📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Communications Specialist
🔹 Company: University of Chicago
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL (Hyde Park Campus)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 18, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Creating and editing internal communications content for the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) and the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM).
- Translating complex information into engaging content for diverse internal audiences, including faculty, staff, academic appointees, and trainees.
- Supporting institutional priorities, change management efforts, and a connected, informed organizational culture.
- Collaborating with stakeholders across HR, IT, Finance, Faculty Affairs, and other units to proactively identify and execute communication opportunities.
- Managing and maintaining critical email distribution lists and communication delivery platforms.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of internal communications best practices, tools, and measurement, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
📋 Key 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 and editorial oversight.
✅ Monitor and report on communication effectiveness using analytics and engagement metrics.
✅ Contribute to a growing communications calendar to structure and optimize message flow across departments and locations.
✅ Ensure inclusive, accessible language and adherence to brand, voice, and AP style guidelines.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves solving moderate to complex problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing and editing skills.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proven ability to translate complex or technical content into plain language.
- Proficiency with intranet platforms, email systems, CMS tools, and graphic design programs.
- Strong interpersonal skills and discretion with confidential information.
Preferred Skills:
- Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
- 7 years of professional writing and editing experience, preferably in an academic, healthcare, or corporate environment.
- 5 years of experience developing internal communications for HR, operations, or leadership functions.
- Experience writing for diverse audiences, including executives, faculty, clinicians, and administrative staff.
- Significant knowledge of internal communication best practices, tools, and measurement.
ASSUMPTION: While a Master's degree is preferred, a Bachelor's degree with relevant experience will also be considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health, retirement, and paid time off benefits.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project demands.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior Communications Specialist role in the Chicago area.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education and Research
Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)
Founded: 1890 (University of Chicago), 2019 (Becker Friedman Institute for Economics)
Company Description:
- The University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois, with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and education.
- The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) serves as a hub for cutting-edge analysis and research across the entire University of Chicago economics community, uniting researchers from various schools and departments.
Company Specialties:
- Economics
- Public Policy
- Research
- and Higher Education
Company Website: bfi.uchicago.edu
ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago is a large, prestigious institution with a strong focus on research and academic excellence.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Communications for the Biological Sciences Division and the University of Chicago Medicine.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexibility for remote work as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a managerial or leadership role within the communications department.
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives across the BSD and UCM.
- Access to professional development and training opportunities through the University of Chicago.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the University of Chicago's communications department.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with access to remote work as needed.
Office Location(s): Hyde Park Campus, Chicago, IL
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a diverse and vibrant cultural scene.
- The Hyde Park neighborhood, where the University of Chicago is located, is known for its historic architecture, parks, and museums.
- The campus is easily accessible by public transportation, with nearby amenities and attractions.
Work Schedule: Full-time, with standard business hours and flexibility for project demands.
ASSUMPTION: The Hyde Park campus offers a unique and historic work environment, with easy access to cultural attractions and amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the University of Chicago's careers website.
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or a member of the communications team.
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members.
- Final round interview with the Director of Communications.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills.
- Ability to translate complex information into engaging content for diverse audiences.
- Project management and organizational skills.
- Interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Provide specific examples of your writing and editing work, as well as any relevant internal communications experience.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the University of Chicago's mission, values, and the role of the BFI within the institution.
ATS Keywords: Internal Communications, Content Creation, Editing, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management, Academic Medicine, Higher Education, BSD, UCM, Becker Friedman Institute
ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago's application process is competitive, and applicants should tailor their materials to highlight their relevant skills and experience for this role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Intranet platforms (e.g., SharePoint)
- Email systems (e.g., Outlook, Eloqua, Salesforce)
- CMS tools (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Sitecore)
- Graphic design programs (PowerPoint, Canva, Adobe Suite)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but not required, as training will be provided.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in research and education
- Collaboration and interdisciplinary approach
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Accountability and integrity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you ensure that your writing is accessible and inclusive for diverse audiences?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you translated complex information into plain language for a specific audience?
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines?
ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago values candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with their mission, values, and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The University of Chicago is a large and complex organization, with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
- The role requires strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
- There may be occasional tight deadlines and high-pressure situations, particularly during crisis communications or major initiatives.
- The University of Chicago is a highly competitive environment, with a strong focus on academic excellence and research.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on internal communications for both an academic division and a healthcare system within a single institution.
- Similar roles in academic or healthcare settings may have a more narrow focus on either academic or clinical communications.
- Career paths in internal communications can vary widely depending on the organization's structure and priorities.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of academic and clinical communications within a prestigious institution.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive internal communications plan for a major HR initiative, including email campaigns, intranet updates, and talking points for leadership.
- Creating a series of engaging newsletters to highlight research and achievements across the BSD and UCM, targeting faculty, staff, and trainees.
- Managing a crisis communications response to a significant event or incident, ensuring accurate and timely information is disseminated to internal stakeholders.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of strategic thinking required for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the communications department?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for the BSD and UCM?
- What are the most pressing internal communications challenges facing the University of Chicago currently?
- How does the University of Chicago support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the typical timeline for reviewing and responding to applications for this role?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help you better understand the role, the team, and the organization, and demonstrate your interest and engagement.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the University of Chicago's careers website.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Provide specific examples of your writing and editing work, as well as any relevant internal communications experience.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the University of Chicago's mission, values, and the role of the BFI within the institution.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or a member of the communications team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
