Digital Marketing & Communications Manager

Department

FFIE University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression

About The Department

The University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression builds on UChicago’s historic commitment and practices to provide a focal point for understanding and applying free expression, in academia and in the broader culture, in the United States and abroad. The Chicago Forum's mission is to promote the understanding, practice, and advancement of free and open discourse, in collaboration with faculty and the broader university community.

Job Summary

The principle of complete freedom of speech on all subjects has from the beginning been regarded as fundamental in the University of Chicago…this principle can neither now nor at any future time be called in question. – William Rainey Harper, Founding President of the University of Chicago

Free expression and open discourse have been fundamental values at the University of Chicago since its inception. Our newly launched center, the Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression (the Chicago Forum) builds on that historic commitment to promote the understanding, practice, and advancement of free and open discourse at the University of Chicago and beyond. Its initiatives include hosting multi-viewpoint events on a diverse range of topics, programming to exercise and develop skills for open discourse, support for academic research, and active contribution to media and public discussions.

We, at the Chicago Forum, seek a Digital Marketing & Communications Manager who will lead our overall communications strategy and execution. This is a unique opportunity for an entry to mid-level candidate to help shape the Chicago Forum’s messaging reach different audiences, at a time when free expression in universities is extremely fraught.

The growing Chicago Forum team values a deep commitment to diverse viewpoints and the ability to communicate across multiple perspectives with ease. We encourage all who exhibit the desired skillsets and who share similar values to apply.

Responsibilities

• Develop the communication promotion plan for each Chicago Forum event, including the pre-event and post-event social media posts, email campaign, and other communication channels (e.g. distribution of posters and leveraging other campus promotion channels).
• Design and produce the marketing materials for Chicago Forum events, programs, earned media, and publications, including drafting effective and customized messaging to reach different audience groups.
• Manage the Chicago Forum’s social media channels (LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, & YouTube) and implement a content calendar with a robust mix of visually compelling and well-written posts.
• Use analytics to evaluate trends of Chicago Forum’s communications channels and propose innovative social media content ideas that continue to drive stronger engagement.
• Establish the appropriate tone of voice and branding for Chicago Forum and guidelines for leveraging different communication channels.
• Manage the Chicago Forum listserv and implement effective processes to grow the list of contacts and keep the information updated.
• Design a Chicago Forum newsletter and implement a cadence for its release.
• Curate and promote content relevant to free expression in the news and media.
• Lead the management, structure, and content creation for Chicago Forum website.
• Support Chicago Forum events with live social media capture as well as support with other logistical needs.
• Be able to work events in the evenings, on occasion.
• Solves a range of straightforward problems, as work assignments are difficult and broad in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity.
• Continues to build higher level knowledge of the University, processes and customers.
• Performs other related work as needed.
  
  

Education

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications

Preferred Qualifications

Experience

• 2-5 years of proven success with communications and digital marketing and/or work experience in a related job discipline.
  
  

Technical Skills Or Knowledge

• Deep experience managing social media platforms for business (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter).
• Experience with overseeing listserv and stakeholder management tools.
• Experience with video editing (YouTube).
• Knowledge of analytics platforms (i.e. Google Analytics) and social channel data (Facebook Analytics).
• Experience with email communication tools (PoliteMail).
• Experience with graphic design tools (Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator).
• Strong publishing knowledge of website platforms (Sitecore).
  
  

Preferred Competencies

• Understands the latest digital marketing user trends and SEO best practices.
• Possess a growth and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Possess strong written, presentation, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excel at handling multiple priorities simultaneously, while ensuring a high degree of accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Be successful at working independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with photography a plus.
• A commitment to UChicago’s first principle of free inquiry and expression and familiarity with the University of Chicago is a plus.
  
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• References (3)(required)
• Cover letter (preferred)
  
  

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.