About the position
The University of Chicago's Biological Sciences Division (BSD), in close partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) health system, seeks a strategic, detail-oriented Senior Communications Specialist to join our internal communications team. As a content creator and editor, this position plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering clear, timely, and engaging internal communications across both the academic and clinical enterprises. With equal responsibility for supporting the BSD and the health system, the Senior Communications Specialist will lead the development of employee-facing content that clearly supports institutional priorities, change management efforts, and a connected, informed organizational culture. This includes quickly translating complex or sensitive information — particularly related to HR, operations, IT, and administration — into content that resonates with diverse internal audiences, including faculty, staff, academic appointees, and trainees. The ideal candidate is collaborative, versatile, and a clear communicator who is highly organized and has strong editorial judgment and outstanding writing skills.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a content creator for internal communications across BSD and UCM, including leadership messages, policy updates, HR initiatives, program rollouts, and operational news.
- Write, edit, and publish clear, compelling content across email, newsletters, intranet, and other internal channels, along with scripts, talking points, and other executive communications.
- Develop strong relationships with stakeholders across HR, IT, Finance, Faculty Affairs, and other units to proactively identify and execute communication opportunities.
- Collaborate with communications colleagues and leadership to implement strategies that inform, align, and engage faculty and staff.
- Manage and maintain critical email distribution lists and be the key team contact for communications delivery platforms in coordination with IT and HR.
- Support and lead internal campaigns and initiatives, providing project management and editorial oversight.
- Monitor and report on communication effectiveness using analytics and engagement metrics.
- Contribute to a growing communications calendar to structure and optimize message flow across departments and locations.
- Ensure inclusive, accessible language and adherence to brand, voice, and AP style guidelines.
- Develop, plan, and disseminate information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
- Solve moderate to complex problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
- Perform other related work as needed.
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
- Master's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field strongly preferred.
- 7 years of professional writing and editing experience, preferably in an academic, healthcare, or corporate environment strongly preferred.
- 5 years of experience developing internal communications for HR, operations, or leadership functions strongly preferred.
- Experience writing for diverse audiences, including executives, faculty, clinicians, and administrative staff.
- Significant knowledge of internal communication best practices, tools, and measurement.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to editorial excellence.
- Experience translating complex or technical content into plain language.
Benefits
- The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
