Executive 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 Executive Director of Operations Communications is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading internal communications strategies and solutions 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 oversee the creation and execution of communications that advance Operations’ day-to-day and long-term priorities, both within Operations and to the broader campus community. The Executive Director is instrumental in driving employee awareness of campus resources, supporting staff engagement and recognition, and leading change-management communications for new policies, initiatives, and priority projects.

This position supports the entire Office of the Vice President (VP) for Operations, and Central University Communications by providing clear, consistent communication about operational goals, initiatives, and achievements. Through unified communications with the campus community, we 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 Central HR to help advance HR priorities and initiatives and oversees benefits communications. This role collaborates across Operations’ service areas and with units across the University to create and distribute content that advances department priorities. This position also oversees Operations-specific channels, as well as the development of Operations content for University-wide channels. During periods of change and as urgent matters arise, the role 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. Additionally, having a unified approach will amplify operational leaders’ visibility and showcase institutional achievements, further aligning Operations’ initiatives with the University’s mission and deepening campus engagement.

The Executive Director leads and supervises a team of communications professionals and establishes communication processes and standards for ITS, HR, DSS and Facilities as well as the office of the Vice President of Operations. This includes establishing best-in-class processes, templates, and standards for consistent university-wide messaging. In addition, the Executive Director will lead HR communications strategies for Central HR, advancing key HR priorities and initiatives, and overseeing benefits communications. This individual will work to promote a culture of collaboration with other campus entities. This role reports jointly to the Associate Vice President Operational Finance and Strategy, with a dotted line to the Associate Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs (University Communications).

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and supervises a team of communications professionals supporting the units within the Office of the Vice President for Operations, including Facilities Services, IT Services (ITS), and Human Resources, to establish consistent messaging, templates, and standards for both unit-level and campuswide communications. This work includes collaboration with the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) safety communications manager, who reports directly through University Communications.
• Leads the development and delivery of executive communications for the Vice President for Operations, including unit-level and campuswide messages, as well as provide communications support for Operations senior leadership meetings and board presentations.
• 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.
• Directs branding and identity initiatives, ensuring alignment with University-wide standards and development of new templates for consistency across all Operations internal and external communications channels.
• Partners with Operations leadership to advance and integrate internal communications in support of key operational and cultural objectives.
• Fosters a strong and inclusive culture within the Operations communications team and across Operations units.
• Manages Operations areas on and related content for 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 other University Communications teams and/or units.
• Leads regular internal communications measurement and metrics for internal Operations communications channels.
• Creates and sustains collaborative partnerships with other communicators and stakeholders on campus and with external partners.
• Sets the standard for best-in-class processes and protocols for Operations communications. 
• Oversees the development and coordination of Operations plans, messages and leadership announcements to advance organizational changes, including new policies and protocols.
• Provides strategic communications and project management support to Operations service areas, including communications planning, timeline and milestone development, goals and measurement, assistance with resource allocation. 
• Promotes transparency for major Operations projects and operational changes, fosters collaboration, and actively engages campus partners.
• Serves as liaison with Operations leadership to vet and approve communications strategies and materials.
• Leads the communications strategy for HRNext, the HR transformation initiative. 
• Serves as a member of the HR leadership team, working closely with the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to develop campus-wide communications strategy advancing key Central HR priorities and HR transformation initiatives, including HR Next and AI for HR projects.
• Steers internal communications strategy supporting University-wide Central HR operations, including Benefits, Organizational Development, Performance Management, Talent Acquisition, Compensation, and Employee and Labor Relations units.
• Partners with the Executive Director of Health, Welfare and Retirement to build a comprehensive communications platform for sharing information on and supporting enrollment in the University’s benefits programs related to health, welfare, retirement, Workday Total Rewards, and other University benefits.
• 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.
• Supports employee engagement and staff recognition initiatives, such as the UChicago Recognition Hub, to foster community and pride in working at the University of Chicago and establish a culture of staff recognition across all units.
• Develops unit-wide communication strategy, provides strategic leadership and management of teams, promotes a culture of collaboration with other University and Unit offices.
• Oversees the teams responsible for the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Is accountable for setting and achieving 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 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in communications, marketing or related field.
   

Preferred Competencies

• Acute business acumen and understanding of organizational issues and challenges.
• Demonstrated negotiating and influencing skills.
• Understanding of and /or a strong interest in employee engagement, employee experience, culture and employee programs.
• Outstanding written, verbal and visual presentation skills. 
• Strong understanding of the role of digital tools, such as 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; work in ambiguous situations
• Collaborative; partner across teams and functions.
• Proven success working with leadership teams.
• 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

$171,000.00 - $224,000.00

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.