates communications plans for internal and external announcements, considering points of conflict and complex stakeholder interests.
• Crafts internal and external messages on behalf of the Faculty Directors and Executive Director, including responses to sensitive issues, speeches, scripts, and talking points.
• Writes articles and press releases as needed.
• Creates and cultivates pathways for UChicago expertise in data science and AI to contribute to national conversations.
• Builds communications plans for research initiatives and graduate programs.
• Coordinates with counterparts, including internal and external institutions, departments, and organizations (UChicago departments, partner institutions, Industry Affiliate members, nonprofit partners) to achieve consensus for major news releases.
• Analyzes data to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and develops plans for improvement.
• Assists program directors with marketing graduate programs through campaign development and collateral creation to ensure brand alignment.
• Serves as project manager for communications projects (e.g., donor engagement, annual report).
• Hires and manages contractors (photographers, graphic artists, web developers) as needed.
• Assists in creating and promoting campaigns that cultivate an environment of belonging for DSI constituents.
• Collaborates with the University’s central media relations and news teams to disseminate information and maximize outreach efforts.
• Makes high-level contributions to media interface, including writing press releases, planning media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive issues.
• Solves complex problems related to writing, preparation, and delivery of information from or about the unit.
• Develops and maintains the unit’s goals and communications strategy in publications, announcements, and speeches.
• Provides leadership and supervision of communications staff; may manage the communications budget.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Requirements

• College or university degree in a related field.
• 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a related field (preferred).
• Experience working in higher education or data science organizations.
• Experience working with researchers.
• Experience with public relations, journalism, marketing, content marketing, digital storytelling, website management, and/or social media.
• Experience developing recruitment marketing strategies to enhance student enrollment.
• Experience with strategic planning.
• Supervisory experience.

Skills

• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of email distribution software, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar applications.
• Advanced skills in WordPress, Google Analytics, or similar platforms; CSS/HTML a plus.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of and passion for data science and AI.
• Ability to develop strategic communications for a large organization.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including knowledge of correct English usage, Chicago, and AP style guides.
• Effective strategic professional who can clearly communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Organized self-starter, able to work strategically and independently.
• Effective bridge-builder, able to work across communities.
• Ability to manage a workload balancing long-range planning with unanticipated daily demands of publicly visible projects.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships with diverse constituencies.
• Able to work with a diverse workforce in a complex decentralized environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Resourceful problem-solver and critical thinker, proactive in leveraging opportunities and anticipating problems.

Benefits

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Pay

$110,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year.