Director, Strategic Communications

Department

IOP: Administration

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 Director of Strategic Communications serves as the chief storyteller and brand strategist for the IOP. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role shapes how the Institute is seen by students, the University, media, and audiences nationwide. The Director leads all aspects of communications, media relations, digital engagement, event promotion, content creation, and brand management, while driving high-profile projects and partnerships with leading media and tech organizations. This is a leadership role requiring creativity, strategic thinking, and flawless execution. As the media ecosystem shifts, we’re looking for someone who can bring fresh, innovative approaches to telling the IOP’s story. The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator, an innovative manager, and a collaborative partner who can elevate the IOP’s profile on campus and far beyond.

Responsibilities

• Partners with IOP leadership to design and implement internal and external communications strategies that expand the IOP’s thought leadership, visibility, and impact.
• Leads brand strategy, marketing campaigns, and audience engagement efforts across all program areas.
• Elevates the IOP, its Fellows, and leadership as go-to voices through national op-eds, broadcast hits, and digital platforms.
• Manages all media relations, cultivating relationships with journalists, securing coverage of IOP events and fellows, and responding to press inquiries.
• Oversees the IOP’s website, digital platforms, and social media campaigns across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
• Directs the creation of high-quality content (video, audio, written) showcasing the IOP’s Speaker Series, Fellows programs, internships, and civic engagement initiatives.
• Oversees communications and strategy for projects such as the Campaign Journalism Conference, the Iowa Project, and the Disinformation Conference, often in partnership with media partners.
• Guides the production of promotional and development materials, including the annual report and Board of Advisors packets.
• Provides counsel on communications strategy, including crisis response, to protect and strengthen the IOP’s reputation.
• Oversees event communications in collaboration with production teams, ensuring top-quality video, lighting, and media deliverables.
• Supervises a communications team that includes full-time staff and student employees; mentors students and fosters their engagement with IOP communications efforts.
• Collaborates with the University of Chicago News Office to develop stories and pitches that highlight IOP programming and guests.
• Acts as a strategist or project lead to plan, develop and disseminate information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
• Makes high-level contributions to the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues.
• 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Advanced degree. 

Experience:

• 8-10 years related experience.
• Proven success in communications and/or public relations.
• Background in political or non-profit organizations.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence diverse people to meet goals and deadlines, build and manage teams, and work collaboratively with senior leadership, board members, consultants, colleagues, students, and volunteers.
• Expert knowledge of communications technologies and best practices.
• Deep passion for the IOP mission and for engaging the next generation in public life.
• Proven ability to manage media relations and build strong press relationships.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills; thrives under tight deadlines.
• Creative, solutions-oriented thinker who can translate ideas and programs into compelling storytelling.
• Mastery of digital platforms, social media, and content strategy.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills; thrives under tight deadlines.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills; proven ability to manage and inspire diverse teams.
• High attention to detail with a commitment to excellence.
• Work with and lead a diverse team.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)
• Portfolio of Prior Communications Work, including writing samples or media clips. May be requested during the interview process. (preferred)

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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$105,000.00 - $130,000.00

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 View phone number on swooped.co 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.

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