Director, Operations Communications

Department

OPS Operations, Strategy, and Finance - Communications

About the Department

The Office of the Vice President for Operations supports the highest ambitions of the University’s teaching and learning, research, and engagement goals with the mandate to oversee enabling infrastructure of the University including the built environment, technology, and human resources organizations. In support of faculty, students, and staff, the Office of the Vice President for Operations prioritizes an exceptional level of service and delivery of robust business practices that steward the University’s infrastructure resources efficiently and contributes to the long-range planning and culture of the University.

Job Summary

The Director of Operations Communications is responsible for developing and implementing internal communications strategies for the University of Chicago’s Office of the Vice President of Operations, which includes Information Technology Services, Human Resources, the Department of Safety and Security, and Facilities Services. Their core responsibility is to create and deliver communications that advance Operations’ day-to-day and long-term priorities, both within Operations and to the broader campus community. The Director is instrumental in driving campus awareness of Operations’ resources and providing change-management communications for new policies, initiatives, and priority projects.

Through unified communications with the campus community, Operations Communications will ensure transparent communications on major Operations projects, resources and initiatives, such as technology upgrades, construction and traffic impacts, sustainability initiatives, and policy and benefits information, while fostering strong department collaboration and actively engaging campus partners. This role leads communications for IT Services to help advance IT priorities and initiatives. This role also supports Operations-specific channels, as well as the development of Operations content for University-wide channels. During periods of change and as urgent matters arise in IT Services, this position is responsible for delivering timely and accurate information to stakeholders, in collaboration with the Office of Communications, with the information they need, often beyond business hours.

The Director leads and supervises a team of communications professionals and establishes communication processes and standards for IT Services communications. This includes establishing best-in-class processes, templates, and standards for consistent university-wide messaging. This role reports to the Executive Director of Operations Communications.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and supervises a team of communications professionals supporting IT Services to establish consistent messaging, templates, and standards for both unit-level and campuswide communications. 
• Sets comprehensive communications goals, KPIs, and performance standards to build a high-performing and collaborative team culture.
• Champions professional growth, mentorship, and succession planning for direct reports.
• Supports branding and identity initiatives, ensuring alignment with University-wide standards and the development of new templates for consistency across all Operations internal and external communications channels.
• Fosters a strong and inclusive culture within the Operations communications team.
• Manages Operations web presence on the University’s intranet and contributes content to the UChicago Citizen newsletter. 
• Develops communications strategies, messages, and supporting materials for significant Operations initiatives, in partnership with Executive Director.
• Creates and sustains collaborative partnerships with other communicators and stakeholders on campus and with external partners.
• Oversees the development and coordination of IT Services plans, messages and leadership announcements to advance organizational changes.
• Provides strategic communications and project management support to IT Services initiatives, including communications planning, timeline and milestone development, goals and measurement, assistance with resource allocation. 
• Partners with IT Services Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to develop campus-wide communications strategy advancing key IT priorities and IT transformation initiatives, including generative AI and identity and access management modernization.
• Provides internal communications strategy support to inform staff of key tasks and deadline related to HR, internal processes, and organizational changes.
• Oversees the editorial calendar and publication of the HR Headlines newsletter and manages other communications channels for the University’s Central HR function to ensure HR Partners and employees are informed about policy changes, processes, and other updates.
• Develops communication strategy, provides leadership and management of communications staff, liaises with other University and Unit offices as appropriate.
• Oversees 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.
• 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:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree.

Preferred Competencies

• Acute business acumen and understanding of organizational issues and challenges.
• Outstanding written, verbal and visual presentation skills. 
• Strong understanding of the role of digital tools, including apps, social channels, websites, intranet, in communications.
• Translate complex concepts into easily understood messages that target specific audiences’ needs and/or perspective.
• Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations.
• Collaborative; partner across teams and functions.
• Knowledge of communication work processes 
• Maintain confidentiality of extremely sensitive data at all times.

 
 Application Documents  

• Resume/CV (required)

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$139,000.00 - $178,000.00

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.