Associate Dean, Communications and Marketing

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Hyde Park
Posted on: June 21, 2022

Job Description:

Department Crown CommunicationsAbout the Department As one of the first schools of social work in the United States, the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice has shaped the field through a combination of research, teaching, and practice. Since the School's founding more than 100 years ago, Crown Family School faculty, students, and alumni have addressed such complex social problems as poverty, violence, educational inequality, child welfare, homelessness, health, and environmental disparities. Included within Crown Family School is the Urban Education Institute (UEI), a model for how to engage in the systemic improvement of pre-K-12th grade schooling. Through four integrated units, UEI conducts rigorous research (UChicago Consortium), trains educators (UChicago UTEP), operates school campuses (UChicago Charter), and provides research-based learning tools (UChicago Impact). On the global stage, the Susan and Richard Kiphart Center for Global Health and Social Development, led in partnership with the Biological Sciences Division, is addressing health inequities and their root causes. It serves as the University's gateway in bringing together teams from around the University and partner communities to address social determinants of health and improve infrastructure to promote community health and well-being around the world. Other Crown Family School centers, including the Chicago Center for Youth Violence Prevention, the Center for Health Administration Studies, the Smart Decarceration Project, the Employment Instability, Family Well-being, and Social Policy Network (EINet), and the Network for College Success, work in partnership with community residents, businesses, and stakeholders to achieve the greatest breakthroughs. Today, our work has never been more important. More than 8,000 Crown Family School graduates in the US and globally hold leadership positions in academia, at nonprofits, and at governmental agencies - committed to create a more just and more humane society through principles of inclusion, equity, and diversity.Job Summary The Associate Dean of Communications and Marketing serves as the senior strategic communications and marketing leader for the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Currently in a period of transformative growth, the Crown Family School stands as one of the world's foremost schools of social work. Since its founding in 1908 as one of the first schools of social work, the University of Chicago's Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice has led the development of social work as an academic discipline. Consistent with the fundamental values of the University of Chicago, Crown Family School prepares professionals to handle society's most difficult problems by challenging existing paradigms, promoting a deeper understanding of the causes and human costs of social inequities, and building bridges between rigorous research and the practice of helping individuals, families, and communities to achieve a better quality of life. For more than a century, Crown Family School has shaped the field of social work and social welfare, conducting the first empirical investigations of social welfare problems and solutions, establishing the first, and still leading, scholarly journal for the profession, offering the first university-based graduate professional degrees in social work, and establishing the world's first PhD program in social welfare. Crown Family School scholars conduct research on public policies, human service organizations, social programs, and social work practice, studying such far-ranging topics as child welfare, urban education, criminal justice disparities, homelessness, health care, policing, youth violence prevention, urban politics, low-wage employment, immigration, child and family policy, and substance use and abuse.As the Crown Family School looks to achieve even greater impact, the Associate Dean will play a defining role in articulating and realizing the school's vision for the future through modern communications and marketing strategies that educate, motivate, and inspire action among the diverse stakeholders who are central to advancing its goals. Reporting directly to the Dean of the Crown Family School, the Associate Dean will lead the development and implementation of school-wide communications and marketing strategies that promote and protect the school's reputation, increasing its external profile on a local, national, and global scale with policy influencers, media, civic organizations, and other publics.As the senior advisor to the Dean and the school's faculty and administrative leadership on all communications and marketing matters for the school, the Associate Dean is a dynamic leader who oversees an integrated function that encompasses institutional brand management, leadership communications, content marketing, digital engagement, media relations, and public affairs. The Associate Dean will combine deep knowledge of the media and digital landscape with political and marketing savvy to expand Crown Family School's reach and influence while strengthening its position as the top destination for the next generation of social workers, emerging policy leaders, scholars, and partners committed to advancing a more just and humane society.ResponsibilitiesSteward the Crown Family School brand identity, strengthening and evolving its distinctive positioning and visual expression, when needed, based on market insights and school goals.Determine and monitor how Crown Family School is perceived by key stakeholders (e.g., current and prospective students, faculty and staff, alumni, civic leaders, policymakers, etc.) as well as how they perceive peer institutions.Oversee updates to Crown Family School brand guidelines, messaging, and other communications standards in partnership with University Communications, UChicago Creative, and outside vendors, as needed, to ensure Crown Family School brand strategy is consistent with overall UChicago identity.Partner with University and Crown Family School colleagues to ensure consistent and compelling messaging, visuals, and design are deployed across the school in a way that supports the overall Crown Family School brand identity and strategy.Lead the development and implementation of short-and longer-range strategic communication and marketing plans that build awareness of and advocacy for the school, its mission, and impact among key stakeholders.Lead the development of a school-wide, brand-building program designed to increase external awareness and understanding of the Crown Family School and its impact, working in conjunction with other members of the senior leadership team spanning Crown Family School faculty and centers, student affairs, development and alumni relations, student recruitment and global