University of Chicago
Senior Associate Director, Development Communications
University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Senior Associate Director, Development Communications
University of Chicago
Job Summary This role independently writes a variety of communications for the University. Works with minimal guidance to research, compose, and edit high-level communications, publications and or reports with complex and specialized subject matter.
Responsibilities
Plays a central role in shaping and elevating the communications strategy for the Individual Giving (IG) team within MBSD.
Oversees the development, editorial quality, and strategic alignment of high-impact major gift donor materials, including proposals, briefings, stewardship reports, case/vision documents and presentations.
Ensures consistency and excellence across all written communications from the IG teams. They also provide editorial quality control for Foundation Relations proposals and may serve other teams across MBSD as needs and opportunities arise.
In addition to subject specific multi-channel content development for the NOCO+ team, this role is responsible for mentoring and coaching Individual Giving writers across MBSD, providing professional development opportunities and editorial guidance that elevate the team’s overall messaging quality. This includes hosting writing workshops and fostering cross-functional knowledge sharing.
Curates and translates complex scientific information and institutional outcomes into compelling narratives and stewardship touch points suitable for donor engagement across all Individual Giving teams, ensuring gift officers are equipped with timely and impactful messaging.
Working closely with the Senior Communications Strategist, aligns Individual Giving materials with broader campaign priorities.
May supervise or oversee the work of a small team of 1–3 content professionals, offering strategic leadership and comprehensive support.
Uses broad knowledge of writing to write in-depth pieces relating to specialized field (e.g. scientific writing).
Designs and plans communications strategies.
Performs other related work as needed.
Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree or higher.
A degree in the field of science or medicine.
Experience Requirements
A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in communications or a related field, such as public relations, sales, marketing, or a not-for-profit organization.
Previous demonstrated successes as a writer and/or editor.
Background in a university setting, academic medical center, or a similarly complex institution.
Writing in a scientific field or a complex subject material.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling and style.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Editing skills.
Creativity.
Analytical skills.
Problem‑solving skills.
Decision‑making skills.
Work independently with a high degree of initiative.
Attention to detail.
Organizational skills.
Maintain confidentiality.
Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Posting Statement 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. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
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Job Summary This role independently writes a variety of communications for the University. Works with minimal guidance to research, compose, and edit high-level communications, publications and or reports with complex and specialized subject matter.
Responsibilities
Plays a central role in shaping and elevating the communications strategy for the Individual Giving (IG) team within MBSD.
Oversees the development, editorial quality, and strategic alignment of high-impact major gift donor materials, including proposals, briefings, stewardship reports, case/vision documents and presentations.
Ensures consistency and excellence across all written communications from the IG teams. They also provide editorial quality control for Foundation Relations proposals and may serve other teams across MBSD as needs and opportunities arise.
In addition to subject specific multi-channel content development for the NOCO+ team, this role is responsible for mentoring and coaching Individual Giving writers across MBSD, providing professional development opportunities and editorial guidance that elevate the team’s overall messaging quality. This includes hosting writing workshops and fostering cross-functional knowledge sharing.
Curates and translates complex scientific information and institutional outcomes into compelling narratives and stewardship touch points suitable for donor engagement across all Individual Giving teams, ensuring gift officers are equipped with timely and impactful messaging.
Working closely with the Senior Communications Strategist, aligns Individual Giving materials with broader campaign priorities.
May supervise or oversee the work of a small team of 1–3 content professionals, offering strategic leadership and comprehensive support.
Uses broad knowledge of writing to write in-depth pieces relating to specialized field (e.g. scientific writing).
Designs and plans communications strategies.
Performs other related work as needed.
Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree or higher.
A degree in the field of science or medicine.
Experience Requirements
A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in communications or a related field, such as public relations, sales, marketing, or a not-for-profit organization.
Previous demonstrated successes as a writer and/or editor.
Background in a university setting, academic medical center, or a similarly complex institution.
Writing in a scientific field or a complex subject material.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling and style.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Editing skills.
Creativity.
Analytical skills.
Problem‑solving skills.
Decision‑making skills.
Work independently with a high degree of initiative.
Attention to detail.
Organizational skills.
Maintain confidentiality.
Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Posting Statement 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. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
#J-18808-Ljbffr