Strategic Communications Associate

About the role

The Strategic Communications Associate will provide professional communications, public information, content development, and event support to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs (OVCHA) to strengthen the reputation and identity of UI Health as UIC's academic health enterprise.

Responsibilities

• Identify and craft official correspondence on behalf of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs (including letters of support, stewardship letters, administrative messages, etc.).
• Work with unit leaders to develop and coordinate communications around new initiatives, upcoming events and other priorities.
• Research, coordinate, develop and publish communications for public engagements (presentations, remarks, etc.) that support UI Health’s mission to educate future generations of healthcare leaders, innovate and discover - all to benefit the health and wellness of our communities.
• May include extensive research, source approvals, and connection with University leadership to achieve reputational goals.
• Research, verify and synthesize information to ensure accuracy, consistency and appropriate messaging for public and targeted audiences.
• Act as an internal communication resource for units within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs to synthesize, edit and write informational and reputation building messages for unit web pages, engagement communication, and event needs.
• Develop and edit public-facing information, web content, presentations, informational materials and other communications.
• Facilitate effective communication within the OVCHA, including preparing updates, memos, emails and other communications for OVCHA employees and units.
• Develop and disseminate information through appropriate channels, including website, email, presentations and other digital platforms.
• Work with the OVCHA communication team to establish, maintain, and improve content organizational structure that supports the communications function.
• Maintain organized communications materials and effective information-sharing processes regarding content, ideas, communication activities, and project developments among team members.
• Design and implement communications related cross-training plans and rollout strategies.
• Collaborate with OVCHA and health enterprise partners to support event coordination and logistical needs.
• Provide support with pre-event planning communications activities, on-site event coordination and post-event strategies.
• Attend regular meetings, in partnership or as delegated to connect with stakeholders and partners from across the University.
• Coordinate with others to gather and review information and determine appropriate audiences, messaging and communications channels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.
• Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.
• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, digital media, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, research, or a complex institutional environment preferred.
• Experience developing executive communications, web content, social media, presentations, public-facing materials, or event communications preferred.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work accordingly to meet stringent deadlines preferred.
• Display creativity, initiative, and strategic thinking to conceptualize, plan, implement, and rework programs that support enterprise goals and objectives preferred.
• Self-motivation to develop new strategies and ideas to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness of operations preferred.
• Ability to motivate team members to achieve project goals, participate as a member of diverse and multidisciplinary teams preferred.
• Ability to navigate complex relationships across the health system and assist other team members and customers as necessary preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to maintain effective working relations with management and staff of all levels, colleagues, and other strategic partners preferred.