Director, Strategic Communications

The University of Chicago Institute of Politics (IOP) was founded in 2013 by alumnus David Axelrod (AB ’76) to ignite in students a passion for public service, meaningful dialogue, and active participation in democracy. Nonpartisan by design, the IOP has quickly become a national leader in preparing the next generation of public servants. Four Core Programs Form The Heart Of The Institute: Career Development: a dedicated team providing students with one-on-one career advising and hands-on opportunities to explore careers in politics and public service. Civic Engagement: a program that enables students to take an active role in solving social and political challenges in their communities during the academic year and to develop their leadership skills via student-led programs, workshops and trainings, political exploration treks and special programs. Pritzker Fellows Program: resident and visiting fellowships where distinguished political officials, policymakers, journalists, diplomats and others come to campus for an academic quarter to work closely with and mentor students. Speaker Series: enriching political and policy discourse on campus and in the greater Chicagoland area by providing a forum for diverse insights on key issues of the day. The Director of Strategic Communications serves as the chief storyteller and brand strategist for the IOP. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role shapes how the Institute is seen by students, the University, media, and audiences nationwide. Responsibilities: Partners with IOP leadership to design and implement internal and external communications strategies that expand the IOP’s thought leadership, visibility, and impact. Leads brand strategy, marketing campaigns, and audience engagement efforts across all program areas. Elevates the IOP, its Fellows, and leadership as go-to voices through national op-eds, broadcast hits, and digital platforms. Manages all media relations, cultivating relationships with journalists, securing coverage of IOP events and fellows, and responding to press inquiries. Oversees the IOP’s website, digital platforms, and social media campaigns across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Directs the creation of high-quality content (video, audio, written) showcasing the IOP’s Speaker Series, Fellows programs, internships, and civic engagement initiatives. Oversees communications and strategy for projects such as the Campaign Journalism Conference, the Iowa Project, and the Disinformation Conference, often in partnership with media partners. Guides the production of promotional and development materials, including the annual report and Board of Advisors packets. Provides counsel on communications strategy, including crisis response, to protect and strengthen the IOP’s reputation. Oversees event communications in collaboration with production teams, ensuring top-quality video, lighting, and media deliverables. Supervises a communications team that includes full-time staff and student employees; mentors students and fosters their engagement with IOP communications efforts. Collaborates with the University of Chicago News Office to develop stories and pitches that highlight IOP programming and guests. Acts as a strategist or project lead to plan, develop and disseminate information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view. Makes high-level contributions to the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications: College or university degree in related field. 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree. Advanced degree. 8-10 years related experience. Proven success in communications and/or public relations. Background in political or non-profit organizations. The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

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