Communications Specialist, Science and Technology

Department

Climate Institute Policy Communications

About the Department

The University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (ICSG) is a groundbreaking effort uniting faculty from across the university to advance society’s understanding of our energy and climate future. The Institute combines faculty insights in energy markets and policy, climate systems engineering, and energy technology to produce world-changing ideas while also investing in the next generation of energy and climate thinkers, leaders, and innovators through novel educational programs.

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist, Science and Technology, will lead the development and execution of the communications strategy for the Institute’s science and technology portfolios as well as supporting the Institute’s broader climate research communications. This work will include managing campaign launches of new research; maintaining the digital presence of the science and technology portfolios through web, social and email marketing; and being the central liaison on the Institute’s communications team for all matters related to science and technology.
The Communications Specialist, Science and Technology, will report to the Senior Director of Communications and External Engagement. This role will work closely with the Institute’s Senior Digital Marketing Lead. The Communications Specialist, Science and Technology, will join a passionate team at an exciting moment of significant growth and development for the Institute.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes communications strategies to promote and amplify the science and technology research and programming of the Institute, including but not limited to the Energy Technologies Initiative, initiatives related to AI and climate, geophysical sciences researc,h and other research initiatives as needed.
• Leads marketing strategy and messaging, working with contract and internal designers to develop materials.
• Creates and carries out roll outs for the release of new research. This includes writing research summaries, news releases, social media campaigns, and other content to promote the research.
• Maintains daily digital communication efforts in close coordination and support of the Senior Digital Marketing Lead. This includes creating social media and email marketing campaigns for the science and technology initiatives, as well as adding the latest research, news and events to the initiatives’ websites.
• Manages media relations for the initiatives in close coordination and support of the Senior Director of Communications and External Engagement. This includes developing and maintaining media lists and creating pitch materials, as well as monitoring, tracking and reporting on media activities and coverage.
• Develops strategies to build stakeholder engagement for the initiatives. This includes but is not limited to conducting stakeholder mapping and maintaining lists.
• Manages the promotion and assists in execution of events and general programming, in coordination and support of the Manager, Institute Events and Visitor Program. This includes managing the creation and distribution of advertising materials for programming, assisting in staging, and creating content to summarize programming.
• Drafts and edits news stories and other content under tight deadlines.  This includes writing profiles of researchers and other programming.
• Records and monitors analytics for the initiatives’ websites, social media and email marketing accounts. Reports to the communications team with relevant data to inform strategies.
• Makes 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.
• Solves moderate to complex problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualification

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field, or in a related subject such as science or engineering.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of experience working in a communications role.
• Highly experienced in writing about complex climate, science and/or technology issues, including research.
• Background managing websites, email marketing and social media accounts in a professional capacity, as well as maintaining stakeholder/media lists.
• Some experience or interest in media relations.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of climate/energy research and issues.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web-based communication methods and tools such as Hubspot,
• Advanced skills in WordPress, Google Analytics or similar platforms.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong writer who is able to digest and translate complex subjects for a general audience.
• Knowledge of best practices in digital engagement and their applications to communication strategies, including through web, email and social media.
• Some knowledge in working with reporters and within the media landscape.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and work both independently with initiative and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Manage and prioritize diverse job tasks, perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism and product quality.
• Excellent organizational skills, flexibility and attention to detail.   

Working Conditions

• This is a hybrid position, with an expected 3 days on campus per week.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$95,000.00 - $110,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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