Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are located in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.

Columbia College Chicago a private urban institution of over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a Communications Manager.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Campus Communications (or AVP), the Communications Manager in Strategic Communications and External Relations (SCER) serves as the communications account manager for various academic departments, client groups and business units across the college. The Communications Manager develops, creates and executes effective communications content such as brand journalism and storytelling, advertising plans and marketing strategies that elevate the college’s position and prominence, drive enrollment, and meet fundraising goals. The Communications Manager writes and communicates unique, compelling and consistent brand messages across multiple channels and for internal and external audiences, including faculty and staff, prospective students, alumni, media and the general public.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as communications liaison/account manager for specific client groups at the college. Regularly meet with and build relationships with clients to fully understand their business goals and translate those goals through the lens of strategic college goals.
• Communicate client goals to the larger team in order to integrate client interests into the overall communications goals and objectives of SCER and the college at large.
• Plan, create and execute effective communications strategies and tactics that support delivery of college strategy and business priorities. Specific activities include researching, interviewing, reporting, writing, editing and fact checking a variety of content for client to be used for marketing and communications channels, including department/client websites and marketing collateral; individual project communications plans; large-scale communications plans and press materials such as news releases and media advisories.
• Manage communications projects from start to finish; review all major deliverables to ensure quality standards and client expectations are met; and deliver final products to clients for review.
• Manage appropriate client expectations, client communications, conflict resolution and compliance on client deliverables.
• Collaborate daily with Campus Communications staff and Design & Brand Management Team to ensure appropriate communications coverage and branding.
• Direct the activities of internal and external partners such as designers, photographers and writers.
• Perform other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Follow Columbia’s brand and style guide.
• Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in a fast-paced editorial/communications environment, with strong client and project management skills. At least two of those years in a client account management role within a complex organization.
• Familiarity with higher education institutions preferred.
• Superior writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Highly collaborative and relationship-building style with strong customer service skills.
• Proven ability to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction with a sense of urgency, drive and energy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a demanding, deadline-driven, team-oriented environment.
• Strong command of Associated Press style preferred.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement and real-world experiences.

Additional Information

• Position subject to a background screening.
• This is a non-union position.
• This position is overtime ineligible.

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.