Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

About the role

The Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression (the Chicago Forum) builds on the University of Chicago's historic commitment to promoting free and open discourse. It hosts multi-viewpoint events, conferences, and workshops, and supports academic research and media discussions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead integrated marketing campaigns and engagement initiatives to build brand awareness and advance the Forum’s mission across multiple platforms.
• Design and implement a comprehensive annual marketing strategy, ensuring consistent messaging and high-quality execution across all channels.
• Craft and uphold a unified brand identity—establishing visual identity, tone, and positioning for the Chicago Forum.
• Create and manage audience segmentation strategies to deliver personalized and relevant communications throughout the engagement lifecycle.
• Oversee the production and delivery of impactful content, including video, audio, and written materials, tailored for diverse audiences.
• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including University of Chicago marketing and communications teams.
• Lead the development and execution of crisis communication protocols and response strategies.
• Guide preparation of donor communications and promotional materials, including the annual report.
• Direct editorial strategy to promote content in all mediums generated within and beyond the University, amplifying the Forum’s thought leadership.
• Supervise, mentor, and inspire a team that includes the Digital Marketing & Communications Manager as well as professional and student employees.
• Ensure effective coordination and alignment of marketing efforts with organizational objectives, adapting to evolving needs and opportunities.
• Act as a strategist or project lead to plan, develop, and disseminate information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
• Makes high-level contributions to the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues.
• Solve complex and unique problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Qualifications

• Experience 2 years in a senior leadership marketing role.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated marketing and engagement strategies.
• Proven success in communications and/or public relations.
• Demonstrated experience managing crisis communications.
• Extensive experience in campaign strategy, public relations, and team leadership.
• Track record of managing communications and marketing teams in academic or mission-driven environments.

Skills

• Proficiency in marketing automation and CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo, Salesforce Marketing Cloud).
• Familiarity with website management (e.g. Drupal or similar).
• Strong familiarity with business social media platforms and analytics tools (Google Analytics, Facebook Analytics).

Preferred Competencies

• Effective advisor to senior leadership; strong executive presence.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across a range of formats and audiences.
• Demonstrated professionalism, initiative, discretion, and adaptability—working effectively both independently and with diverse stakeholders.
• A commitment to UChicago’s first principle of free inquiry and expression; familiarity with the University of Chicago a plus.