Director, Internal Communications (Hybrid) Job Listing at DePaul University in Chicago, IL (Job ID 1706)

Description

The Highlights:   Reporting to the Vice President, PR & Communications, this position directs the overall strategy for internal communications planning and implementation. The Director manages the team responsible for producing online content for the university's website, a weekly university newsletter, and a monthly newsletter for the Board of Trustees. This role handles editorial oversight of all internal news, oversees the coordination and best practices for internal messages, provides counsel on a regular basis to university partners, and responds with the University Communications team in times of issues and crisis. Responsible for the ongoing measurement and analysis of communications performance to help drive strategy moving forward.
What You'll Do:   Serves as editor-in-chief for internal newsletters and news. 

• Leads the editorial strategy and direction for DePaul Newsline, Board of Trustees newsletter, and a new internal portal.  
• Directs the ongoing development and production process by assigning, writing and editing high-quality articles to communicate strategic institutional messages.
• Builds collaborative relationships to create stories that illustrate the DePaul brand.
• Leverages existing internal collaboration and networking tools and employs emerging technology to further deploy content and information internally, as appropriate. 
• Directs the evaluation of measurement of the newsletters and portal for effectiveness.

Leads internal communications strategy.

• Strategically communicates internal university initiatives and news across a variety of communication platforms.
• Provides strategic counsel and serves in an advisory capacity to the vice president and other administrators on internal communications planning and implementation. 
• Proposes and creates innovative approaches and solutions to communicate university initiatives. 
• Serves as the internal communications lead during crisis situations.

Leads internal communications technology strategy. 

• Partners with Information Services and University Marketing and Branding to assist in the development and implementation of DePaul's digital transformation project, which includes a new public website and internal portal. 
• Collaborates with Information Services on technology and implementation of new tools for effective and efficient internal communication.
• Communicates and reinforces university email policy to university communicators, update policy as needed.
• Regularly presents and coordinates presentations to communicators from across the university to share news and information.
• Lead trainings on best practices for internal communication, email, email campaign tools, analytics and best practices.

Measurement and reporting.

• Coordinates measurement and reporting for University Communications.
• Identifies key performance indicators to monitor progress and effectiveness of communications.
• Provides analysis to help guide decision making regarding communication strategy.

Management. 

• Supervises two direct reports.
• Supervises students, part-time staff and/or contractors who contribute to Newsline.
   

This position requires someone who has demonstrated research and writing skills (collecting data, research, and preparing reports and presentations); and a high-level of attention to detail.

The university is in the midst of a digital transformation, and the person in this role will have the opportunity to shift how important news is shared with audiences at the university. The person in the role will foster promotion of University Communications as being the primary communication authority for the university and to drive external outreach, enhance and/or support DePaul University's image and reputation.

Position requires work full-time on campus and travel between the Loop and Lincoln Park Campuses, as necessary. 

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, English or related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in writing creatively in varied styles, such as news writing, feature writing, website content creation, and script and speech writing.
• Self-directed and ability to adapt to ever-changing issues and demands; Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and work on multiple teams.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and in a fast-paced, results-oriented communication environment.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills – with knowledge of AP style – required. 
• Technical knowledge of maintaining websites and related software programs.
• Ability to think analytically, strategically and creatively.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality and discretion.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Sound judgment and the ability to gain credibility with a wide range of campus colleagues.
• Adept at handling adversity and negative feedback from target audiences.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions.

For consideration, please include a resume and cover letter.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is: $85,519.00 to $100.000.00

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Perks:

• Working for a stable and well-known University that values diversity and inclusion.
• Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement plan matching contribution of 10%.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!
• Full-Time Benefits

 

Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcome and supported.

Required Background Check:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.

Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse & Neglect:

Upon accepting an offer of employment with the university, you will also be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status at the time of hire. A mandated reporter is required to make a report to the Illinois DCFS Hotline whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be abused or neglected. For more information, please visit the following pages:

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)  
Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act  

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.

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