Job Description

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

School of Information Sciences

Assistant Dean for Communications and Marketing

The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois invites applications from qualified individuals for a 100% full-time Assistant Dean for Communications and Marketing.

The iSchool at Illinois makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals through teaching, research, and public engagement. Our mission is to lead the way in understanding the use of information in science, culture, society, commerce, and the diverse activities of our daily lives. We engage in inclusive community partnerships, working beyond geographic boundaries to benefit the social good. We believe in the power of information to change the world. For more information about iSchool, visit ischool.illinois.edu .

JOB SUMMARY

This position is part of the Dean’s leadership team and is charged with interpreting, communicating, and marketing the iSchool's excellence, impact, vision, mission, and priorities to internal and external audiences. This position has overall responsibility for the marketing and communication portfolio that supports the iSchool's mission and continues to increase the visibility, reputation, and stature of the iSchool.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the communications and marketing team, providing strategic direction and ensuring adoption of best practices in content development, branding, usability, design and accessibility.
• Collaborate with senior administration to advance the school’s mission and achieve goals.
• Explore, develop, and implement innovative marketing and communications approaches that will be effective and have significant positive impact on the stature of the iSchool.
• Ensure iSchool leadership is kept apprised of emerging and developing issues. Advise and guide the Dean and other senior leadership on media and public relations matters, including mission- and time-critical, often sensitive topics. Lead, write, and edit messaging efficiently and effectively.
• Assess the effectiveness of communications and marketing activities through analytics and performance metrics, and other appropriate measures.
• Represent the college in campus-wide communication, marketing, and branding efforts. Manage media relations, creating a sophisticated approach to public relations that includes monitoring media coverage. Serve as the iSchool’s principal resource for media inquiries.
• Establish, foster, and grow strong networking and relationships throughout the college and across the campus and various media outlets.
• Other duties as assigned to enhance the mission of the unit.

ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in a typical office environment.

Qualifications

Education:

Required: Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred: Advanced degree in relevant discipline.

Experience:

Required:

• Seven (7) years of professional experience and demonstrated success in communications and marketing.
• Extensive experience in the creation and execution of strategy.
• Experience in managing projects and staff.
• Experience in leading staff, managing operations and projects.

Preferred:

• Experience working in communications and/or marketing, including public relations and crisis management.
• Experience working in communications and/or marketing in higher education.
• Previous experience in leading and managing a MARCOM group.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with both internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply market research data to strategic visioning and planning initiatives.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Proven organizational and managerial skills.
• Strong skill in strategic planning, to organize resources effectively, establish priorities, and achieve desired results.
• Thorough knowledge of current and emerging marketing trends and best practices, including new and emerging strategies and technologies. Ability to keep up-to-date in these practices.
• Understanding of data and analytics and the use of these insights to develop marketing campaigns and measure its effectiveness.
• Awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural and linguistic differences.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search close date.

The budgeted salary range for the position is $110,000 to $135,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Hybrid work options may be available for this position after an initial training period, but with the requirement that onsite availability may be needed at any time with short notice.

Work authorization is not available for this position.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on July 7, 2025 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting, and upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names and contact information for three professional references. Interviews may occur before the close date; however, all applications received by the close date will receive full consideration. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through 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 regarding this specific position, please email . For questions regarding the application system, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .

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 accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing .

Requisition ID: 1031310
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: jobs.illinois.edu

Job Tags

Similar Jobs