University of Chicago
Director, Operations Communications
University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Join to apply for the
Director, Operations Communications
role at
University of Chicago .
Department OPS Operations, Strategy, and Finance - Communications
About The Department The Office of the Vice President for Operations supports the highest ambitions of the University’s teaching, learning, research, and engagement goals by overseeing enabling infrastructure, technology, and human resources. The Office prioritizes an exceptional level of service and delivery of robust business practices, stewarding the University’s resources efficiently and contributing to long‑range planning and culture.
Job Summary The Director of Operations Communications is responsible for developing and implementing internal communications strategies for the University of Chicago’s Office of the Vice President of Operations. This includes IT Services, Human Resources, the Department of Safety and Security, and Facilities Services. The director leads campus awareness of Operations’ resources, change‑management communications for new policies and initiatives, and ensures transparent communication on major projects and initiatives such as technology upgrades, construction, sustainability, and policy changes. The role also supports IT Services communications, collaborates with University‑wide channels, and delivers timely information during periods of change or urgent matters.
The director leads and supervises a team of communications professionals, establishes processes and standards for messaging, and reports to the Executive Director of Operations Communications.
Responsibilities
Provides strategic leadership and supervises a team of communications professionals supporting IT Services to establish consistent messaging, templates, and standards for both unit‑level and campuswide communications.
Sets comprehensive communications goals, KPIs, and performance standards to build a high‑performing and collaborative team culture.
Champions professional growth, mentorship, and succession planning for direct reports.
Supports branding and identity initiatives, ensuring alignment with University‑wide standards and the development of new templates for consistency across all Operations internal and external communications channels.
Fosters a strong and inclusive culture within the Operations communications team.
Manages Operations web presence on the University’s intranet and contributes content to the UChicago Citizen newsletter.
Develops communications strategies, messages, and supporting materials for significant Operations initiatives, in partnership with Executive Director.
Creates and sustains collaborative partnerships with other communicators and stakeholders on campus and with external partners.
Oversees the development and coordination of IT Services plans, messages and leadership announcements to advance organizational changes.
Provides strategic communications and project management support to IT Services initiatives, including communications planning, timeline and milestone development, goals and measurement, and assistance with resource allocation.
Partners with IT Services Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the CIO to develop campus‑wide communications strategy advancing key IT priorities and IT transformation initiatives, including generative AI and identity and access management modernization.
Provides internal communications strategy support to inform staff of key tasks and deadlines related to HR, internal processes, and organizational changes.
Oversees the editorial calendar and publication of the HR Headlines newsletter and manages other communications channels for the University’s Central HR function to ensure HR Partners and employees are informed about policy changes, processes, and other updates.
Develops communication strategy, provides leadership and management of communications staff, liaises with other University and Unit offices as appropriate.
Oversees the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Is accountable for maintaining the unit's goals and communications strategy in publications, announcements, and speeches.
Performs other related work as needed.
Education Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
Work Experience Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree.
Acute business acumen and understanding of organizational issues and challenges.
Outstanding written, verbal and visual presentation skills.
Strong understanding of the role of digital tools, including apps, social channels, websites, intranet, in communications.
Translate complex concepts into easily understood messages that target specific audiences’ needs and/or perspective.
Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations.
Collaborative; partner across teams and functions.
Knowledge of communication work processes.
Maintain confidentiality of extremely sensitive data at all times.
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.
Job Family Communications
Role Impact People Manager
Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5
Drug Test Required No
Health Screen Required No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No
Pay Range $139,000.00 - $178,000.00
Benefits Eligible Yes
Posting Statement 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. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director, Operations Communications
role at
University of Chicago .
Department OPS Operations, Strategy, and Finance - Communications
About The Department The Office of the Vice President for Operations supports the highest ambitions of the University’s teaching, learning, research, and engagement goals by overseeing enabling infrastructure, technology, and human resources. The Office prioritizes an exceptional level of service and delivery of robust business practices, stewarding the University’s resources efficiently and contributing to long‑range planning and culture.
Job Summary The Director of Operations Communications is responsible for developing and implementing internal communications strategies for the University of Chicago’s Office of the Vice President of Operations. This includes IT Services, Human Resources, the Department of Safety and Security, and Facilities Services. The director leads campus awareness of Operations’ resources, change‑management communications for new policies and initiatives, and ensures transparent communication on major projects and initiatives such as technology upgrades, construction, sustainability, and policy changes. The role also supports IT Services communications, collaborates with University‑wide channels, and delivers timely information during periods of change or urgent matters.
The director leads and supervises a team of communications professionals, establishes processes and standards for messaging, and reports to the Executive Director of Operations Communications.
Responsibilities
Provides strategic leadership and supervises a team of communications professionals supporting IT Services to establish consistent messaging, templates, and standards for both unit‑level and campuswide communications.
Sets comprehensive communications goals, KPIs, and performance standards to build a high‑performing and collaborative team culture.
Champions professional growth, mentorship, and succession planning for direct reports.
Supports branding and identity initiatives, ensuring alignment with University‑wide standards and the development of new templates for consistency across all Operations internal and external communications channels.
Fosters a strong and inclusive culture within the Operations communications team.
Manages Operations web presence on the University’s intranet and contributes content to the UChicago Citizen newsletter.
Develops communications strategies, messages, and supporting materials for significant Operations initiatives, in partnership with Executive Director.
Creates and sustains collaborative partnerships with other communicators and stakeholders on campus and with external partners.
Oversees the development and coordination of IT Services plans, messages and leadership announcements to advance organizational changes.
Provides strategic communications and project management support to IT Services initiatives, including communications planning, timeline and milestone development, goals and measurement, and assistance with resource allocation.
Partners with IT Services Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the CIO to develop campus‑wide communications strategy advancing key IT priorities and IT transformation initiatives, including generative AI and identity and access management modernization.
Provides internal communications strategy support to inform staff of key tasks and deadlines related to HR, internal processes, and organizational changes.
Oversees the editorial calendar and publication of the HR Headlines newsletter and manages other communications channels for the University’s Central HR function to ensure HR Partners and employees are informed about policy changes, processes, and other updates.
Develops communication strategy, provides leadership and management of communications staff, liaises with other University and Unit offices as appropriate.
Oversees the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Is accountable for maintaining the unit's goals and communications strategy in publications, announcements, and speeches.
Performs other related work as needed.
Education Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
Work Experience Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree.
Acute business acumen and understanding of organizational issues and challenges.
Outstanding written, verbal and visual presentation skills.
Strong understanding of the role of digital tools, including apps, social channels, websites, intranet, in communications.
Translate complex concepts into easily understood messages that target specific audiences’ needs and/or perspective.
Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations.
Collaborative; partner across teams and functions.
Knowledge of communication work processes.
Maintain confidentiality of extremely sensitive data at all times.
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.
Job Family Communications
Role Impact People Manager
Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5
Drug Test Required No
Health Screen Required No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No
Pay Range $139,000.00 - $178,000.00
Benefits Eligible Yes
Posting Statement 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. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr