Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

Department

FFIE Chicago Forum Programming

About the Department

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 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, conferences for higher education leaders, workshops to develop skills for open discourse, support for academic research, and active contribution to media and public discussions.

Job Summary

The Chicago Forum seeks a dynamic Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications to shape and execute strategies that build brand awareness, position the Chicago Forum’s national and global voice in our subjects of expertise, and drive meaningful engagement across all channels. Reporting to the Senior Director of Programs, this role is responsible for developing and leading integrated marketing initiatives to enhance visibility and foster relationships for the Chicago Forum.
The Director will serve as a key leader within a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to free inquiry, the engagement of diverse perspectives, and professional excellence. This individual will supervise a team of professional and student employees. The ideal candidate can translate the Forum’s priorities into compelling campaigns, has superior organizational and communication skills, and is comfortable navigating complex landscapes in discourse in higher education and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead integrated marketing campaigns and engagement initiatives to build brand awareness and advance the Forum’s mission across multiple platforms.

• Design and implement a comprehensive annual marketing strategy, ensuring consistent messaging and high-quality execution across all channels.

• Craft and uphold a unified brand identity—establishing visual identity, tone, and positioning for the Chicago Forum.

• Create and manage audience segmentation strategies to deliver personalized and relevant communications throughout the engagement lifecycle.

• Oversee the production and delivery of impactful content, including video, audio, and written materials, tailored for diverse audiences.

• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including University of Chicago marketing and communications teams.

• Lead the development and execution of crisis communication protocols and response strategies.

• Guide preparation of donor communications and promotional materials, including the annual report.

• Direct editorial strategy to promote content in all medium generated within and beyond the University, amplifying the Forum’s thought leadership.

• Supervise, mentor, and inspire a team that includes the Digital Marketing & Communications Manager as well as professional and student employees.

• Ensure effective coordination and alignment of marketing efforts with organizational objectives, adapting to evolving needs and opportunities.

• Provide hands-on support for evening and weekend events as part of a dynamic, collaborative team environment.

• Acts as a strategist or project lead to plan, develop and disseminate information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.

• Makes high-level 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 complex and unique 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• 2 years in a senior leadership marketing role.

• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated marketing and engagement strategies.

• Proven success in communications and/or public relations.

• Demonstrated experience managing crisis communications.

• Extensive experience in campaign strategy, public relations, and team leadership.

• Track record of managing communications and marketing teams in academic or mission-driven environments.

Technical Skills or Knowledge: 

• Proficiency in marketing automation and CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo, Salesforce Marketing Cloud).

• Familiarity with website management (e.g. Drupal or similar).

• Strong familiarity with business social media platforms and analytics tools (Google Analytics, Facebook Analytics).

Preferred Competencies

• Effective advisor to senior leadership; strong executive presence.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across a range of formats and audiences.

• Demonstrated professionalism, initiative, discretion, and adaptability—working effectively both independently and with diverse stakeholders.

• A commitment to UChicago’s first principle of free inquiry and expression; familiarity with the University of Chicago a plus.

Working Conditions

• Must be in Chicago, on site at the University.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover letter (required)

• References (3) (required)

• Portfolio of marketing campaigns (preferred)

• Writing sample (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
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

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

$125,000.00 - $135,000.00

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.

 

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.