Senior Communications Manager

Job Description:

ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL 

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 Chicago School is seeking a dynamic and results-driven communications professional for the Senior Communications Manager role. The Senior Communications Manager is an experienced external communications specialist with proven expertise in thought leadership development, campaign execution, and executive communications support. The Senior Communications Manager is a strategic executor on the University Communications team, implementing comprehensive external communications initiatives that elevate The Chicago School's profile and amplify executive thought leadership nationally and especially in Chicago/Illinois.  

Reporting to the Executive Director for University Communications, this role will execute external communications campaigns, content development, and speaking engagement coordination that advance the university's visibility and strategic positioning.  

The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer and detail-oriented project manager who excels at executing complex communications initiatives. This position requires strong content development skills, excellent stakeholder management abilities, and the capacity to coordinate high-visibility activities that drive measurable results.  

This is a Chicago-based position that will be eligible for remote/hybrid work. This position will require occasional onsite support at the Chicago campus and may also require occasional travel to support initiatives across other campus locations in Southern California, Washington D.C., and Dallas. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Content Development & Management 

• Execute thought leadership content production: Write, edit, and publish 8-10 high-quality thought leadership pieces annually that position the President as recognized experts in higher education and integrated healthcare  

• Implement external communications campaigns: Execute comprehensive communications campaigns following approved strategies to measurably increase university visibility and brand recognition nationally and in Illinois/Chicago, in collaboration with Marketing  

• Develop compelling content and messaging: Draft narratives, talking points, and messaging frameworks that advance institutional strategic initiatives (e.g., Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine) 

Campaign Coordination & Management 

• Coordinate executive-level speaking engagements: Secure, schedule, and manage 8-10 high-quality speaking engagements annually for the President in Chicago, ensuring strategic alignment with institutional goals and seamless execution 

• Manage campaign implementation: Oversee the tactical execution of multi-channel external communications campaigns, including content distribution, timeline management, and stakeholder coordination, in collaboration with Marketing