Senior Communications Specialist

 

Description:

The senior communications specialist is a communications professional who develops and executes internal and external communications strategies for System Offices, producing high-quality content, managing digital channels, and supporting organization-wide initiatives including change management and enterprise AITS communications. The role requires strong writing, editing, and design capabilities; the ability to translate technical or complex information into accessible messages; and competence in managing both strategic planning and operational execution within a multifaceted communications environment.

Responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 

  • Strategic Communications & Planning (20%)
  • Partner with AITS and SOSS leadership to develop and maintain communication strategies aligned to organizational goals and major initiatives.
  • Create messaging frameworks, content calendars, and communication plans to ensure proactive and coordinated engagement.
  • Develop strategic documents including annual reports, IT metric reports, executive summaries, and presentations for senior leadership.
  • Monitor effectiveness of communications through analytics, stakeholder feedback, and reporting; recommend improvements based on insights.
  • Maintain awareness of System Office structure, administrative IT activities, and organizational priorities.
  • Content Development, Editorial Work & Production (20%)
  • Write, edit, and produce clear, engaging content for announcements, articles, newsletters, executive communications, and project-related messaging.
  • Conduct research and interviews with subject matter experts to support content development as needed.
  • Copy edit and quality-check AITS communications for accuracy, clarity, consistency, tone, and accessibility.
  • Develop and refine presentation materials, templates, and visual assets to support AITS organizational communications
  • Produce print and digital publications, brochures, and supporting collateral for the AITS.
  • Digital & Web Communications Management (20%)
  • Maintain and update web content for System Office websites, ensuring compliance with brand standards, accessibility requirements, and stakeholder needs.
  • Collaborate with IT, communications partners, and project teams to maintain microsites or project pages.
  • Support mass communication processes including message distribution, list creation, and approvals through campus communication entities (e.g., DDDH, BMG/AFO channels).
  • Change Management & Project Communications Support (35%)
  • Work with change management staff and project managers to support communication components of change initiatives.
  • Contribute to drafting, editing, and reviewing complex or political project-related communications, ensuring alignment with broader organizational messaging.
  • Support stakeholder communication planning and assist in implementing strategies defined by change management leadership.
  • Participate in creative development of visual and multimedia content (graphics, video, templates).
  • Ensure all communications adhere to System Office and campus-level branding and policy standards.
  • Other duties as assigned that are appropriate for a Senior Communications Specialist (5%)
     

Qualifications

Required:
 

  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
  • One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
  • Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.

Organization University of Illinois System
Industry Other Jobs Jobs
Occupational Category Senior Communications Specialist
Job Location Illinois,USA
Shift Type Morning
Job Type Full Time
Gender No Preference
Career Level Intermediate
Experience 1 Year
Posted at 2026-01-29 3:18 pm
Expires on 2026-03-15