Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead integrated marketing campaigns and engagement initiatives to build brand awareness and advance the Forum’s mission across multiple platforms.
• Design and implement a comprehensive annual marketing strategy, ensuring consistent messaging and high-quality execution across all channels.
• Craft and uphold a unified brand identity—establishing visual identity, tone, and positioning for the Chicago Forum.
• Create and manage audience segmentation strategies to deliver personalized and relevant communications throughout the engagement lifecycle.
• Oversee the production and delivery of impactful content, including video, audio, and written materials, tailored for diverse audiences.
• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including University of Chicago marketing and communications teams.
• Lead the development and execution of crisis communication protocols and response strategies.
• Guide preparation of donor communications and promotional materials, including the annual report.
• Direct editorial strategy to promote content in all medium generated within and beyond the University, amplifying the Forum’s thought leadership.
• Supervise, mentor, and inspire a team that includes the Digital Marketing & Communications Manager as well as professional and student employees.

Requirements

• Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: -

Preferred

• Experience: 2 years in a senior leadership marketing role.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated marketing and engagement strategies.
• Proven success in communications and/or public relations.
• Demonstrated experience managing crisis communications.
• Extensive experience in campaign strategy, public relations, and team leadership.
• Track record of managing communications and marketing teams in academic or mission-driven environments.
• Proficiency in marketing automation and CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo, Salesforce Marketing Cloud).
• Familiarity with website management (e.g. Drupal or similar).
• Strong familiarity with business social media platforms and analytics tools (Google Analytics, Facebook Analytics).
• Effective advisor to senior leadership; strong executive presence.

Benefits

• 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.