Communications and Publications Associate | University of Chicago (UC) - Military Veterans

Location: Chicago, IL Job Description: Implements the marketing of Museum exhibitions and programs , as well as symposia, lectures, tours, artist talks, and other recurring museum events to campus and public audiences . Creates and oversees mailing schedules, enforces timelines and deadlines, reviews plans to ensure target audiences are adequately addressed, and researches new marketing outlets and contacts. Works with the Director, Deputy Director, museum curators, and education staff to produce both written and visual content for these marketing pieces. Gathers information and other resources as needed , drafts and revises all written content .   Drafts and sends press releases for key announcements related to Museum exhibitions, programs, hiring and other special initiatives . Works closely with Director, Deputy Director, and external contacts as needed to coordinate messaging and timing for announcements. Actively seeks outlets for press coverage and works with Deputy Director to identify relevant press opportunities for Museum updates.      Coordinates the design, production, and distribution of standard marketing pieces, including the Museum's quarterly calendar, invitations, postcards, brochures, guides, and fl y ers. Updates and/or revises design templates and occasionally work with staff and graphic design vendors to create new templates for special projects.   Works closely with education and curatorial staff to format exhibition and special project wall labels and vinyl graphics . C oordinates production and installation with vendor.   Manages relationships with design, printing, and mail house vendors, including communicating the Museum's marketing priorities and graphic identity needs, securing and reviewing necessary price quotes, sending jobs to print, and ensuring timely delivery.    W ith Deputy Director, reviews and updates Museums institutional style guide as needed .  Coordinates photographer, videographer, and/or press for the Museums exhibition or program events.   Collects and organizes photographs of events and exhibitions. Collects and organizes data from visitor services and education team about attendance and other assessment of events and programs.   C ollaborates with relevant staff to produce annual impact report for museum.   Manages production of Smart publications, including exhibition catalogues, and other published materials as needed. Works with publishers and vendors to manage extensive production timelines. Collaborates with internal staff and external partners to ensure all publications content is finalized and delivered according to schedule. Supports the distribution of Smart publications internally and with UChicago Press.    Partners with d irectors o ffice and d evelopment to produce updated staff and Board of Governors handbooks and business cards for team.    Maintains and updates the Museum's website. Coordinates website needs with University communications office as needed.    Creates content for and manages all of the Smarts social media platforms, creating a schedule of regular posts customized for each platform.   Ensures all outlets representing the Smart are updated and include timely graphics and messaging , including digital screens on campus, located in Smarts entrances, neighboring courtyard , and parking garage. Plans, develops and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction. Accomplishes assigned duties through two or more of the following: written communications; visual/graphic media, which may include Web site development and maintenance; speeches and personal contact. The incumbent is still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills. P erforms other related work as needed. Preferred Qualifications Education: An undergraduate degree in communications or a related field from an accredited college or university. Experience: Three years of experience working in marketing and/or communications.   Prior experience working in an art museum or gallery.    Background developing brands, public relations, and building audiences for the arts and/or University campus programs.   Writing press releases, pitching media, and communications crisis management.   Administrative and project management experience.   Technical Skills or Knowledge:   Computer proficiency, including graphic design (Adobe InDesign and/or Canva), web administration (Squarespace and CSS/HTML), email applications (MailChimp), and social media management (Facebook, Instagram). General knowledge of patron marketing strategy, campaign execution, branding, website development, social media, and email campaign strategies.   Intermediate graphic design skills (Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva) to aid in the creation of visual communications.   Understanding and capacity to manage printed collateral, signage, and promotional materials.   Open to learning new technologies and marketing software applications.   Preferred Competencies   Clear, effective, and tactful oral and written communication and editing skills.   Handle sensitive information with discretion.   Strong time-management and organizational skills.   Work on multiple tasks simultaneously, within deadlines and allocated budget.   Contribute ideas and creative solutions to increase brand awareness, digital engagement, and visibility among target audiences.   Work and coordinate tasks and projects with vendors, service providers, and staff.   Solid understanding of marketing and branding best practices, follow established brand guidelines, and create unified pieces that reflect the museum's brand and voice.   Artistic and detailed oriented.   Cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.   Work in a team environment with minimal supervision.   Work independently, flexible, and manage multiple priorities.   Working Conditions Considerable stationary office work, including using computers for 6 to 8 hours daily.   Work a flexible schedule.   Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter (preferred)   The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.