University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health · 7 hours ago
Director, Research & Science Communications
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$135K/yr - $155K/yr
5+ years expThe University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a leading urban public research university, and they are seeking a Director of Research & Science Communications to enhance the storytelling of its research initiatives. This senior leadership role will develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies to elevate UIC’s research visibility and impact across various stakeholders.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Partner closely with the Vice Chancellor for Research and OVCR senior leadership to design and implement integrated communications strategies that advance UIC’s research mission and institutional priorities
Position OVCR—and UIC more broadly—as a trusted, authoritative voice on research excellence, innovation, and societal impact at institutional, regional, and national levels
Develop communications strategies that reflect the evolving federal research funding landscape, including shifting agency priorities, funding mechanisms, and policy considerations
Lead OVCR’s internal communications and digital presence, including oversight of the OVCR website and communications team
Serve as a key advisor during emerging or sensitive research-related issues, ensuring consistent, accurate, and timely messaging in coordination with university leadership
Draft executive-level remarks, talking points, presentations, and campus communications for the Vice Chancellor for Research
Oversee content strategy, user experience, and accessibility for the OVCR website, ensuring timely updates on research initiatives, funding opportunities, and faculty resources
Collaborate with IT and design partners to continuously enhance functionality and usability
Identify, develop, and curate compelling research stories that highlight faculty expertise, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact
Translate complex scientific and health research into clear, engaging narratives, summaries, articles, and digital content tailored to diverse audiences and platforms
Collaborate closely with the Office of Strategic Marketing & Communications (OVSMC) to elevate high-priority research initiatives through university channels and media outreach
Work collaboratively with communicators across UIC’s sixteen academic and health sciences colleges, research institutes, and administrative units to align messaging and ensure coherence
Serve as a connector between OVCR, OVSMC, UI Health, faculty researchers, and external stakeholders in support of shared communications goals
Engage with industry, community, and government partners to support strategic research communications initiatives
Interpret and communicate complex, uncertain, or rapidly evolving federal research funding policies and directives to faculty and research administrators
Develop clear, accurate, and timely guidance in coordination with OVCR leadership, OVSMC and institutional partners
Lead coordinated communications during periods of funding disruption or policy transition
Design and implement data-driven frameworks to measure communications effectiveness, assess impact, and guide continuous improvement of strategy and execution
Use analytics and insights to refine storytelling approaches, platforms, and audience engagement
Qualification
Required
PhD required in biomedical, life sciences, or related scientific or communications discipline
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in scientific, research or science-policy communications within academic, governmental, healthcare or science-driven organizations
Demonstrated ability to advise senior research leadership on communications related to research strategy, funding and policy
Familiarity with federal research funding, including major funding agencies, grant mechanisms and policy dynamics
Exceptional writing and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex scientific and funding information into clear communications
Proven experience operating in high-stakes, high-visibility environments requiring sound judgment and discretion
Preferred
Experience working at the intersection of research, compliance and communications preferred
Demonstrated leadership experience with a commitment to mentoring and developing scientifically literate communications professionals
Benefits
Health
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
A Retirement Plan
Paid time Off
Tuition waivers for employees and dependents
Company
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health
As Illinois' only fully-accredited public health school, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health strengthens health equity and social justice in neighborhoods in Chicago and communities around the world.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Brad Foster
Chief Development Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase