Communication Specialist

Loyola University Chicago is a private Jesuit university located in Chicago, Illinois.

• Develops internal communication materials and manages content for University news sites (Inside Loyola and Rambler Buzz), web, and e-mail communication to students, faculty, and staff; oversees the coordination of the University's digital screen project; assign, review, edit, and post content on screens; direct team of student designers tasked with developing content for screens.

• Provides content for, and updates, Loyola University Chicago's official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, and other social media channels, as assigned (i.e. Rambler Buzz Facebook and Twitter).

• Participates in issue and crisis communication planning and implementation.

• Coordinates and provides onsite communication support for various University events, press conferences, and other PR initiatives.

• Manages media relations projects; maintains strong relationships with reporters, producers, and other media contacts; answers and fulfills calls from members of the media seeking third-party experts; proactively pitches story ideas for placement; develops news releases, alerts, and other media materials.

• Handles daily media tracking responsibilities for the University; distributes weekly media and social media briefings; develops media coverage reports for various departments, centers, and administrators of the University; conducts ongoing competitive monitoring; updates faculty experts database.

• Assists other areas of UMC as needed, including projects in advancement, brand marketing, design, and web communication.

• Performs other duties as required.

• Bachelor's degree required in Public Relations, Journalism, Communication, or related field.
• Minimum 2-4 years of experience working in a public/media relations or journalism-related field, with a background in pitching story ideas, arranging interviews, creating media lists, handling media monitoring, researching interview opportunities for spokespeople, etc.; working knowledge of media and experience in communication through various mediums is a must.
• Must have excellent writing and editing skills; must have experience with different types of writing articles, press releases, pitches, social media, etc.
• Experience with employee/internal communication preferred.
• Ability to multitask, work in a fast-paced environment, and collaborate with numerous teams throughout the University to ensure successful communication of desired message.
• Social media management experience is preferred.
• Must be detail-oriented, team-focused, and strong in client relations.
• Experience in other aspects of marketing and communication preferred.
• Must be available on call, both after hours and on weekends (as the need arises).
• Bachelor's degree in related field and 2-4 years of related experience.
• Proficient computer skills, ability to use MS office suit and marketing software.
• Experience with CisionPoint, Sprout Social, WordPress, T4, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop (for clip and digital image editing) Dynasign (digital signage product) is preferred.
• Familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style is also important.