Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for Illinois Extension's statewide marketing and communications enterprise by developing long-term strategies that strengthen organizational reputation, increase public awareness, and position Illinois Extension as the trusted source of research-based information for the people of Illinois.
• Develop and implement an integrated statewide marketing and communications strategy aligned with the Illinois Extension Strategic Plan as well as Extension, Extension Units, college and university priorities.
• Serve as steward of the Illinois Extension brand, ensuring consistent messaging, visual identity, voice, and positioning across all communications channels as well as alignment with Extension Units and Unit goals.
• Advise leadership on executive communications, organizational messaging, media strategy, reputation management, and issues management.
• Lead organizational communication during periods of change, crisis, or emerging public issues.
• Foster and support deeper partnerships with the 27 off-campus Extension Units across Illinois.
• Represent Illinois Extension in university-wide communications initiatives and serve as liaison with ACES Marketing and Communications, University Strategic Communications and Marketing, and other campus partners.
• Develop communication policies, governance, and standards that support organizational excellence.
• Develop comprehensive marketing campaigns that measurably increase awareness of Extension programs and expand participation among new audiences.
• Lead statewide brand strategy and positioning initiatives.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in communications, marketing, or other relevant field. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in communications and/or marketing.
• Experience in developing and evaluating the effectiveness of print and digital materials.
• Demonstrated success in the promotion/reporting of educational programs.
• Experience with crisis communications.

Preferred

• Public sector communications and marketing.
• Supervision and evaluation of personnel working in creative services, publicity and promotions, public affairs, and/or government relations.
• Valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis.