Senior Communications Specialist
Apply NowCompany: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL 60629
Description:
Department
BSD ADM - Communications
About the Department
The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care.
The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV):
MISSION: As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.
VISION: Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.
VALUES:
Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.
Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation.
Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.
Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.
Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.
Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.
The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. It is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Chicago and the BSD. Our team is helping shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community.
Job Summary
The University of Chicago's Biological Sciences Division (BSD), in close partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) health system, seeks a strategic, detail-oriented Senior Communications Specialist to join our internal communications team.
As a content creator and editor, this position plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering clear, timely, and engaging internal communications across both the academic and clinical enterprises.
With equal responsibility for supporting the BSD and the health system, the Senior Communications Specialist will lead the development of employee-facing content that clearly supports institutional priorities, change management efforts, and a connected, informed organizational culture. This includes quickly translating complex or sensitive information - particularly related to HR, operations, IT, and administration - into content that resonates with diverse internal audiences, including faculty, staff, academic appointees, and trainees.
The ideal candidate is collaborative, versatile, and a clear communicator who is highly organized and has strong editorial judgment and outstanding writing skills.
Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Experience:
Preferred Competencies
Working Conditions
Application Documents
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
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$80,000.00 - $110,000.00
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.
BSD ADM - Communications
About the Department
The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care.
The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV):
MISSION: As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.
VISION: Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.
VALUES:
Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.
Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation.
Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.
Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.
Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.
Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.
The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. It is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Chicago and the BSD. Our team is helping shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community.
Job Summary
The University of Chicago's Biological Sciences Division (BSD), in close partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) health system, seeks a strategic, detail-oriented Senior Communications Specialist to join our internal communications team.
As a content creator and editor, this position plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering clear, timely, and engaging internal communications across both the academic and clinical enterprises.
With equal responsibility for supporting the BSD and the health system, the Senior Communications Specialist will lead the development of employee-facing content that clearly supports institutional priorities, change management efforts, and a connected, informed organizational culture. This includes quickly translating complex or sensitive information - particularly related to HR, operations, IT, and administration - into content that resonates with diverse internal audiences, including faculty, staff, academic appointees, and trainees.
The ideal candidate is collaborative, versatile, and a clear communicator who is highly organized and has strong editorial judgment and outstanding writing skills.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a content creator for internal communications across BSD and UCM, including leadership messages, policy updates, HR initiatives, program rollouts, and operational news.
- Write, edit, and publish clear, compelling content across email, newsletters, intranet, and other internal channels, along with scripts, talking points, and other executive communications.
- Develop strong relationships with stakeholders across HR, IT, Finance, Faculty Affairs, and other units to proactively identify and execute communication opportunities.
- Collaborate with communications colleagues and leadership to implement strategies that inform, align, and engage faculty and staff.
- Manage and maintain critical email distribution lists and be the key team contact for communications delivery platforms in coordination with IT and HR.
- Support and lead internal campaigns and initiatives, providing project management and editorial oversight.
- Monitor and report on communication effectiveness using analytics and engagement metrics.
- Contribute to a growing communications calendar to structure and optimize message flow across departments and locations.
- Ensure inclusive, accessible language and adherence to brand, voice, and AP style guidelines.
- Develops, plans, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
- Solves moderate to complex problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
- 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Master's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field strongly preferred.
Experience:
- 7 years of professional writing and editing experience, preferably in an academic, healthcare, or corporate environment strongly preferred.
- 5 years of experience developing internal communications for HR, operations, or leadership functions strongly preferred.
- Experience writing for diverse audiences, including executives, faculty, clinicians, and administrative staff.
- Significant knowledge of internal communication best practices, tools, and measurement.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to editorial excellence.
- Experience translating complex or technical content into plain language.
Preferred Competencies
- Familiarity with academic medicine or higher education communications.
- Proficiency with intranet platforms (e.g., SharePoint), email systems (e.g., Outlook, Eloqua, Salesforce), and CMS tools (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Sitecore), and graphic design programs (PowerPoint, Canva, Adobe Suite).
- Basic photography and image editing skills for art to accompany written content.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills and discretion with confidential information.
- Experience incorporating best practices and accessibility standards into communication.
Working Conditions
- Office Environment.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
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
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$80,000.00 - $110,000.00
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.