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. 2. 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). 3. Participates in issue and crisis communication planning and implementation. 4. Coordinates and provides onsite communication support for various University events, press conferences, and other PR initiatives. 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. Assists other areas of UMC as needed, including projects in advancement, brand marketing, design, and web communication. 8. 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.