Study Abroad Communications Manager

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Study Abroad Communications Manager is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive strategic marketing and communications plan to drive student enrollment in undergraduate international programs. This role serves as the primary voice for the Study Abroad Office, creating engaging content that promotes international opportunities and student success stories across digital and print platforms. The Communication Manager develops the marketing and promotional plan with the goal of increasing student participation and creating a higher profile for Study Abroad on campus and across the field. This role collaborates with College and University Communications, UChicago Creative, academic departments, faculty, and international partners to increase program visibility and ensure all communications align with UChicago brand guidelines.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Proficiency in Mac and/or PC environments.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook; database systems; and online organizational tools.
Proficiency in Adobe InDesign and experience with other Adobe Creative Suite applications.
Familiar with social media platforms and managing social media accounts.
Understanding of content management systems (CMS), such as Drupal.
Proficiency with email marketing platforms, such as Emma.
Familiarity and knowledge of the University of Chicago, its systems, and its constituents.
Excellent attention to detail.
Strong communications and marketing skills.
Maintain effectiveness under deadlines.
Maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.
Exercise sound judgment, critical thinking, and reasoning.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey the appropriate tone for different audiences, such as students, faculty, staff, and international partners.
Handle multiple concurrent tasks in a professional manner while also meeting deadlines.
Strong sense of teamwork.
Take initiative to complete tasks and work both independently and cooperatively.
Responsive to direction from supervisors.
Handle stressful situations and remain calm under pressure.
Resolve problems and mediate difficult situations with tact.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 2 years of experience working in a related job discipline.
Background in communications.
Background in international education or a study abroad office.

Responsibilities

Designs and implements comprehensive communication plan for Study Abroad Office.
Aligns department and College messaging with central University brand standards.
Writes and edits articles, press releases, newsletters, and digital stories, in consultation with Study Abroad leadership.
Develops content and oversees all engagement with social media channels.
Oversees Emma mail system and creates visual and written content for student-wide email messages.
Manages Study Abroad web content and design.
Creates innovative publicity strategies for Study Abroad programs in partnership with program managers and faculty.
Utilizes student, faculty, and program manager generated content to create personal interest/feature stories for promotion across various platforms.
Develops, designs, and executes annual reports for Study Abroad.
Manages all aspects of the Study Abroad student content engagement, including annual photo, video, and writing contests.
Designs and produces program materials, including brochures, flyers, posters, printed reports, slide decks, presentations, application forms and other applicant materials.
Ensures content accessibility, equity-minded framing, and clear design.
Uses data and analytics to evaluate outreach effectiveness.
Serves as primary point of contact for media inquiries.
Drafts announcements, presentations, and updates for Study Abroad leadership.
Assists with sensitive or crisis communications alongside Study Abroad leadership.
Maintains archives of Study Abroad presentations, talking points, photographs, graphs and charts, and other key messaging.
Fosters community engagement and transparency among faculty, staff, and students.
Manages institutional membership to professional organizations and affiliated resources, as requested.
Keeps abreast of trends in communications and international education.
Primary liaison to College and University Communications and UChicago Creative.
Provides content, design, and functional support for online application platform (Via TRM).
Designs promotional products and merchandise consistent with office branding.
Leads Study Abroad Student Advisory Committee Meetings.
Organizes group planning for annual Student Fair, admission sessions, and College tabling events.
Solves a range of straightforward problems, as work assignments are difficult and broad in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity.
Continues to build higher level knowledge of the University, processes and customers.
Performs other related work as needed.