Department
IOP: Communications
About the Department
The University of Chicago Institute of Politics (IOP) was founded in 2013 by alumnus David Axelrod (AB ’76) to ignite in students a passion for public service, meaningful dialogue, and active participation in democracy. Nonpartisan by design, the IOP has quickly become a national leader in preparing the next generation of public servants. With more than 300 internships annually, student-led civic engagement programs, a world-class fellowship bringing in top policymakers and journalists, and one of the country’s most respected political speaker series, the IOP is a hub for conversation and action at the highest levels. It is a model for civil discourse and free expression, which is the through line in all of its programming.
Four core programs form the heart of the Institute:
• Career Development: a dedicated team providing students with one-on-one career advising and hands-on opportunities to explore careers in politics and public service. Each year the IOP provides over 300 paid internship opportunities worldwide in politics, public policy, government, nonprofits and journalism.
• Civic Engagement: a program that enables students to take an active role in solving social and political challenges in their communities during the academic year and to develop their leadership skills via student-led programs, workshops and trainings, political exploration treks and special programs.
• Pritzker Fellows Program: resident and visiting fellowships where distinguished political officials, policymakers, journalists, diplomats and others come to campus for an academic quarter to work closely with and mentor students.
• Speaker Series: enriching political and policy discourse on campus and in the greater Chicagoland area by providing a forum for diverse insights on key issues of the day. More than 1,400 speakers have come to campus from across the political spectrum, a testament to the IOP’s non-partisan commitment to elevating public conversation around important contemporary issues.
Job Summary
The Communications Specialist is a key member of the IOP's small, fast-moving communications team in shaping and executing the Institute's public narrative. Working under general direction from the Strategic Communications Director, the Specialist independently manages projects from concept to completion and exercises judgment on messaging, media outreach and channel strategy. This is a writing-first role for someone who can craft a compelling media pitch as readily as a donor letter, who is building media relationships and knows how to work them, and who brings enthusiasm and strategic instincts to a high-visibility institution. The Specialist plays an important role in media relations, donor and stakeholder communications, and the IOP's digital presence, integrating the communications needs of the Institute's four core programs: the Speaker Series, Fellows Program, Civic Engagement Program, and Career Development Program. This position reports to the Strategic Communications Director.
Responsibilities
- Drafts and distributes press releases, media advisories, and event previews.
- Plans and executes communications campaigns for the Speaker Series, Fellows, Civic Engagement and Career Development programs, from strategy through evaluation.
- Develops and maintains the editorial calendar across press, newsletter, web and social channels.
- Builds and maintains relationships with journalists; identifies and pitches story opportunities to secure coverage of IOP programs, speakers and Fellows.
- Monitors, analyzes and reports on media coverage and communications metrics, and recommends adjustments to strategy.
- Produces high-quality written content across formats, including newsletter and event copy, donor communications, board materials, talking points, and social media
- Ensures a consistent institutional voice across platforms and audiences.
- Drafts donor-facing materials, including appeals, impact reports, and stewardship communications.
- Translates program outcomes and data into compelling narratives for the annual report, donor impact reports, website and media.
- Develops board communications and materials in coordination with the Director.
- Plans, develops and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction.
- Solves a range of straightforward problems, as work assignments are difficult and broad in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree preferably in public relations, marketing, English or related field.
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of experience in communications, media relations, journalism or public relations.
- Background working with college students or on a college campus.
- Understanding of relational organizing.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, as well as social media and CMS/CRM tools.
Preferred Competencies
- Exceptional time management and organizational skills to meet external and internal deadlines.
- Excellent writer with flexibility in tone and voice, matched to channels.
- Excellent communications skills for the effective delivery of the Institute’s vision, mission and brand.
- Entrepreneurial, creative thinking about how to improve the Institute’s communications and outreach efforts.
- Knowledge of and passion for politics and igniting in young people a similar passion.
- Proven ability to be a valuable part of a team.
- Eagerness to try new things.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- Writing Sample of 500 words or less (required)
- References Contact Information (3)(preferred)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
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
Individual Contributor
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
$72,500.00 - $85,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
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.
The 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.
