This position is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, evaluating and reporting on a comprehensive, integrated and omnichannel marketing and communications program for the University of Illinois Cancer Center (UICC). The primary purpose of this position is to build and protect the reputation of the UICC, inform and engage the stakeholders and promote its research, clinical, education, and community outreach programs to a wide variety of audiences. The Director of Marketing and Communications will provide leadership, strategic direction and day-to-day oversight of internal and external mass communications activities. The Director works closely with the UICC’s Director and leadership team, and various UI Health (UIH) and UIC’s offices and teams (Advancement; Public Affairs, and Public and Government Affairs) to develop and execute a communications plan aligned with and in support of the UICC’s mission and strategic objectives.

• Design and implement strategic communications plans to align with and advance UICC’s priorities.

• Raise the UICC’s profile in order to help position the cancer center to fulfill its business goals, which include: recruiting and retaining its workforce; fundraising to support its research; attracting provider referrals and patients to participate in its clinical trials; supporting its researchers in getting published in high-impact journals, competing for grants, getting elected to boards and getting invited to speak at national conferences; inviting community partners to engage in its research studies and cancer prevention and control initiatives; compelling elected officials to support its mission and programs; cultivating relationships and building strategic partnerships, among other goals.

• Lead the UICC communications and marketing team; hire, supervise, train, develop and evaluate team members; assign, review and approve work; set priorities and deadlines; develop and manage communications budget and oversee purchases; obtain and manage team resources.

• Create and disseminate accurate, compelling, timely and effective internal and external mass communications, public relations, and marketing campaigns, strategies and tactics.

• Direct the UICC’s brand identity and ensure its consistent applicant and growth.

• Liaise with the UIC and UIH’s Public Affairs team to secure positive press coverage of the UICC and manage issues and reputation crisis.

• Partner with UIH’s Marketing team to coordinate alignment of marketing of clinical oncology services and programs with the UICC.

• Develop and implement communications to support UICC executive leaders, including announcements, talking points, and presentation slides for speaking engagements, event briefings, fact sheets, and information packets.

• Direct the development and maintenance of the UICC website, including content, design, information architecture and functionality.

• Lead the growth and management of the UICC’s social media presence across various platforms.

• Oversee the production of printed collateral, newsletters, photos, videos, illustrations, and e-communications for UICC, including writing, copyediting, design, photography, scripting, filming, video editing, printing, and distribution.

• Oversee event promotion and coordination of the UICC’s participation in and sponsorship of events and speaking opportunities that increase community exposure and engagement.

• Collaborate with the UICC Development Office to publicize initiatives and create communication materials such composing articles related to the impact of fundraising donations, and compiling/disseminating opportunities to engage/volunteer with the UICC.

• Manage and document the production of the UICC’s annual report and tri-annual development communications electronic newsletter.

• Research, write, and edit content, including gift stories and stewardship materials; interview and compose profile stories of donors/funder.

• Conduct market research to cultivate insights and inform marketing and PR plans.

• Track, assess and report on all communications and marketing activities on a regular basis.

• Work within all established University guidelines and policy to develop and maintain necessary internal processes and procedures.
• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• A minimum of 7 years major marketing, public relations and/or communications experience in a higher education, non-profit or healthcare/health sciences setting; Cancer Center experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in creating, directing and managing content for various multi-media platforms, including website, social media, print, newsletter and email.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to manage time and priorities with diverse responsibilities and multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with philanthropic, gift-giving, or development campaign communications strongly preferred.