Strategic Content Specialist - Prairie Research Institute at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Strategic Content Specialist - Prairie Research Institute




Prairie Research Institute



We are unable to sponsor an employment VISA or take over sponsorship for an employment VISA for this position now and in the future. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States with no VISA sponsorship.


Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.



Job Summary

Conceptualize, research, and produce communication products to effectively reach PRI's internal and external stakeholders/audiences.



Duties & Responsibilities

• Scientific Communications - Write news releases, assemble newsletters, web content, and other marketing and communications materials that communicate key PRI messages and that advance relationships with PRI stakeholders, including internal audiences, the campus community, policymakers, donors and potential donors, and funding agencies.
• Media Relations -Pitch PRI news & experts to national, state, and local media outlets. Coordinate with the Assistant Director of Strategic Communications to build relationships with reporters and influencers across a wide variety of media outlets, including social media. Build and manage media lists.
• Strategic Communications - Identify internal and external communication needs and develop strategic communication projects to address these needs, in collaboration with the strategic communication team. Analyze and measure effectiveness and impact of communication efforts.
• Editing -Copy edit for organization, consistency, clarity, completeness, grammatical correctness, punctuation, format, and suitability for the specified audience. Assist scientists in recognizing opportunities for research results outreach and help them explain their results to the public and the press in both print and digital media.
• Other - Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI. Keep abreast of developments in strategic communications, advancement, social media, design, and other relevant areas.

Additional Physical Demands

The work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions.



Specialty Factors



(Specialty factor) Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a related field. Three years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area. Demonstrated experience writing news articles, press releases, and managing social media for a business, private, or university setting.



Preferred Qualifications



Experience working in a university or non-profit setting. Experience writing about archaeology, geology, sustainability, and/or the natural world, or other scientific topics.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.

Appointment Information


This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 5/8/2024. Salary is commensurate with experience.


For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .



Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 8, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Megan Weeks, mkweeks@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID: 1023591
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu


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