Public Information Associate (Communication Specialist) - Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research

The Communication Specialist will support and promote the goals of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research by contributing to communications, marketing, branding, and web presence. The specialist will identify and create news stories and website and social media content that highlights UIC research and OVCR activities, build and manage OVCR websites, assist with internal communications, and support events. They will also collaborate and strategize with communications colleagues across campus as a representative of OVCR., Content creation

• Write and edit various communication materials, such as news stories.
• Find and select stories highlighting UIC research and OVCR activities. Understand the goal of the article. Know who the audience is so that the content can be tailored to their level of understanding and interests.
• Gather information through interviews with faculty, staff, students, and subject matter experts
• Build a narrative from interviews and background research
• Collaborate with interviewees and editors to ensure story accuracy and effectiveness. Ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date, especially if citing statistics, studies, or expert opinions. Gather approvals from all required entities.
• Make sure the article is coherent and logically organized. Rearrange paragraphs or sections if needed. Proofread the article for grammatical errors, spelling, or awkward phrasing.
• Review the article to refine language, remove redundancies, and ensure clarity. Ensure the article is formatted according to university guidelines (e.g., headings, font size, spacing, AP style, inclusive language).
• Publish stories to OVCR website and social media platforms. Share relevant stories with UIC partners, such as Strategic Marketing and Communications, Colleges/Schools or other administrative units.

OVCR website management

• Support OVCR departments, research cores and institutes in website development and management
• Ensure content is relevant, engaging and informative. Maintain a consistent tone, voice and style across all content to build a cohesive brand identity.
• Incorporate different media types, such as images, videos or infographics, to make the content more engaging.
• Periodically review the content on the site to ensure it's up-to-date and accurate. Remove outdated information and update any broken links.
• Update content with fresh information, images or data. Remove or archive any content no longer relevant, accurate or aligned with our organization goals.
• Design and build websites for new units. Work with unit partners to establish a content strategy. Consider the target audience, their needs and how the website can serve them (inform, educate, etc.).

Social Media Management

• Manage the organization's social media platforms by creating and scheduling posts, engaging with other accounts, responding to comments and analyzing performance metrics to ensure engagement.
• Create and periodically update strategy for using various social media channels to reach target audiences.
• Produce content that fits each social media platform.

Internal Communications

• Facilitate effective communication within the organization, including preparing updates, memos, email marketing campaigns and other communications for employees and management.
• Work with unit leaders to strategize communication around new initiatives, upcoming events and other priorities.
• Manage the OVCR Emma accounts and help units with their email communications.
• Coordinate with other UIC units, including Strategic Marketing and Communications and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, on announcements with a broader campus audience.

Event Support

• Provide support with pre-event planning, on-site event coordination and post-event strategies.
• Develop promotional materials (flyers, social media posts, email campaigns) to generate awareness and encourage attendance.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

1. Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, radio/television broadcasting, web/digital media, or a related field.
2. One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in public relations, journalism, social media communications, newspaper reporting, radio/television broadcasting with emphasis on production, or web/digital media.
3. Demonstrate a working knowledge of research administration and regulatory compliance areas such as IRB, IACUC, IBC, or sponsored programs and the ability to translate complex research or compliance topics into accessible content for diverse audiences.

Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.

and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

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.

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