Senior Communications Specialist

Department

BSD ADM - Communications

About the Department

The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care.

The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV):

MISSION: As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.

VISION: Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.

VALUES:
Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.
Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation.
Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.
Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.
Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.
Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.

The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. It is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Chicago and the BSD. Our team is helping shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community.

Job Summary

The University of Chicago’s Biological Sciences Division (BSD), in close partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) health system, seeks a strategic, detail-oriented Senior Communications Specialist to join our internal communications team.

As a content creator and editor, this position plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering clear, timely, and engaging internal communications across both the academic and clinical enterprises.

With equal responsibility for supporting the BSD and the health system, the Senior Communications Specialist will lead the development of employee-facing content that clearly supports institutional priorities, change management efforts, and a connected, informed organizational culture. This includes quickly translating complex or sensitive information — particularly related to HR, operations, IT, and administration — into content that resonates with diverse internal audiences, including faculty, staff, academic appointees, and trainees.

The ideal candidate is collaborative, versatile, and a clear communicator who is highly organized and has strong editorial judgment and outstanding writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a content creator for internal communications across BSD and UCM, including leadership messages, policy updates, HR initiatives, program rollouts, and operational news.

• Write, edit, and publish clear, compelling content across email, newsletters, intranet, and other internal channels, along with scripts, talking points, and other executive communications.

• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders across HR, IT, Finance, Faculty Affairs, and other units to proactively identify and execute communication opportunities.

• Collaborate with communications colleagues and leadership to implement strategies that inform, align, and engage faculty and staff.

• Manage and maintain critical email distribution lists and be the key team contact for communications delivery platforms in coordination with IT and HR.

• Support and lead internal campaigns and initiatives, providing project management an