Nashville Public Radio
Executive Director, Operations Communications
Nashville Public Radio, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Overview
Department: OPS Operations, Strategy, and Finance - Communications The Office of the Vice President for Operations supports the University’s teaching, learning, research, and engagement goals by overseeing enabling infrastructure including the built environment, technology, and human resources. The department aims to provide exceptional service and robust business practices that steward infrastructure resources efficiently and support long-range planning and culture.
Job Summary
The Executive Director of Operations Communications is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading internal communications strategies for the University of Chicago’s Office of the Vice President for Operations. This includes Information Technology Services, Human Resources, the Department of Safety and Security, and Facilities Services. Core responsibilities include overseeing the creation and execution of communications that advance Operations’ day-to-day and long-term priorities, both within Operations and to the broader campus community. The Executive Director drives employee awareness of campus resources, supports staff engagement and recognition, and leads change-management communications for new policies, initiatives, and priority projects. This position supports the Office of the Vice President for Operations and Central University Communications by providing clear, consistent communication about operational goals, initiatives, and achievements. The role ensures transparent communications on major Operations projects, resources, and initiatives (e.g., technology upgrades, construction and traffic impacts, sustainability initiatives, policy and benefits information) while fostering strong department collaboration and actively engaging campus partners. The position leads communications for Central HR to advance HR priorities and initiatives and oversees benefits communications. It collaborates across Operations service areas and with units across the University to create and distribute content that advances department priorities. It also oversees Operations-specific channels and develops Operations content for University-wide channels. During change periods or urgent matters, the role delivers timely and accurate information to stakeholders, often beyond business hours, in collaboration with the Office of Communications. A unified approach will amplify leaders’ visibility and align Operations’ initiatives with the University’s mission, deepening campus engagement.
Responsibilities
Provides strategic leadership and supervises a team of communications professionals supporting the units within the Office of the Vice President for Operations (Facilities Services, IT Services, and Human Resources), establishing consistent messaging, templates, and standards for unit-level and campuswide communications. This includes collaboration with the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) safety communications manager, who reports directly through University Communications. Leads the development and delivery of executive communications for the Vice President for Operations, including unit-level and campuswide messages; provides communications support for Operations senior leadership meetings and board presentations. Sets comprehensive communications goals, KPIs, and performance standards to build a high-performing, collaborative team culture. Champions professional growth, mentorship, and succession planning for direct reports. Directs branding and identity initiatives, ensuring alignment with University-wide standards and development of templates for consistency across all Operations internal and external communications channels. Partners with Operations leadership to advance and integrate internal communications in support of key operational and cultural objectives. Fosters a strong, inclusive culture within the Operations communications team and across Operations units. Manages Operations-related content for 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 other University Communications teams and/or units. Leads regular internal communications measurement and metrics for internal Operations communications channels. Creates and sustains collaborative partnerships with other campus communicators and stakeholders and with external partners. Sets the standard for best-in-class processes and protocols for Operations communications. Oversees the development and coordination of Operations plans, messages, and leadership announcements to advance organizational changes, including new policies and protocols. Provides strategic communications and project management support to Operations service areas, including communications planning, timeline and milestone development, goals and measurement, and resource allocation assistance. Promotes transparency for major Operations projects and changes, fosters collaboration, and actively engages campus partners. Serves as liaison with Operations leadership to vet and approve communications strategies and materials. Leads the communications strategy for HRNext, the HR transformation initiative. Serves as a member of the HR leadership team and collaborates with the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to develop campus-wide communications strategy advancing Central HR priorities and HR transformation initiatives, including HR Next and AI for HR projects. Supports internal communications strategy for University-wide Central HR operations, including Benefits, Organizational Development, Performance Management, Talent Acquisition, Compensation, and Employee and Labor Relations units. Partners with the Executive Director of Health, Welfare and Retirement to build a comprehensive communications platform for sharing information on and supporting enrollment in the University’s benefits programs (health, welfare, retirement, Workday Total Rewards, and other benefits). Oversees the editorial calendar and publication of the HR Headlines newsletter and manages other channels for Central HR to ensure HR Partners and employees are informed about policy changes and updates. Supports employee engagement and staff recognition initiatives (e.g., UChicago Recognition Hub) to foster community and pride in working at the University of Chicago and establish a culture of staff recognition across units. Develops unit-wide communication strategy, provides strategic leadership and management of teams, and promotes collaboration with other University and Unit offices. Oversees teams responsible for writing, preparing, and delivering information from or about the unit; accountable for setting and achieving the unit’s goals and communications strategy in publications, announcements, and speeches. Performs other related work as needed. Education and Experience
Minimum Qualifications Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field. Work Experience Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred Qualifications
Education
Master’s degree. Experience
10+ years of experience in communications, marketing or related field. Preferred Competencies Acute business acumen and understanding of organizational issues and challenges. Demonstrated negotiating and influencing skills. Understanding of and/or a strong interest in employee engagement, employee experience, culture and employee programs. Outstanding written, verbal and visual presentation skills. Strong understanding of the role of digital tools in communications. Translate complex concepts into easily understood messages for targeted audiences. Flexible and adaptable; comfortable with ambiguity. Collaborative; able to partner across teams and functions. Proven success working with leadership teams. Knowledge of communication work processes. Maintain confidentiality of extremely sensitive data at all times. Application Documents
Resume/CV (required) When applying, upload documents via the My Experience page in the Application Documents section. Additional Details
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 Rate Type: Salary FLSA Status: Exempt Pay Range: $171,000.00 - $224,000.00 The pay range is a good-faith estimate of the compensation offered at posting. 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 identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes. For more information, see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. Applicants may request reasonable accommodations by calling 773-702-5800 or via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers are contingent on a background check. The University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online and in print at the University Police Department location.
