Senior Manager for Marketing and Communications, Extension Marketing and Communi

Senior Manager for Marketing and Communications, Extension Marketing and Communications WETRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality oflife of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around theworld. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to addresssocietal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a waythat empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels ofunderstanding and influence.
Be a part of our story . Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University ofIllinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities.Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connectingthe citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providingeducational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension isbased in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of theUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Job Summary 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.
Supervision and Team Leadership Supervise two media communicationscoordinators, a media communications manager, Extra Help employees, and studentinterns assigned to communications projects, including assigning work, establishing expectations, and supporting successful project completion.
Conduct performance reviews, provide timelyfeedback on work quality and performance, establishing professional developmentgoals, and provide supportive and corrective guidance when needed.
Mentor and provide strategic guidance tomembers 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 professionaldevelopment opportunities for Illinois Extension personnel.
Comply with all University of IllinoisExtension Affine
Strategic Communications, Media Relations, and Visibility Develop and execute media-centered communicationsstrategies that increase Illinois Extension's statewide visibility, strengthenorganizational reputation, and advance strategic priorities.
Build and maintain relationships with media,University partners, affiliate organizations, and other key stakeholders toexpand the reach and impact of Illinois Extension communications.
Lead media relations efforts, includingidentifying and developing news opportunities, coordinating media pitches, and disseminating news releases, feature stories, and statewide messages.
Develop key messaging strategies andcommunications tools, including message frameworks, creative briefs, pitchmaterials, and other resources that support consistent and effectivecommunications.
Identify and pursue strategic promotional,trade, partnership, and paid advertising opportunities in collaboration withMarCom colleagues.
Provide guidance on emerging communicationstrends, audience needs, and opportunities to strengthen organizationalvisibility and engagement.
Editorial and Content Strategy Lead the development and prioritization of feature stories and other strategic content, balancing organizationalpriorities with the needs of multiple stakeholders and audiences.
Collaborate with writing, digital strategy, languagetranslation, design, photography, and videography staff to develop anddistribute integrated communications across platforms.
Collaborate with the Art Director and othercreative staff to support brand unity and develop effective photography,videography, storyboarding, and visual storytelling approaches.
Define communications and publicity goals anduse performance data to inform content strategy, channel selection, and futurecommunications efforts.
Communications Operations, Planning, and Performance Manage the administration and documentationof strategic marketing and communications priorities, including development ofappropriate communications plans, processes, and supporting materials.
Collaborate with the Project Manager toestablish priorities, keep stakeholders informed, manage expectations, andensure communications projects remain on schedule, particularly clients withouta strategy partner.
Support end-to-end coordination of integratedcommunications campaigns in collaboration with project management, creative,editorial, and digital staff.
Define performance measures and prepareregular, actionable reports on communications efforts, including print,digital, social media, earned media, and campaign performance in collaborationwith appropriate MarCom staff.
Develop reporting mechanisms and processesthat support consistent analysis, continuous improvement, and data-informeddecision-making.
Assist with budget planning, monitoring, andfinancial accountability for communications expenditures.
Special Projects and Organizational Support Lead or support special communicationsinitiatives that advance Illinois Extension, the College of ACES, andUniversity priorities.
Provide communications expertise and supportfor emerging organizational needs, high-priority initiatives, andcross-functional projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Specialty Factors 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.
Preferred Qualifications 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, Skills and Abilities 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.
Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary iscompetitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while alsoconsidering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the position is$70,000 to $85,000.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
TheUniversity of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all jobcandidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinoismust also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulationsand, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screeningprocedures for applicants.
Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinoisresidency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position.Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or stateof Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.
Sponsorshipfor work authorization is not available for this position.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu .
Requisition ID : 1038253
Job Category : Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
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