Senior Manager for Marketing and Communications, Extension Marketing and Communi

Supervision and Team Leadership Supervise two media communications coordinators, a media communications manager, Extra Help employees, and student interns assigned to communications projects, including assigning work, establishing expectations, and supporting successful project completion.
Conduct performance reviews, provide timely feedback on work quality and performance, establish professional development goals, and provide supportive and corrective guidance when needed.
Mentor and provide strategic guidance to members 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 professional development opportunities for Illinois Extension personnel.
Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Aff…
Strategic Communications, Media Relations, and Visibility Develop and execute media-centered communications strategies that increase Illinois Extension’s statewide visibility, strengthen organizational reputation, and advance strategic priorities.
Build and maintain relationships with media, University partners, affiliate organizations, and other key stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of Illinois Extension communications.
Lead media relations efforts, including identifying and developing news opportunities, coordinating media pitches, and disseminating news releases, feature stories, and statewide messages.
Develop key messaging strategies and communications tools, including message frameworks, creative briefs, pitch materials, and other resources that support consistent and effective communications.
Identify and pursue strategic promotional, trade, partnership, and paid advertising opportunities in collaboration with MarCom colleagues.
Provide guidance on emerging communications trends, audience needs, and opportunities to strengthen organizational visibility and engagement.
Editorial and Content Strategy Lead the development and prioritization of feature stories and other strategic content, balancing organizational priorities with the needs of multiple stakeholders and audiences.
Collaborate with writing, digital strategy, language translation, design, photography, and videography staff to develop and distribute integrated communications across platforms.
Collaborate with the Art Director and other creative staff to support brand unity and develop effective photography, videography, storyboarding, and visual storytelling approaches.
Communications Operations, Planning, and Performance Manage the administration and documentation of strategic marketing and communications priorities, including development of appropriate communications plans, processes, and supporting materials.
Collaborate with the Project Manager to establish priorities, keep stakeholders informed, manage expectations, and ensure communications projects remain on schedule, particularly clients without a strategy partner.
Support end-to-end coordination of integrated communications campaigns in collaboration with project management, creative, editorial, and digital staff.
Define performance measures and prepare regular, actionable reports on communications efforts, including print, digital, social media, earned media, and campaign performance in collaboration with appropriate MarCom staff.
Develop reporting mechanisms and processes that support consistent analysis, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making.
Assist with budget planning, monitoring, and financial accountability for communications expenditures.
Special Projects and Organizational Support Lead or support special communications initiatives that advance Illinois Extension, the College of ACES, and University priorities.
Provide communications expertise and support for emerging organizational needs, high-priority initiatives, and cross-functional projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.

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