Job details

Associate Director Communications

The University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary (USML) is the major seminary and graduate school of theology for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Mundelein Seminary is one of the largest priesthood preparation programs in the United States having graduated over 4,000 students since 1926 and serving nearly thirty (30) dioceses in the United States and abroad. In addition to the formation of priests, USML also has programs to prepare Deacons, and lay people for ministry and evangelization.

Reporting to the Provost (Interim), the Associate Director of Communication functions primarily as a writer and content specialist writing long- and short-form content. The Associate Director researches trending topics, edits content, and consults with team members on the overall content strategy to raise awareness of USML, help establish USML faculty and staff as thought leaders in their field, and contribute to recruitment and development efforts across the university. The Associate Director has exceptional writing and editing skills, knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style, and an ability to persuade and influence diverse audiences.

The Associate Director will be responsible for the research and written content as part of an overall strategic marketing plan, including researching topics and interviewing students, alumni, faculty, staff and external subjects. They will create and manage a communication calendar for the university as a whole, strategically aligning communication by channel and modality to various constituent groups and by scheduling due dates and tracking content through the editorial process.

The Associate Director will edit, amend or develop content, aligned with USML branding, for use across multiple channels, including long- and short-form content; and messaging for advertising, development, acknowledgements, social, email, website, and print collateral utilizing USML’s Fundraising & Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system, (Blackbaud-Raiser’s Edge).

Edit one's own work and that of others for consistency of tone and style, and accuracy of punctuation, grammar and usage.

Work with marketing and communication team members and others across the university to create content that is in line with strategic goals and target content to specific audiences; this may involve conducting market research or employing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies.

Core Functions

Requires a highly conscious person who can positively relate to individuals at all levels.
Demonstrates “safety for all persons and quality of product/experience” leadership.
Remain vigilant always; report suspicious person’s activities or events to supervision and security.
Possess a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision, and Values of the University.
Must treat all matters with the highest confidentiality.
Supports the mission of the seminary.

Essential Job Functions

Support the Marketing and Communications team in development, planning and execution of all communications efforts for Mundelein Seminary and the Institutes of USML.
Manage ticketing system and respond to all incoming communication requests.
Develop understanding of USML’s key constituents and implement new ideas to increase brand awareness, support and program enrollment.
Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills, ensuring clarity, coherence, control, and credibility.
Experience in market research techniques and data analysis.
Excellent planning and project management skills.
Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to integrate disparate and fragmented content and processes across departments.

Education and Experience – An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, degree in English, communications, marketing, journalism or related field is required.
Master’s Degree preferred.
Minimum 2 to 3 years of experience working in not for profit, or higher education, required. Non-profit, development or fundraising background preferred.
Three to five years related experience, with content development and writing.
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills , customer service and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of Associate Press (AP) style.
Working knowledge of CRMs, Blackbaud-Raiser’s Edge, preferred.
Computer literate, with expertise in the Microsoft platforms (specifically Word, Excel); Microsoft Publisher knowledge is a plus. Ability to mail merge is a plus.
Strong understanding of and respect for teachings, hierarchy, and theology of the Catholic Church and ability to apply to content material.
Bilingual a plus (Spanish), ability to write and edit content.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those associated with this position.

The ability to understand USML goals and recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures to impact long-term processes positively.
The ability to work independently with good time-management skills and attention to detail.
The ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously; orientated on the quality of results against the expectation and financial constraints.
Consistently tries to do his/her best in all personal and professional behaviors, acting uprightly and responsibly.
Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Uncompromising internal and external customer service focus.
Outstanding organizational skills.
Continuously attempts to grow and improve in personal qualities and professional performance.
Listens attentively and patiently to what others have to say.
Effectively champions the University’s commitment to teamwork among co-workers, supporters, grantees, suppliers, and all other constituents with whom they become engaged.
Ensures compliance with all university policies and standards.
Work under pressure, critically think proactively and meet established goals and objectives.
The capacity to control emotions and maintain composure under stress, using tact and good judgment.
A commitment to the belief that all people have the right to dignity, respect, opportunity, and full community inclusion.
Neat and professional in appearance.
An active team player in a changing environment; includes working with all levels of personnel.
Exhibits high attention to detail, strong focus, and good sense of priorities.
Excellent written communication skills; professional aptitude for creating, proofing, and editing correspondence and /or “publications”.

Work Environment – Environmental conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

General office conditions, university conditions.
Exposed to weather conditions outside, occasionally, during events.
Genuinely support and work with others in a Catholic environment.
Sensitive to organizational needs, employee goodwill, and the mission of the Catholic Church.
A commitment to the belief that all people have the right to dignity, respect, opportunity, and full community inclusion.
Possess a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision, and Values of the USML.
Neat in appearance.

Physical Abilities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physically able to perform the duties as assigned including the ability to lift to thirty (30) pounds occasionally.
Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods of time.
Ability to routinely ascend two to four sets of steps multiple times during the day.
Minimum travel, occasional evening and weekend work, and the flexibility to adjust to other department/business needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits: