Executive Director, Strategic Communications, Arts and Humanities

Department
 

University of Chicago Humanities Division

About the Department
 

The Division of the Humanities comprises 19 degree programs across 16 departments and committees, with approximately 650 students from around the world enrolled in our PhD, MFA, and MA programs. The students and faculty in our departments dedicate themselves to the thoughtful consideration of humanities' place in the world. This dedication is displayed through our interdisciplinary centers and programs. UChicago’s Division of the Arts and Humanities stands uniquely positioned to re-energize the mission, vitality, and centrality of humanistic scholarship and the arts nationally.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Dean of the Division, the Executive Director for Strategic Communications, Arts and Humanities is a key member of the leadership team responsible for shaping and executing innovative and far-reaching communication strategies that will advance division goals and objectives, enhance visibility, drive engagement, and strengthen the division’s reputation and brand identity.

The Executive Director manages communication teams supporting the Humanities Division, Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, Arts + Public Life, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. These teams are responsible for planning, preparing, and disseminating information, media materials, and developing programming/events designed to inform internal and external stakeholders of division initiatives, research, programs, accomplishments, and related activities. Their efforts are aimed at enhancing the presence of Arts and Humanities within the university, local community, and on a global scale.

Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Dean, develops and oversees a unified communication strategic plan, aligning it with Arts and Humanities goals and objectives.
• Achieves division goals, objectives, and communications strategies in events/programming, social media, publications, announcements, etc.
• Provides visionary leadership and guidance to the Humanities Division, Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, Arts + Public Life, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts communication teams, fostering innovation and collaboration in achieving strategic outcomes. Provides mentorship, guidance, and feedback to enhance individual and team performance and growth.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of the division’s brand identity, ensuring a strong, cohesive presence that resonates with target audiences.
• Leads and monitors campaigns to promote the brand, including advertising, promotions, and public relations activities.
• Analyzes brand performance and campaign effectiveness through data metrics and analytics. Provides insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Develops and implements communication policies and best practices, ensuring compliance with University and Division guidelines and industry standards.
• Stays informed about emerging trends and best practices in communications, marketing, and programming to continuously improve policies and best practices.
• Oversees and leads media relations and public relations efforts, building and maintaining positive relationships with media outlets to amplify the division's visibility.
• Serves as the Division's spokesperson as needed. Ensures a consistent and unified communication approach.
• Oversees media activities, including writing or proofreading press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and responding to requests on high impact, sensitive, or controversial issues.
• Fosters increased collaboration between departments and Arts units to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communications and marketing efforts.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to maximize division and Arts event activities and attendance.
• Oversees communication department budgets, resources, and operations, ensuring optimal utilization of funds and achieving cost-effectiveness.
• Develops communication strategy, provides leadership and management of communications staff, liaises with other University and Unit offices as appropriate.
• Manages the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and responding to requests on sensitive or controversial issues.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years o