Responsibilities

• Supervise two media communications coordinators, a media communications manager, Extra Help employees, and student interns assigned to communications projects, including assigning work, establishing expectations, and supporting successful project completion.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide timely feedback on work quality and performance, establish professional development goals, and provide supportive and corrective guidance when needed.
• Mentor and provide strategic guidance to members of the state MarCom team, fostering collaboration, accountability, professional growth, and an inclusive work environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify, develop, and deliver marketing and communications training and professional development opportunities for Illinois Extension personnel.
• Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Develop and execute media-centered communications strategies that increase Illinois Extension’s statewide visibility, strengthen organizational reputation, and advance strategic priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, University partners, affiliate organizations, and other key stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of Illinois Extension communications.
• Lead media relations efforts, including identifying and developing news opportunities, coordinating media pitches, and disseminating news releases, feature stories, and statewide messages.
• Develop key messaging strategies and communications tools, including message frameworks, creative briefs, pitch materials, and other resources that support consistent and effective communications.
• Identify and pursue strategic promotional, trade, partnership, and paid advertising opportunities in collaboration with MarCom colleagues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area that included experience leading strategic communications initiatives.
• Experience supervising, managing, or providing direct leadership to staff.
• Knowledge of purpose and mission of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and University of Illinois Extension and knowledge of best practices in accessible marketing and communications.

Preferred

• Master's degree in communications, marketing, education, business administration, design, international relations, public relations, or closely related field.
• More than ten (10+) years of professional experience in marketing, public relations, publicity, or communications or closely related field.
• Demonstrated advancement in scope of responsibility, such as increased project complexity, independent decision-making, budget responsibility, or leadership of staff or team.
• Experience managing media relations at a campus, statewide, regional, or national level.
• Experience working in higher education or public engagement.