Job description

Job Summary

University of Illinois Chicago’s Office of the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Marketing and Communications, through market research, analytics and a deep understanding of an optimal constituent experience, is charged with enhancing, elevating, stewarding, amplifying and protecting the university’s reputation, visibility and reach throughout the state, nationally and globally.

Part of the University Communications team of Strategic Marketing and Communications, the Communications Specialist will coordinate and manage responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests according to office procedures. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for University Communications, this role will coordinate, collaborate and assist with media, writing, special projects and general office functions, including project management.

The Strategic Marketing and Communications team is a collaborative group that develops and executes strategies that inform, inspire and engage others to become part of UIC’s global academic and research mission. This role values a team of teams approach and is a detailed thinker, researcher and deadline-driven communicator who values processes and systems.

Job Responsibilities

Coordinate document collection and retrieval to comply promptly with assigned FOIA requests.

Review and process responsive documents, mark redactions and prepare response letters and other notices to requestors.

File and post FOIA records and communication according to office procedures.

Ensure compliance with FOIA-related timelines and university confidentiality requirements as pertains to records.

Assist with data collection and verification related to FOIA processing.

Work closely with FOIA officers within the University of Illinois System to ensure best practices and alignment.

Create, maintain and update project management tools to track, plan and execute a variety of initiatives, priorities and events. Communicate accordingly with teams working on projects and assist with specials projects, initiatives and events.

Edit and proofread a variety of communications for format and style.

Research articles for daily news summaries. Curate items along with reviewing, producing and distributing, by offering careful evaluation of news sources for applicability, timeliness and impact on institution.

Create and maintain email and postal mail list for news summaries, media/news release and publications. Assist with massmail and processing, including formatting, submitting and releasing emails.

Perform other duties as they emerge in an ever-evolving communications and marketing landscape.

Qualifications
Required Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, library science, research, social sciences or related field.

Three years of professional business or office experience, ideally in a legal, government or communications setting.

Experience with project and records management programs, systems and processes.

Required Skills & Abilities

Proven effectiveness and ability to use independent and sound judgement in evaluating information and the ability to communicate effectively with university staff from varying backgrounds and departments while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Proven effectiveness and ability to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner with competing deadliness and to reassess priorities daily.

Ability to manage, track and plan complex projects and initiatives that support multiple goals.

Ability to review, analyze and interpret documents for responsiveness to FOIA request language and to understand and apply governmental regulations to documents and processes.

Ability to take direction and handle assigned work independently following office protocols, with minimum instruction, and within the designated timeframe. Collaborative (team of teams strength) approach to the work environment.

Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills to produce accurate, detail-oriented work while meeting stringent deadlines and project specifications.

Strong computer skills specifically demonstrated experience with Adobe suite, Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook).

Ability to respond to many requests for information and ability to identify questions or issues that should be escalated within the office.

Excellent problem-solving skills that require the ability to identify problems, gather data, establish facts, and present valid conclusions in response to problems. Ability to employ research and metrics to inform strategies and results.

Ability to use good research procedures in historical searches of index and office files.

Proven ability to advise on crisis communications and issues management situations; familiarity with privacy regulations in higher education, research and health care settings.

Familiarity with NIMS (National Incident Management System) and FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) processes.

Strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and oral communications skills.

Commitment to the mission and values of UIC, including a strong record of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

Set goals and use data analytics to measure effectiveness of tactics and progress towards the strategic goals.

Collaborate with UI System office to oversee UIC FOIA requests and system-wide communications.

Working Conditions

This position is hybrid, with the ability to work in-person on the UIC campus according to the needs of the senior leadership and the larger Strategic Marketing and Communications team. General office environment. Regular travel not expected but may occur occasionally. Requires work in a stationary position for extended periods of time and operation of computer and other office equipment.

APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by 5:00pm Central Time on January 6, 2023. Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. All candidates must create a candidate profile through http://jobs.uic.edu and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references by the close date.

Candidates must apply for this role by visiting the following link:

https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/2639?c=uic

As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 5x8
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60607

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