outreach, professional and career development, and diversity and inclusion.Oversee the design and implementation of strategic and tactical communication and marketing plans related to various school announcements and initiatives, working with Crown Family School colleagues, University Communications, and external vendors, to build awareness and support for strategic priorities.Develop and implement state-of-the-art tools and metrics to track, measure, and optimize the effectiveness of communication and marketing strategies and executed plans.Expand the school's capacity for stakeholder engagement with policy and social sector leaders, media, the civic community, and other opinion influencers to further the school's reach and impact.Identify and pursue innovative means to identify and reach audiences inside and outside of the University about the research, teaching, initiatives, and goals of the Crown Family School, its faculty, students, and alumni.Serve as a senior spokesperson in representing Crown Family School to external constituents in the social policy, media, and academic spheres.Develop and cultivate connections with policymakers and media outlets, in partnership with the University's Office of Civic Engagement and University Communications, to ensure Crown Family School experts are visible and prominent in the social policy and practice dialogue. Steward the management of Crown Family School communications channels, ensuring they are optimized as part of a modern, integrated communications and marketing approach and digital content strategy.Evaluate Crown Family School's channel mix and related content strategies across owned, earned, paid, and social to optimize reach and engagement across the media ecosystem to advance school goals.Oversee the development and implementation of channel-specific strategies and tactics, including but not limited to digital media, earned media, paid media, and events, to advance communications and marketing plans.Partner with Crown Family School IT team and internal colleagues to update and/or redesign digital channels, such as the website, when needed.Develop and enforce governance protocols for channel management among Crown Family School administrative departments and affiliated centers.Serve as the senior communications advisor to the Dean and the school's administrative and faculty leaders, leading all matters related to institutional leadership communications and issues management.Serve as a member of the Dean's senior administrative team, playing a key role in developing the school's strategic plan and serving as the expert on Communications and Marketing.Partner with University Communications and Crown Family School leadership in identifying, managing, and responding to emerging issues and crises facing the school.Develop and advise on executive leadership and internal communications strategy and processes, working closely with the Dean, Associate Dean for Administration, , and Chief of Staff to ensure consistent and transparent communication flow from school leadership to internal stakeholders.Lead the planning and execution of major strategic announcements and new initiatives.Partner with the Dean and administrative and faculty leaders in the announcement of major initiatives, grants, and programs with school-wide strategic impact.Coordinate with University Communications, key campus partners, and external vendors, as needed, on strategic announcements and new initiatives.Oversee marketing and communications departmental activities to track progress and drive results towards goals.Determine and communicate overall and short-term priorities clearly to all direct and indirect reports, providing sustained leadership and attention to individual projects when needed to achieve goals.Define and track departmental-level metrics to assess the success of programs and initiatives.Ensure resources are properly allotted and utilized for maximum effectiveness of the Communications and Marketing team, identifying solutions to resource gaps as needed.Oversee the engagement of and relationship with outside marketing and communication firms who are contracted to support Crown Family School marketing and communications activities.Lead talent and professional development of staff.Build a positive team culture, managing and developing the Communications and Marketing team to engage employees and continually grow professional skills.Set clear expectations and goals that encourage success for both individual employees and Crown Family School objectives.Ensure staff has appropriate training to effectively and efficiently achieve individual and department objectives.Provide coaching and mentoring support to direct and indirect reports.Manages the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and responding to requests on sensitive or controversial issues.Develops and manages the communications budget.Performs other related work as needed.Minimum QualificationsEducation:Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.Work Experience:Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.Certifications:Preferred QualificationsEducation:Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, Public Policy or related field.Master's degree.Experience:Experience in communications , public relations, marketing, journalism, or relevant field.Demonstrated experience in building and managing teams through change.Knowledge of policy landscape and/or experience working in political campaigns or government strongly.Technical Skills and Knowledge:Aptitude for translating complex issues and ideas to general audience.Demonstrated understanding of the digital landscape and the role of social media and other online channels in communications, marketing, and public affairs.Preferred Competencies Dynamic leader who combines vision with flawless attention to detail.Superb writing and editing experience.Excellent oral communication skills.Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure.Knowledge of English language grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to remain courteous, collaborative, and professional at all times.Ability to work independently and with various stakeholders.Some travel may be required.Application DocumentsResume (required)Cover Letter (required)Reference (required)When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.Job Family CommunicationsRole Impact People ManagerFLSA Status ExemptPay Frequency MonthlyScheduled Weekly Hours 40Benefits Eligible YesCOVID-19 Vaccination or Approved Medical or Religious Exemption Required YesDrug Test Required NoHealth Screen Required NoMotor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required NoPosting StatementEffective October 15, 2021, the University of Chicago requires COVID vaccination for all students, faculty, and staff members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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.

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