Senior Manager for Marketing and Communications, Extension Marketing and Communications

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign • Urbana, IL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for implementing strategic messaging, leading media relations and brand reputation efforts, providing team supervision and mentorship, and executing internal communications as part of the statewide Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications (MarCom) team. This role involves supervising media communications coordinators and managers, Extra Help employees, and student interns, conducting performance reviews, and mentoring team members. The position also focuses on developing and executing media-centered communications strategies, building media relationships, leading media relations efforts, and developing key messaging strategies. Additionally, it involves leading the development and prioritization of content, defining communications goals, managing the administration of strategic marketing and communications priorities, supporting integrated communications campaigns, and defining performance measures. The role also includes leading or supporting special communications initiatives and providing communications expertise for emerging organizational needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area that included experience leading strategic communications initiatives.
• Experience supervising, managing, or providing direct leadership to staff.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in communications, marketing, education, business administration, design, international relations, public relations, or closely related field.
• More than ten (10+) years of professional experience in marketing, public relations, publicity, or communications or closely related field.
• Demonstrated advancement in scope of responsibility, such as increased project complexity, independent decision-making, budget responsibility, or leadership of staff or team.
• Experience managing media relations at a campus, statewide, regional, or national level.
• Experience working in higher education or public engagement.
• Knowledge of purpose and mission of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and University of Illinois Extension and knowledge of best practices in accessible marketing and communications.

Responsibilities

• Supervise two media communications coordinators, a media communications manager, Extra Help employees, and student interns assigned to communications projects, including assigning work, establishing expectations, and supporting successful project completion.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide timely feedback on work quality and performance, establish professional development goals, and provide supportive and corrective guidance when needed.
• Mentor and provide strategic guidance to members of the state MarCom team, fostering collaboration, accountability, professional growth, and an inclusive work environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify, develop, and deliver marketing and communications training and professional development opportunities for Illinois Extension personnel.
• Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Develop and execute media-centered communications strategies that increase Illinois Extension’s statewide visibility, strengthen organizational reputation, and advance strategic priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, University partners, affiliate organizations, and other key stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of Illinois Extension communications.
• Lead media relations efforts, including identifying and developing news opportunities, coordinating media pitches, and disseminating news releases, feature stories, and statewide messages.
• Develop key messaging strategies and communications tools, including message frameworks, creative briefs, pitch materials, and other resources that support consistent and effective communications.
• Identify and pursue strategic promotional, trade, partnership, and paid advertising opportunities in collaboration with MarCom colleagues.
• Provide guidance on emerging communications trends, audience needs, and opportunities to strengthen organizational visibility and engagement.
• Lead the development and prioritization of feature stories and other strategic content, balancing organizational priorities with the needs of multiple stakeholders and audiences.
• Collaborate with writing, digital strategy, language translation, design, photography, and videography staff to develop and distribute integrated communications across platforms.
• Collaborate with the Art Director and other creative staff to support brand unity and develop effective photography, videography, storyboarding, and visual storytelling approaches.
• Define communications and publicity goals and use performance data to inform content strategy, channel selection, and future communications efforts.
• Manage the administration and documentation of strategic marketing and communications priorities, including development of appropriate communications plans, processes, and supporting materials.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to establish priorities, keep stakeholders informed, manage expectations, and ensure communications projects remain on schedule, particularly clients without a strategy partner.
• Support end-to-end coordination of integrated communications campaigns in collaboration with project management, creative, editorial, and digital staff.
• Define performance measures and prepare regular, actionable reports on communications efforts, including print, digital, social media, earned media, and campaign performance in collaboration with appropriate MarCom staff.
• Develop reporting mechanisms and processes that support consistent analysis, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making.
• Assist with budget planning, monitoring, and financial accountability for communications expenditures.
• Lead or support special communications initiatives that advance Illinois Extension, the College of ACES, and University priorities.
• Provide communications expertise and support for emerging organizational needs, high-priority initiatives, and cross-functional projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior