DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

The University of Illinois Foundation (UIF) is seeking an energetic and high caliber individual to take on the Director of Marketing and Communications role.   The successful candidate will direct and guide the UIF marketing and communications portfolio to provide strategic, innovative and consistent solutions, ensuring integrated marketing outcomes and effective end-user experiences for internal and external audiences.      

Responsibilities:

• Serve as resource for helping to champion excellence and sustained success for campaign planning and execution for UIF and three universities.
• Oversee the day to day operations, management and executable tasks including project assignments and working relations with any outside partners regarding creative, copy, printing, marketing and communications materials for campaign planning and execution.

• Guide brand and creative strategy, formulate high value content solutions, and direct editorial and design deliverables across a variety of platforms (print, email, web, social media. software technology, video, etc.)
• Work in partnership with development and marketing colleagues in support of fundraising efforts within UIF, UA and the U of I’s three universities.
• Ensure high performance of the marketing/communications department: recruit, hire, train, develop, coach, manage and lead staff: implement effective systems and procedures, realizing cost/time/production efficiencies.
• Provide event engagement deliverables—creating effective experiential and storytelling elements for meetings/events such as:  UIF board meetings, UI president events, campaign meetings and the Annual Foundation Meeting & Weekend collaboration with each university (serving as live producer in cases).
• Write/edit/proof remarks for UIF leadership (president, board chair, and other board officers/members).
• Establish and monitor metrics for marketing and communications engagement, comparative analysis, data driven decisions and ROI.
• Work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders such as UIF staff, (including the president and the board); University/campus officials and staff; donors, alumni, volunteers, etc. 
• Examine organizational assumptions and status quo, asking strategic and tactical questions to ensure quality decision-making, effective solutions/improvements, and meaningful outcomes.
• Research, vet, select and establish great relationships with vendors and partners while overseeing all outsourced projects (design, print, web, video, photography, AV, etc.).
• Manage all marketing, communication and branding materials in accordance with UIF, University, and/or campus marketing, communication and development policies and procedures.
• Maintain constant awareness of the direction and manage status of all projects, including anticipating strategically and coordinating situations, needs and conflicts that unexpectedly evolve.
• Responsible for monthly budget review/reconciliation, quarterly variance reporting, and fiscal year budget planning for the Marketing/Communications budget.
• Serve on the leadership team for Campaign/Marketing/Communication/Donor Services team along with the other directors and leaders.
• Represent UIF Marketing/Communications on various committees and projects.
• Stay informed of developments and trends in the fields of marketing, higher education, and fundraising, as well as their intersections-participate in conferences and seminars related to these topics, and engage in ongoing communication and engagement with critical audiences including colleagues, alumni, friends, donors, faculty and students at the U of I.
• Empower, develop and lead your teammates to achieve bold and ambitious impressions of the campaign by honoring UIF core values and producing value added deliverable to promote mission vision, goals, objective and strategic plan of UIF and the three universities.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, marketing, graphic design or other appropriate discipline and a minimum of seven years of marketing and communication-related experience, including knowledge of brand management, writing and editing, design and digital direction, and strategic communications are required.  Masters in strategic public relations, communication, marketing or business administration is preferred.  Strong organizational and analytical skills, and excellent communication skills, including oral and written are essential.  Ability to successfully manage multiple projects, clients and deadlines, have strong leadership skills, professional demeanor, attention to detail and the ability to work with donors and University constituents is preferred.  The successful candidate must have a proven ability to effectively manage, coach and lead a team.

Competitive benefit package and compensation commensurate with experience. Comprehensive background check including but not limited to a criminal conviction and credit check will be conducted. 

Application Deadline:                       March 1, 2017

Application Process:  For full consideration, all candidates must complete an online application and include a resume and cover a letter.  Candidates may create a profile through https://jobs.uif.uillinois.edu.  Applicant interviews may begin before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date.  For further information regarding application procedures, contact Foundation Human Resources at uifhrsearches@uif.uillinois.edu.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION

IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER