Publicity-Promotion Associate (Communications & Digital Content Specialist) Maternal Health Research

About the role

The Communications and Digital Content Specialist supports communications, marketing, and outreach efforts for the Department of Medicine and the Maternal Health Research Unit at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, and edit content for websites, newsletters, social media, and promotional materials
• Translate maternal health research, clinical initiatives, and program outcomes into accessible and engaging content for diverse audiences
• Ensure digital content reflects UIC brand voice and aligns with marketing and communication objectives
• Auxiliary in implementing communications initiatives that promote departmental and research priorities
• Maintain and update departmental and research websites using a content management system (e.g., WordPress)
• Optimize digital content for search visibility and user engagement
• Coordinate development and organization of digital assets (images, graphics, multimedia content)
• Create, schedule, and manage content across social media platforms
• Maintain an editorial calendar aligned with key initiatives, research milestones, and events
• Monitor engagement metrics and recommend improvements to content performance
• Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in social media and digital communications
• Develop and distribute email communications using designated platforms, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with best practices
• Monitor email performance metrics (e.g., open rates, click-through rates, engagement) and recommend improvements
• Ensure consistency of messaging and branding across web, social media, and email communications
• Monitor news, media, and emerging topics related to maternal health, health equity, and public health
• Compile and distribute periodic news summaries or digests for leadership and stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to elevate departmental expertise and research in response to current events
• Partner with faculty, researchers, and staff to gather content and support communications initiatives
• Collaborate with UIC, UI Health, College of Medicine’s Marketing and Communications Offices and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated messaging
• Support outreach and visibility efforts for research and programmatic initiatives
• Track, analyze, and report on web, email, and social media performance metrics
• Provide recommendations to improve user engagement and communication effectiveness

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising, communications, or a related field
• One (1) year (12 months) of experience developing and coordinating content across multiple platforms, including web, social media, and email communications
• Experience in academic medicine, public health, or research communications
• Familiarity with web content best practices, including accessibility (ADA compliance) and search optimization
• Strong writing and editing skills for diverse audiences
• Familiarity with maternal health, health equity, or community-based research
• Knowledge of communications, public relations, and promotional practices
• Ability to translate complex research and technical information into clear, accessible messaging
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with digital communication tools, social media platforms, and analytics tools
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills in a complex academic and healthcare environment