Director, Strategic Communications

Director Of Strategic Communications

The Director Of Strategic Communications Serves As The Chief Storyteller And Brand Strategist For The Institute Of Politics. Reporting To The Executive Director, This Role Shapes How The Institute Is Seen By Students, The University, Media, And Audiences Nationwide. The Director Leads All Aspects Of Communications, Media Relations, Digital Engagement, Event Promotion, Content Creation, And Brand Management, While Driving High-Profile Projects And Partnerships With Leading Media And Tech Organizations. This Is A Leadership Role Requiring Creativity, Strategic Thinking, And Flawless Execution. As The Media Ecosystem Shifts, We're Looking For Someone Who Can Bring Fresh, Innovative Approaches To Telling The IOP's Story. The Successful Candidate Will Be An Exceptional Communicator, An Innovative Manager, And A Collaborative Partner Who Can Elevate The IOP's Profile On Campus And Far Beyond.

Responsibilities Include :

• Partnering With IOP Leadership To Design And Implement Internal And External Communications Strategies That Expand The IOP's Thought Leadership, Visibility, And Impact.
• Leading Brand Strategy, Marketing Campaigns, And Audience Engagement Efforts Across All Program Areas.
• Elevating The IOP, Its Fellows, And Leadership As Go-To Voices Through National Op-Eds, Broadcast Hits, And Digital Platforms.
• Managing All Media Relations, Cultivating Relationships With Journalists, Securing Coverage Of IOP Events And Fellows, And Responding To Press Inquiries.
• Overseeing The IOP'S Website, Digital Platforms, And Social Media Campaigns Across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, And X.
• Directing The Creation Of High-Quality Content (Video, Audio, Written) Showcasing The IOP'S Speaker Series, Fellows Programs, Internships, And Civic Engagement Initiatives.
• Overseeing Communications And Strategy For Projects Such As The Campaign Journalism Conference, The Iowa Project, And The Disinformation Conference, Often In Partnership With Media Partners.
• Guiding The Production Of Promotional And Development Materials, Including The Annual Report And Board Of Advisors Packets.
• Providing Counsel On Communications Strategy, Including Crisis Response, To Protect And Strengthen The IOP'S Reputation.
• Overseeing Event Communications In Collaboration With Production Teams, Ensuring Top-Quality Video, Lighting, And Media Deliverables.
• Supervising A Communications Team That Includes Full-Time Staff And Student Employees; Mentoring Students And Fostering Their Engagement With IOP Communications Efforts.
• Collaborating With The University Of Chicago News Office To Develop Stories And Pitches That Highlight IOP Programming And Guests.

Minimum Requirements Include A College Or University Degree In A Related Field And Knowledge And Skills Developed Through 7+ Years Of Work Experience In A Related Job Discipline. Preferred Qualifications Include A Bachelor'S Degree, Advanced Degree, 8-10 Years Related Experience, Proven Success In Communications And / Or Public Relations, Background In Political Or Non-Profit Organizations, Exceptional Time Management And Organizational Skills, Demonstrated Ability To Influence Diverse People To Meet Goals And Deadlines, Expert Knowledge Of Communications Technologies And Best Practices, Deep Passion For The IOP Mission And For Engaging The Next Generation In Public Life, Proven Ability To Manage Media Relations And Build Strong Press Relationships, Creative, Solutions-Oriented Thinker Who Can Translate Ideas And Programs Into Compelling Storytelling, Mastery Of Digital Platforms, Social Media, And Content Strategy, Excellent Writing, Editing, And Verbal Communication Skills, Strong Leadership And Interpersonal Skills; Proven Ability To Manage And Inspire Diverse Teams, High Attention To Detail With A Commitment To Excellence, And Work With And Lead A Diverse Team.

Application Documents Required Include A Resume / CV, Cover Letter, References Contact Information (3), And Portfolio Of Prior Communications Work, Including Writing Samples Or Media Clips. May Be Requested During The Interview Process.