Description
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
Job Description
The Executive Director of Marketing and Communications provides strategic leadership for all internal and external marketing, communications, branding, and public relations functions for the College of Business. This senior leadership role is responsible for advancing the college's reputation, enrollment goals, fundraising priorities, and stakeholder engagement through integrated marketing and communications strategies aligned with the university's mission and brand.
The Executive Director serves as a key advisor to the Dean and college leadership, collaborates extensively with central university marketing and communications teams, and leads a high-performing team supporting undergraduate, graduate, executive education, research, alumni, corporate engagement, and development initiatives.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year marketing and communications strategy that supports the College of Business’s strategic plan, enrollment targets, fundraising goals, and reputation management initiatives.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Sr Executive Dean of Strategic Initiatives and senior leadership on branding, positioning, messaging, and communications opportunities. Ensure alignment with university-wide brand standards, messaging frameworks, and marketing priorities.
- Lead brand management efforts to strengthen and differentiate the College of Business’s identity regionally, nationally, and globally.
- Oversee marketing campaigns supporting undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs, including recruitment, retention, and student success initiatives.
- Direct market research, audience segmentation, and competitive analysis to inform strategy and investment decisions.
- Oversee internal and external communications, including websites, email marketing, social media, print materials, digital content, and advertising.
- Coordinate media relations strategy with University Communications, including proactive storytelling, rankings submissions, awards, and faculty expertise promotion.
- Develop crisis and issues communication plans for the college.
- Guide digital strategy across web, social media, and emerging platforms. Ensure consistent, compelling storytelling that highlights faculty research, student achievements, alumni impact, and corporate partnerships.
- Oversee analytics and reporting to measure effectiveness and ROI of marketing and communications efforts.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a professional marketing and communications team, including goal setting, performance management, and professional development.
- Manage departmental budgets, external vendors, agencies, and consultants.
- Establish workflows and project management processes to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
- Serve as primary liaison between the College of Business and central university marketing, communications, IT, and enrollment management offices.
- Represent the college on university committees and task forces related to marketing, communications, and branding.
- Perform other duties as assigned and participate in special projects as assigned.
Pay and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $200,000.
We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Application Procedure
All applicants must apply via the UIC job board by the close date of July 31, 2026. For fullest consideration, please apply by Monday, July 20, 2026.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability.
Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899
Requirements
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, business, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in marketing and communications, preferably in higher education, complex public-sector organizations, or mission-driven institutions.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies.
- Proven leadership and people-management experience, including budget oversight.
- Strong writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
- Experience managing digital platforms, analytics, and vendors/agencies.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in marketing, communications, business administration, or a related field.
- Experience in a College of Business, research university, or similarly complex academic environment.
- Familiarity with enrollment marketing, advancement communications, and alumni engagement.
- Knowledge of accreditation, rankings, and reputational initiatives within business education (e.g., AACSB).
