Director of University Communications

Director Of University Communications

The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 45 years.
As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of an inclusive community committed to excellence. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.
Position Summary

The Director of University Communications provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the university's communications function, ensuring clear, consistent, and mission-aligned messaging across internal and external audiences. This role oversees the development and execution of communications strategies, editorial storytelling, leadership communications, and institutional messaging that strengthen the university's visibility, reputation, and engagement.
Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy & Planning

Develop and implement communications strategies that support institutional priorities and strengthen the university's reputation
Translate institutional initiatives into coordinated communications plans, messaging frameworks, and timelines
Partner closely with Marketing to align communications strategies with institutional brand campaigns, marketing initiatives, and audience engagement priorities
Advise leadership and campus partners on communications strategy, messaging, and positioning

Internal Communications Leadership

Lead and support the development and execution of internal communications calendar and strategies to ensure faculty and staff are informed, aligned, and engaged
Oversee and support institutional internal communications channels, including leadership messages, staff announcements, internal newsletters, and organizational updates
Build on standards, processes, and timelines for internal communications to ensure clarity, consistency, and effectiveness
Ensure internal communications reinforce institutional priorities, mission, and culture

Editorial & Content Oversight

Oversee and refine editorial content, including institutional announcements, feature stories, and leadership communications
Ensure content aligns with institutional voice, brand standards, and messaging priorities in coordination with Marketing and brand guidelines

Leadership Communications

Oversee communications supporting university leadership, including digital presence, messaging, and thought leadership initiatives
Ensure leadership communications reflect institutional priorities and reinforce strategic positioning

Team Leadership & Staff Management

Supervise communications staff, including full-time employees and/or student employees
Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development to team members
Establish team priorities, workflows, and performance expectations

Project & Workflow Oversight

Oversee communications workflows and ensure timely execution of communications initiatives
Coordinate communications planning and execution across institutional stakeholders and in alignment with Marketing timelines and campaigns
Ensure communications processes support efficiency, consistency, and quality

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with Marketing to ensure consistent messaging, coordinated campaign execution, and alignment between communications and marketing initiatives
Collaborate with Advancement, Public Affairs, Alumni Relations, Marketing, and academic leadership to support institutional priorities
Ensure communications efforts are strategically aligned with marketing strategies, brand positioning, and institutional engagement efforts

Reporting & Performance Oversight

Oversee communications reporting and performance tracking
Collaborate with Marketing to review engagement metrics of branded social media channels and assess effectiveness of campaigns
Adjust communications approaches based on performance insights and institutional priorities

Qualifications Required

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field
7–10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or related field
Demonstrated experience leading communications initiatives and managing staff
Strong writing, editing, and messaging development skills
Strong organizational and project management skills
Demonstrated experience collaborating with marketing teams on integrated communications and brand initiatives
The Chicago School offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, professional development, and regular employee appreciation events.
The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.