Adler University
Executive and Internal Communications Manager
Adler University, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
The Executive and Internal Communications Manager supports the Associate Vice President of Communications in developing and executing strategic communications for the University and the Office of the President. The role requires collaboration on executive-level communication strategy development and implementation, including drafting speeches, talking points, announcements, and internal stories, ensuring alignment with the University's strategic goals. Additionally, the manager will oversee internal communication channels and support communication needs for student-facing offices and other departments as needed. This position will also manage the president’s social media presence in partnership with the University’s social media manager.
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field required.
Minimum four years of professional experience in communications or public relations with proven experience creating engaging content across diverse communication platforms preferred. Internal crisis response ideal, but not necessary.
Knowledge of digital platforms and systems, like Marketing Cloud, Mail Chimp, WordPress, the Adobe Suite (InDesign, Workfront) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Exceptional writing and editing skills with experience drafting clear and concise communications.
Strong understanding of internal communications best practices, including strategies for newsletters, digital displays, and intranet updates.
Ability to align communications with organizational goals and adapt messaging to suit various audiences, including students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
Some knowledge of social media management with the ability to partner effectively with social media teams.
Demonstrated collaboration skills, particularly in cross-functional team settings, working with senior leaders, staff, and departments across multiple campuses.
Ability to consistently identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations based on observations.
Strong demonstration of alignment with Adler’s social justice mission and vision.
Strong critical thinking, problem-solving and visioning acumen.
Ability to proactively identify challenges and barriers to stated objectives and employ assistance in addressing these.
Strong collaboration acumen and abilities.
Demonstration of Emotional Intelligence and professional maturity.
Proficient and functional knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Strong research acumen and abilities.
Strong communication acumen including written, oral, and listening.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
President Communications (40%):
Support the division head and the Office of the President with the development and implementation of comprehensive presidential communication strategies that effectively convey the University's mission, strategic goals, and key initiatives.
Lead the creation of speeches, talking points, and announcements for the president, ensuring that messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with the University's broader communications strategy.
Provide guidance and consultation on presidential communication opportunities, including identifying key moments for impactful messaging, advising on tone and delivery, and preparing the president for internal and external engagements.
Act as a liaison between the President’s Office and the communications team, ensuring all executive-level messaging is integrated across University channels.
Presidential Social Media Support (30%):
Manage the President’s social media presence in collaboration with the University’s social media manager, ensuring alignment with broader University communication strategies and the president’s voice.
Curate and develop engaging content in partnership with the University’s art director for social media that reflects the president’s vision and the University’s strategic initiatives.
Internal Communications Management (30%):
Oversee the development, writing, and distribution of the University’s internal newsletter(s) and special announcements.
Occasionally develop stories for internal audiences, particularly for initiatives and events not intended for external audiences.
Support crisis response for internal audiences if necessary.
Manage content for internal digital displays.
Provide communications support for student-facing offices, ensuring messaging is aligned and responsive to student needs and expectations.
Serve as the liaison between the Office of People and Culture and Finance and Operations on internal messaging support. Support will be provided for other areas as needed.
Monitor and assess internal communication effectiveness, offering recommendations for improvement based on feedback and emerging best practices.
Work Environment (Physical Demands):
The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 90% sitting, 5% walking, and 5% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of Adler University that all persons are entitled to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) protection. The University does not discriminate against any individual for employment because of age, religion, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status (including unfavorable discharge from the military), or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As part of Adler's equal employment opportunity policy, Adler will also take affirmative action to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.
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Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field required.
Minimum four years of professional experience in communications or public relations with proven experience creating engaging content across diverse communication platforms preferred. Internal crisis response ideal, but not necessary.
Knowledge of digital platforms and systems, like Marketing Cloud, Mail Chimp, WordPress, the Adobe Suite (InDesign, Workfront) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Exceptional writing and editing skills with experience drafting clear and concise communications.
Strong understanding of internal communications best practices, including strategies for newsletters, digital displays, and intranet updates.
Ability to align communications with organizational goals and adapt messaging to suit various audiences, including students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
Some knowledge of social media management with the ability to partner effectively with social media teams.
Demonstrated collaboration skills, particularly in cross-functional team settings, working with senior leaders, staff, and departments across multiple campuses.
Ability to consistently identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations based on observations.
Strong demonstration of alignment with Adler’s social justice mission and vision.
Strong critical thinking, problem-solving and visioning acumen.
Ability to proactively identify challenges and barriers to stated objectives and employ assistance in addressing these.
Strong collaboration acumen and abilities.
Demonstration of Emotional Intelligence and professional maturity.
Proficient and functional knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Strong research acumen and abilities.
Strong communication acumen including written, oral, and listening.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
President Communications (40%):
Support the division head and the Office of the President with the development and implementation of comprehensive presidential communication strategies that effectively convey the University's mission, strategic goals, and key initiatives.
Lead the creation of speeches, talking points, and announcements for the president, ensuring that messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with the University's broader communications strategy.
Provide guidance and consultation on presidential communication opportunities, including identifying key moments for impactful messaging, advising on tone and delivery, and preparing the president for internal and external engagements.
Act as a liaison between the President’s Office and the communications team, ensuring all executive-level messaging is integrated across University channels.
Presidential Social Media Support (30%):
Manage the President’s social media presence in collaboration with the University’s social media manager, ensuring alignment with broader University communication strategies and the president’s voice.
Curate and develop engaging content in partnership with the University’s art director for social media that reflects the president’s vision and the University’s strategic initiatives.
Internal Communications Management (30%):
Oversee the development, writing, and distribution of the University’s internal newsletter(s) and special announcements.
Occasionally develop stories for internal audiences, particularly for initiatives and events not intended for external audiences.
Support crisis response for internal audiences if necessary.
Manage content for internal digital displays.
Provide communications support for student-facing offices, ensuring messaging is aligned and responsive to student needs and expectations.
Serve as the liaison between the Office of People and Culture and Finance and Operations on internal messaging support. Support will be provided for other areas as needed.
Monitor and assess internal communication effectiveness, offering recommendations for improvement based on feedback and emerging best practices.
Work Environment (Physical Demands):
The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 90% sitting, 5% walking, and 5% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of Adler University that all persons are entitled to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) protection. The University does not discriminate against any individual for employment because of age, religion, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status (including unfavorable discharge from the military), or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As part of Adler's equal employment opportunity policy, Adler will also take affirmative action to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr