Director of Marketing and Communications

Director of Marketing and Communications University of Illinois Extension University of Illinois Extension seeks an accomplished,visionary, and collaborative communications leader to serve as Director of Marketing and Communications. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for Illinois Extension's statewide marketing, communications, and brand enterprise. WHO WE ARE As part of the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not only to provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to put learning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is the university’s statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staff dedicated to that mission. To learn more about University of Illinois Extension, visit OUR COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEES We will invest in our employees, our most important resource, by providing professional development and training that enables you to learn and grow to your full potential. We will strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for all our employees, regardless of role. Together, we will maintain a culture that promotes inclusivity, teamwork, and an environment that challenges and rewards our employees. JOB PURPOSE The Director develops and executes an integrated communications and marketing strategy that advances Extension's mission, strengthens organizational reputation, increases public awareness and engagement, and demonstrates the value of Extension's research-based programs to stakeholders throughout Illinois and beyond. Serves as the organization's chief communications strategist, leading statewide initiatives in brand management, marketing, media relations, digital communications, executive communications, storytelling, crisis communications, and public engagement. The Director cultivates a culture of innovation, creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement while ensuring communications efforts align with the strategic priorities of Illinois Extension, the College of ACES, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Minimum Qualifications 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 Qualifications 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. Specific Job Information One full-time position is available. Location: Urbana-Champaign Campus. Hybrid work may be available, but onsite work in Urbana-Champaign is required. This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to promote creativity, vision, and successful communications efforts. Strong communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment. Knowledge of issues/best practices for science communications; knowledge of social media best practices, analytics and SEO strategies; ability to work with public and private organizations; mission of University of Illinois Extension, the land-grant system, and University of Illinois policies and procedures. Job Responsibilities Organizational Leadership and Strategic Communications 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. Marketing, Brand Strategy, and Public Engagement Develop comprehensive marketing campaigns that measurably increase awareness of Extension programs and expand participation among new audiences. Lead statewide brand strategy and positioning initiatives. Support legislative outreach, advancement initiatives, donor engagement, workforce recruitment, volunteer recruitment, and strategic partnerships through coordinated communications both for statewide Extension and Extension Units. Guide audience research, market segmentation, customer experience, and outreach strategies. Oversee annual impact reports, multimedia storytelling initiatives, statewide campaigns, and organizational publications both for statewide Extension and Extension Units. Communications Operations and Digital Strategies Provide leadership for creative services, publications, digital communications, web strategy, social media, multimedia production, media relations, and content development. Guide adoption of emerging communications technologies, including artificial intelligence, marketing automation, and accessibility best practices. Use analytics, website metrics, campaign performance, and audience engagement data to lead continuous improvement. Establish standards for editorial quality, accessibility, and content strategy. Leadership, Personnel, and Organizational Development Lead, supervise, coach, and develop the statewide Extension Marketing and Communications team. Develop organizational capacity through mentoring, succession planning, and professional development. Promote collaboration across Extension Program Teams, Regional Offices, Unit Offices, and University Partners with Extension MarCom. Professional Development and Innovation Remain current on emerging trends in strategic communications, integrated marketing, science communication, analytics, artificial intelligence, and higher education communications. Represent Illinois Extension through professional organizations and national collaborations. Other Responsibilities Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements. Personal transportation required; occasional state-wide travel will be required. Physical Demands / Working Conditions When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various physical demands including ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty(40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. Appointment Information This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. This position is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible, non‑tenure academic professional position appointed on a 12‑month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The previously determined salary range for this position was $90,000 to $105,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary while taking into consideration internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, as well as budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a calculation involving these elements. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at the top of the full range for this position. Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on October 7, 2026. For further information about this specific position, please contact Doug Harlan at View email address on click.appcast.io. For questions regarding the application process, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first‑generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far‑reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non‑discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E‑Verify. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at View phone number on click.appcast.io, option #1, or View email address on click.appcast.io. Looking for more University of Illinois Positions? We invite you to search for positions at each of the University of Illinois' locations, the University of Illinois System Office and the University of Illinois Foundation. The University of Illinois System Office supports the primary missions of teaching, research, public service, and economic development for all of the Universities and offers positions in all locations. The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving agency for the University of Illinois and also offers position in all locations. Click #J-18808-Ljbffr