Communications Specialist, Science and Technology

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

3d•$95,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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.

Benefits

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

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