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Department: OPS Operations, Strategy, and Finance - Communications The Office of the Vice President for Operations supports the University’s teaching, learning, research, and engagement goals by overseeing enabling infrastructure including the built environment, technology, and human resources. The department aims to provide exceptional service and robust business practices that steward infrastructure resources efficiently and support long-range planning and culture.
Job Summary
The Executive Director of Operations Communications is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading internal communications strategies for the University of Chicago’s Office of the Vice President for Operations. This includes Information Technology Services, Human Resources, the Department of Safety and Security, and Facilities Services. Core responsibilities include overseeing the creation and execution of communications that advance Operations’ day-to-day and long-term priorities, both within Operations and to the broader campus community. The Executive Director drives employee awareness of campus resources, supports staff engagement and recognition, and leads change-management communications for new policies, initiatives, and priority projects. This position supports the Office of the Vice President for Operations and Central University Communications by providing clear, consistent communication about operational goals, initiatives, and achievements. The role ensures transparent communications on major Operations projects, resources, and initiatives (e.g., technology upgrades, construction and traffic impacts, sustainability initiatives, policy and benefits information) while fostering strong department collaboration and actively engaging campus partners. The position leads communications for Central HR to advance HR priorities and initiatives and oversees benefits communications. It collaborates across Operations service areas and with units across the University to create and distribute content that advances department priorities. It also oversees Operations-specific channels and develops Operations content for University-wide channels. During change periods or urgent matters, the role delivers timely and accurate information to stakeholders, often beyond business hours, in collaboration with the Office of Communications. A unified approach will amplify leaders’ visibility and align Operations’ initiatives with the University’s mission, deepening campus engagement.
Responsibilities
Provides strategic leadership and supervises a team of communications professionals supporting the units within the Office of the Vice President for Operations (Facilities Services, IT Services, and Human Resources), establishing consistent messaging, templates, and standards for unit-level and campuswide communications. This includes collaboration with the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) safety communications manager, who reports directly through University Communications. Leads the development and delivery of executive communications for the Vice President for Operations, including unit-level and campuswide messages; provides communications support for Operations senior leadership meetings and board presentations. Sets comprehensive communications goals, KPIs, and performance standards to build a high-performing, collaborative team culture. Champions professional growth, mentorship, and succession planning for direct reports. Directs branding and identity initiatives, ensuring alignment with University-wide standards and development of templates for consistency across all Operations internal and external communications channels. Partners with Operations leadership to advance and integrate internal communications in support of key operational and cultural objectives. Fosters a strong, inclusive culture within the Operations communications team and across Operations units. Manages Operations-related content for 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 other University Communications teams and/or units. Leads regular internal communications measurement and metrics for internal Operations communications channels. Creates and sustains collaborative partnerships with other campus communicators and stakeholders and with external partners. Sets the standard for best-in-class processes and protocols for Operations communications. Oversees the development and coordination of Operations plans, messages, and leadership announcements to advance organizational changes, including new policies and protocols. Provides strategic communications and project management support to Operations service areas, including communications planning, timeline and milestone development, goals and measurement, and resource allocation assistance. Promotes transparency for major Operations projects and changes, fosters collaboration, and actively engages campus partners. Serves as liaison with Operations leadership to vet and approve communications strategies and materials. Leads the communications strategy for HRNext, the HR transformation initiative. Serves as a member of the HR leadership team and collaborates with the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to develop campus-wide communications strategy advancing Central HR priorities and HR transformation initiatives, including HR Next and AI for HR projects. Supports internal communications strategy for University-wide Central HR operations, including Benefits, Organizational Development, Performance Management, Talent Acquisition, Compensation, and Employee and Labor Relations units. Partners with the Executive Director of Health, Welfare and Retirement to build a comprehensive communications platform for sharing information on and supporting enrollment in the University’s benefits programs (health, welfare, retirement, Workday Total Rewards, and other benefits). Oversees the editorial calendar and publication of the HR Headlines newsletter and manages other channels for Central HR to ensure HR Partners and employees are informed about policy changes and updates. Supports employee engagement and staff recognition initiatives (e.g., UChicago Recognition Hub) to foster community and pride in working at the University of Chicago and establish a culture of staff recognition across units. Develops unit-wide communication strategy, provides strategic leadership and management of teams, and promotes collaboration with other University and Unit offices. Oversees teams responsible for writing, preparing, and delivering information from or about the unit; accountable for setting and achieving the unit’s goals and communications strategy in publications, announcements, and speeches. Performs other related work as needed. Education and Experience
Minimum Qualifications Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field. Work Experience Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred Qualifications
Education
Master’s degree. Experience
10+ years of experience in communications, marketing or related field. Preferred Competencies Acute business acumen and understanding of organizational issues and challenges. Demonstrated negotiating and influencing skills. Understanding of and/or a strong interest in employee engagement, employee experience, culture and employee programs. Outstanding written, verbal and visual presentation skills. Strong understanding of the role of digital tools in communications. Translate complex concepts into easily understood messages for targeted audiences. Flexible and adaptable; comfortable with ambiguity. Collaborative; able to partner across teams and functions. Proven success working with leadership teams. Knowledge of communication work processes. Maintain confidentiality of extremely sensitive data at all times. Application Documents
Resume/CV (required) When applying, upload documents via the My Experience page in the Application Documents section. Additional Details
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 Rate Type: Salary FLSA Status: Exempt Pay Range: $171,000.00 - $224,000.00 The pay range is a good-faith estimate of the compensation offered at posting. 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 identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes. For more information, see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. Applicants may request reasonable accommodations by calling 773-702-5800 or via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers are contingent on a background check. The University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online and in print at the University Police Department location.
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