Senior Director, Policy, Outreach and Communications

Department

BFI - Administration

About the Department

Inspired by our namesakes, Nobel Laureates Gary Becker and Milton Friedman, who believed that economic research could help improve the world, the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. Rooted in core values of service, rigor, and innovation, BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the most difficult challenges facing the global community.

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Policy and Communications is a key member of the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) leadership team and is responsible for both internal and external communications. In coordination with BFI leadership and with the support of a highly-talented communications and event staff, the Senior Director leads the institute’s efforts to communicate Chicago Economics research insights to key external stakeholders, including media and policymakers. The Senior Director is also responsible for communicating BFI programming, resources, and other news with the University of Chicago academic community, alumni, and University leadership. The Senior Director will help to advance the Becker Friedman Institute's national and global visibility, reputation, and prestige by leading communications for external audiences in support of the Institute's strategic initiatives and priorities.

The Senior Director will develop an outreach program that engages leaders and supporters around the world who can benefit from the research discoveries and intellectual capital being developed at the Institute. The Senior Director is responsible for managing the translation of faculty research to a wide variety of external audiences through sophisticated communication vehicles ranging from print, events, and direct engagement to digital and social media. This role manages a team or multiple teams of managers and professional staff responsible for planning, preparing and disseminating information designed to keep the public informed of the University's perspectives, programs, and accomplishments. Develops and plans marketing, press relations, creative editorial and design services, and internal communications.

Responsibilities

• Works as part of the BFI leadership team on overall strategy, goals, and vision for the institute.
• With the support of BFI’s Senior Economic Writer, works with UChicago scholars to create policy-relevant and accessible summary documents to accompany research, such as policy briefs, op-eds, blogs, testimony, speeches, video clips and podcasts, etc. This involves developing relationships and working closely with University of Chicago economists to understand their research and to identify the most effective and appropriate ways to communicate their research.
• Leads strategic outreach to media regarding BFI research and, as appropriate, other UChicago economics research. This includes the development and cultivation of media relationships, particularly among national economic reporters, as well as maintaining and growing BFI’s working paper series. Also serves as primary liaison to communications staff throughout UChicago to coordinate BFI’s work with other relevant offices.
• In coordination with BFI leadership and external advisers, creates and builds opportunities for BFI to routinely engage with US and global economic policymakers and policy-relevant institutions. This will include, but not be limited to direct policy engagement that includes Capitol Hill and Administration visits, round-tables with media outlets, Capitol Hill briefings and/or other public events; NGOs; the private sector; and new opportunities for internships in economic policy for UChicago students.
• With the support of communications staff, manages/leverages all BFI communications and communications assets for both internal and external audiences, including BFI websites, social media, newsletters, programming announcements (events, awards, etc.) and more. This includes oversight of the BFI editorial calendar and quality control over all BFI content.
• In coordination with BFI’s Executive Director and with the support of the events team, leads execution of BFI events, both internal (research conferences) and external (high-profile public events on policy-relevant topics). Working with the BFI communications staff, oversee event marketing such as event pages on website, event announcements, call for papers, etc.
• Directly leads three distinct teams, Communications, Events, and Digital Media, each led by a dedicated manager. Provides strategic oversight for professionals across web/social media, communications, design, and event planning. Engages with and directs multiple external consultants and advisers as needed. Manages the budgets for all three teams, partnering with the Finance team on invoicing, expense tracking, and forecasting.
• Implements innovative strategies in managing media interface, including publications, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and responding to requests on sensitive or controversial issues. Proactively engages in 'news of the day' to frame and distribute important announcements and updates.
• 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.
• Develops and manages 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:

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Preferred Qualification

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, economics, English or a related field.
• Graduate degree.

Experience:

• 8-10 years working in an economic research/policy communications environment in a leadership role.
• Significant management experience.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with academic researchers.
• Background with common web/communications tools and software platforms.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of and experience with online tools and social media platforms.
• Project management skills.
• Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling and style. 

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to influence a diverse group of people to meet goals and deadlines, build and manage teams, and work collaboratively with senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Capability to understand complex research and identify the best way to communicate said research to a variety of different audiences.
• Comfortable and experienced at working with members of the media.
• Handle multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously.
• Creativity and think outside-the-box.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills. 
• Problem-solving skills. 

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

$165,000.00 - $190,000.00

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.

 

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