Director of Communications

University of Chicago Open · verified Aug 17, 2026

Hybrid Chicago Full-time Director Communications

Leadership Communications role at University of Chicago. Chicago · full-time · $110,000–$125,000 base.

SalaryStated by University of Chicago

$110,000 – $125,000

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

This role, from University of ChicagoOur estimate for the market: $118,125–$201,875

Below the market median of $176,310 for lead communications roles in Chicago.

Worked out from 10 postings that stated pay, median $176,310. Last updated Aug 13, 2026.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

You’ll lead communications staff, set goals, review their work, and assess performance
You’ll develop DSI branding and messaging across its website, newsletters, and social channels
You’ll plan research, program, and announcement communications for internal and external audiences
You’ll write sensitive messages, speeches, releases, scripts, and talking points for senior leaders
You’ll assess communication results and improve campaigns while coordinating partners and contractors

What you bring

A related college or university degree and at least seven years of relevant professional experience
Experience in higher education or data science organizations, including work with researchers and strategic planning
Background in public relations, journalism, marketing, digital storytelling, website management, or social media
Advanced WordPress and Google Analytics skills, plus familiarity with email software and Adobe Creative Suite
Strong writing and speaking skills, discretion with confidential information, and the ability to manage competing deadlines

Who this fits

You’ll suit this role if you can explain complex data science and AI work to varied audiences, build agreement across a decentralized institution, and balance strategic planning with urgent public-facing work. You’ll manage communications staff and collaborate with researchers, university teams, partners, and media colleagues. The job is full-time in Chicago with a hybrid arrangement, and applicants must provide a resume, cover letter, and published STEM writing sample.

From the employer

Department

PSD Data Science: Staff Leadership

About the Department

The Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago was established to support the development of emerging efforts in data science and AI across the University. The staff in the Data Science Institute support the University’s community of scholars, their shared ideals, and the core values that make the University a singular intellectual destination. Together with the University's deans and department chairs, the Data Science Institute provides the opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage our faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work. We are part of the Physical Sciences Division which includes departments and several interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.

Job Summary

The Director of Communications leads efforts to highlight groundbreaking research, partnerships, and educational programs in data science and AI, expanding the visibility of the Data Science Institute (DSI) and continuing to develop the brand and reputation of the Institute. Reporting to the Senior Director of Partnerships and Chief of Staff, the Director of Communications oversees the development and optimization of internal and external communication mechanisms and infrastructure within DSI to improve capabilities and brand alignment across a variety of programs, events, initiatives, and teams. Executes a strategic plan that incorporates all DSI programming and ensures goals align across distinct areas.

Responsibilities

Manages DSI’s communications staff, meeting regularly to provide support, helping set goals in alignment with DSI’s strategy, reviewing work product, and evaluating performance.

Leads the continued development of the DSI brand and messaging.
Oversees DSI website, helping to maintain security, compliance, and brand alignment.
Drives strategy and content creation for DSI’s channels, including newsletters, website, and social media.
Acts as a strategist and project lead to plan, develop and disseminate information designed to keep the University informed of the Institute’s programs, research accomplishments and point of view.
Provides communications trainings for DSI staff and researchers on best practices for websites, social media, and more.
Creates communications plans for internal and external announcements that take into consideration points of conflict and complex interests of a wide range of stakeholders.
Crafts internal and external messages on behalf of the Faculty Directors and Executive Director, including responses to sensitive or complex issues, speeches, scripts, talking points, and more.
Writes articles and releases as needed.
Creates and cultivates pathways for UChicago expertise in data science and AI to contribute to national conversations.
Builds communications plans for research initiatives and graduate programs.
Coordinates with counterparts, including internal and external institutions, departments, and organizations (UChicago departments and institutes, other partner institutions, Industry Affiliate members, nonprofit partners, etc.) to achieve consensus for major news releases.
Analyzes data to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and develops plans for improvement.
Assists the program directors with marketing of graduate programs through the development of campaigns and creation of collateral to ensure brand alignment.
Serves as project manager for other communications projects (e.g., donor engagement, annual report, etc.).
Hires and manages contractors (photographers, graphic artists, web development, etc.) as needed.
Assists in the creation and promotion of campaigns that cultivate an environment of belonging for DSI constituents.
Collaborates with University’s central media relations and news teams to disseminate information designed to keep the public informed and maximize outreach efforts.
Makes high-level contributions to the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues.
Solves complex and unique problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
Develops the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Is accountable for maintaining the unit's goals and communications strategy in publications, announcements, and speeches.
Provides leadership and supervision of communications staff. May manage the communications budget.
Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Graduate degree in a related field.

Experience:

Experience working in higher education or data science organizations.
Experience working with researchers.
Experience with public relations, journalism, marketing, content marketing, digital storytelling, website management, and/or social media.
Experience with developing recruitment marketing strategies to enhance student enrollment.
Experience with strategic planning.
Supervisory experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Strong computer skills including knowledge of email distribution software, Adobe Creative Suite and/or similar applications.
Advanced skills in WordPress, Google Analytics or similar platforms; CSS/HTML a plus).
Experience using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Preferred Competencies

An understanding of and passion for data science and AI.
Ability to develop strategic communications for a large organization.
Excellent written and spoken communications skills (including knowledge of correct English usage, Chicago and AP style guides).
Effective strategic professional who can clearly communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Organized self-starter, able to work strategically and independently.
Effective bridge-builder, able to work across communities.
Ability to successfully manage a workload that balances long-range planning with the unanticipated daily demands of managing publicly visible projects.
Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships with diverse constituencies.
Able to work with a diverse workforce in a complex decentralized environment.
Exceptional organizational skills.
A resourceful problem-solver and critical thinker, able to be proactive in leveraging opportunities and anticipating and averting problems.

Application Documents

Resume (required)
Cover Letter (required)
Published writing sample (link or PDF of article, blog, op-ed, web copy, etc.)—STEM content (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$110,000.00 - $125,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.