Assistant Director for Communications and Content Strategy

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Job Title: Assistant Director for Communications and Content Strategy

Company Name:	University of Illinois
Location:	Urbana, IL
Position Type:	Full Time
Post Date:	02/27/2026
Expire Date:	03/29/2026
Job Categories:	Education, Collegiate Faculty, Staff, Administration, Executive Management

Job Description

Assistant Director for Communications and Content Strategy
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN School of Information Sciences Communications and Marketing Assistant Director for Communications and Content Strategy The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois invites applications from qualified individuals for a 100% full-time Assistant Director for Communications and Content Strategy in the Communications and Marketing office. The iSchool at Illinois makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals through teaching, research, and public engagement. Our mission is to lead the way in understanding the use of information in science, culture, society, commerce, and the diverse activities of our daily lives. We engage in inclusive community partnerships, working beyond geographic boundaries to benefit the social good. We believe in the power of information to change the world. For more information about iSchool, visit <a href="https://ischool.illinois.edu/">https://ischool.illinois.edu/</a>. JOB SUMMARY As key member of the communications and marketing team, the Assistant Director for Communications and Content Strategy supports the development, planning, and implementation of strategy to advance the School of Information Sciences’ reputation and program rankings, student and faculty recruitment, and engagement with alumni and donors. The position will oversee production of the alumni magazine and promotional materials; execute content strategy, which includes writing news and feature stories; and manage media relations. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Content Management and Supervision 60%<ul> <li> Plan and execute news and feature writing and manage content calendars. </li> <li> Oversee production of the Intersections magazine, serving as managing editor for content development; writing articles; overseeing design services and vendors; and making strategic and financial recommendations. </li> <li> Supervise full-time staff, including performance management, training, and daily oversight. </li> <li> Spearhead promotional efforts for all academic programs. </li> <li> Guide and oversee the creation of recruitment materials, print communications, and promotional items. </li> <li> Work closely across iSchool units to produce digital and print communications for a variety of audiences, including prospective and current students, faculty, staff, and alumni. </li></ul> Communications Strategy 30%<ul> <li> Contribute to overarching communications strategy in conjunction with the Assistant Dean for Communications and Marketing. </li> <li> Lead and develop content strategy for the communications and marketing team to promote the excellence of the iSchool’s programs, research, and engagement, with content designed to engage a wide range of audiences. </li> <li> Serve as a point person for media relations, including identifying and building relationships with media contacts, pitching stories, handling press inquiries, and providing media training to faculty as needed. </li> <li> Provide guidance and consultation with communications and marketing team members regarding social media content strategy. </li> <li> Provide leadership in developing communications strategy for special and ongoing projects, including fundraising campaigns and special events. </li> <li> Administer communications policy for faculty research promotion. </li></ul> Additional Support 10%<ul> <li> Serve as part of the web team by creating, managing, and developing content for the iSchool website. </li> <li> Serve as liaison to the University of Illinois campus communicators group, participating in meetings and sharing best communications practices. </li> <li> Complete other related duties to enhance the mission of the unit. </li></ul> ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS Minimum Qualifications<ul> <li> Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or related field. </li> <li> Minimum 3 years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area. </li> <li> 2 years of experience in project management. </li></ul> Preferred Qualifications:<ul> <li> Master’s degree in relevant discipline. </li> <li> 3 years’ experience in a higher education setting. </li> <li> Experience writing about technical or STEM-related topics. </li></ul> Knowledge, Skills and Abilities<ul> <li> Proven ability to research, write, and edit content for publications, digital communications, and social media on a deadline. </li> <li> Demonstrated creative and strategic-thinking skills. </li> <li> Proven organizational skills and attention to detail. </li> <li> Knowledge of communications tools, including style guides and email marketing and social media platforms. </li> <li> Outstanding written communications skills. </li> <li> Ability to work with a variety of individuals, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni. </li> <li> Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat. </li></ul> APPOINTMENT INFORMATION This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $68,000 to $78,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Hybrid work options may be available for this position after an initial training period, but with the requirement that onsite availability may be needed at any time with short notice. Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at <a href="https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx</a>. APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 6th, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting, and upload your cover letter, resume, and list of 3 professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences.  Interviews may occur before the close date; however, all applications received by the close date will receive full consideration. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through <a href="https://jobs.illinois.edu/">https://jobs.illinois.edu</a> will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information regarding this specific position, please email <a>ischool-hr@illinois.edu</a>. For questions regarding the application system, please contact 217-333-2137. The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of <a href="https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits">Employee Benefits</a>.This position is intended to be <a href="https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=2461262" target="_blank" title="https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/one.aspx?portalid=4292&pageid=2461262">eligible for benefits</a>. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. 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 <a href="https://go.uillinois.edu/noticesandposters" target="_blank">Required Employment Notices and Posters</a> to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through <a href="https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf" target="_blank">E-Verify</a>.

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University of Illinois

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https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/16176?c=illinois

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