Loyola University Chicago's University Marketing and Communication (UMC) group is hiring an Associate Director of External Communication. This position reports to the Director of Communication and will lead proactive media relations in service of the University and, when necessary, deploy sound reactive media strategies to effectively minimize potential risk to institution's reputation. Candidate for this important role must maintain a clear focus on proactive and innovative storytelling, in collaboration with the larger marketing and communication team, that expands awareness, differentiates, and illustrates the multiple facets of Loyola as an institution of higher education and service based on Jesuit, Catholic mission and values and in alignment with the University's and University Marketing and Communication department's overall strategic plans and brand pillars.

This position will seek earned media opportunities in collaboration with priority schools and divisions, expand in quality and quantity the network of media relationships, collaborate and support with integrated marketing campaigns, monitor and assess media coverage for schools and divisions, share relevant media reports (and regular dashboard), and advocate for maximizing media coverage sharing across other areas (Enrollment Marketing, Advancement, Office of the Provost, Office of the President, etc.).
Successful candidates should possess the following attributes, represent the following qualifications and skills sets, and embrace the importance of this dynamic role in advancing University priorities:

Attributes

-Collaborative, creative storyteller who can identify, seize, write/develop, and shape stories and press and video releases that elevate University's reputation by building and strengthening relationships across University Marketing and Communication team, academic units, schools, institutes and centers; and Division of Student Development, Enrollment Marketing, and Advancement departments

-Organizational and planning skills with a keen eye for detail to manage a pipeline of proactive stories and public relations projects efficiently and effectively

-Ability to stay calm, nimble, and pivot quickly to either take advantage of media opportunities or minimize impact to brand from emerging issues

-Anticipatory mindset to identify opportunities, forecast and define problems, collect and present data within a situational analysis, establish frameworks to develop strong narratives, and draw valid conclusions

-Identify trends, impacts, and opportunities to ensure that external and internal stakeholders and partners understand, support, and embrace external intelligence for the purpose of continuous improvement

-Strong constructive and respectful conflict resolution skills for crucial conversations

-Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills

-Team-oriented mindset to work collaboratively with others in UMC that are concurrently being developed for other channels and purposes

-Be an inspirational leader and trusted advisor to colleagues across the University in order to surface and share stories for the benefit of the Loyola community

Duties & Responsibilities

-Develops and directs external communication strategies and initiatives that build, enhance, and lift Loyola University Chicago's brand and reputation, including:

-establishment of yearly external communication calendars and plans in sync with University operations and milestones

-implementation of proactive media relations storytelling,

-promotion of integrated marketing campaigns in support of University's strategic plan; brand pillars and academic vision priorities

-creation of public relations campaigns to differentiate Loyola from competitors

-management of reactive media inquiries or issues to mitigate risk to reputation

-measures and reports on metrics of work product against outcomes and objectives

-Strategically advises and implement crisis communications and issues management plans

-advises, monitors, and project manages crisis response and issues management

-proactively identifies potential reputational gaps or vulnerabilities and collaborates cross-functionally with relevant departments on probable solutions

-oversees annual emerging issues and mitigation plan for senior leadership

-Serves as University spokesperson and media champion to others at University

-Co-leads the "Campus Communicators" program to leverage embedded marketing and communications talent across the University responsible for story mining, storytelling, promotion, and advocacy of strategic communications in service of the University's overall goals and priorities

-Oversees key institutional messaging and quality control of external communications tools across University and collaborates with marketing and communications colleagues across the University to maintain brand standards and message alignment and consistency

-Works closely with Internal Communications, Content, Marketing and Advertising, Digital, and Social Media teams to ensure collaboration and cross-functional approach to plans and initiatives is achieved for maximum impact, efficiency, and measurable outcomes

-Innovates media relations approaches based on industry best practices including interactive, multi-media approaches via video and infographics, etc.

-Conducts media training on an as needed basis (faculty experts and administrators) and maintains database of expert sources for media

-Consistently monitors and evolves communications, messaging/tone, channels, and metrics

-When required, manages freelancers and agency resources and budget against project targets and UMC priorities

Bachelor's degree required in Journalism, Communications, or related field; advanced degree in Business, Marketing, or Communications preferred.
Significant background, 5-8 years, in Public or Media Relations, Marketing, or related communications experience.

Bachelor's degree required in Journalism, Communications, or related field; advanced degree in Business, Marketing, or Communications preferred.

Significant background, 5-8 years, in Public or Media Relations, Marketing, or related communications experience.

Excellent written and verbal communications skills with adaptive writing agility for a variety of mediums (i.e., news releases, social, web, and other copy for relevant platforms to maximize earned media coverage and content

Well-versed in evolving media landscape and contemporary best practices and working knowledge of vendor tools like Cision, Businesswire, etc.

Proficient or in solid command of in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Excel, etc., Zoom and others

Working knowledge of social media channel deployment (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn), and Sprout Social or other social media management, distribution and monitoring or listening platforms

Proven success in PR pitching and high-profile media placements; active media network with focus on regional and national news and higher education.

Ability to collaborate with various teams including advancement, UMC, Student Development, HR, President's office, Provost's office, deans, special events, Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management, etc.

Demonstrated project management skills and ability to manage various deadline-driven projects simultaneously

Superior interpersonal skills and ability to coordinate activities productively with functions and units outside his/her/their own sphere of control to ensure successful communication of desired messages

Sophisticated in people management and a passion for mentoring, career pathing, and professional development

High ethical standards and integrity required

None

Proficient or in solid command of in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Excel, etc., Zoom and others

Working knowledge of social media channel deployment (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn), and Sprout Social or other social media management, distribution and monitoring or listening platforms