Communications & Digital Content Specialist

Overview

The Department of Medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is seeking a Communications & Digital Content Specialist to support marketing and outreach for the Maternal Health Research Unit. This position involves developing and managing digital content across websites, social media, and email channels to promote research, clinical efforts, and programs. The role also includes media monitoring to raise awareness and align communications with institutional priorities and branding.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, edit, and produce engaging content for websites, newsletters, social media, and promotional materials tailored to diverse audiences.
• Translate complex maternal health research and clinical projects into clear, accessible communications.
• Maintain and update departmental and research websites via content management systems such as WordPress, ensuring content accuracy, timeliness, brand alignment, accessibility, and search optimization.
• Develop, schedule, and oversee social media posts using an editorial calendar aligned with project milestones and events; analyze engagement to refine content performance.
• Craft and distribute email campaigns via designated platforms, monitoring metrics like open and click-through rates to enhance communication effectiveness.
• Conduct media monitoring on maternal health and public health topics to create news summaries and identify opportunities to elevate research visibility.
• Collaborate with university stakeholders—including faculty, researchers, and marketing offices—to coordinate messaging and support outreach efforts.
• Analyze and report on performance metrics for web, email, and social media platforms, recommending improvements in communication strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising, communications, or related field required; a Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• At least one year of experience managing content across multiple digital platforms including websites, social media, and email.
• Experience with website content management (e.g., WordPress), including content updates and site organization.
• Knowledge of web content best practices, including ADA accessibility compliance and search engine optimization.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft messages suitable for varied audiences.
• Preferred experience in academic medicine, public health, or research communications and familiarity with maternal health and health equity topics.
• Familiarity with communications, public relations, and promotional tactics.
• Excellent organizational and project management capabilities to handle multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficiency with digital communication tools, social media platforms, and analytics systems.
• Ability to monitor communication trends and synthesize information into actionable insights.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate within a complex academic and healthcare environment.

Additional Information

• Work schedule: Monday through Friday, day shift.
• Position type: Full-time with hybrid work arrangement in Chicago, IL.
• Number of openings: 1
• Salary: $70,000 - $85,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition waivers available.
• Applicants must establish Illinois residency within 180 days of employment.
• Equal opportunity employer in compliance with all applicable laws; accommodations available for applicants and employees.