Senior Manager for Marketing and Communications, Extension Marketing and Communications

Supervision and Team Leadership

• Supervise two media communications coordinators, a media communications manager, Extra Help employees, and student interns assigned to communications projects, including assigning work, establishing expectations, and supporting successful project completion.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide timely feedback on work quality and performance, establish professional development goals, and provide supportive and corrective guidance when needed.
• Mentor and provide strategic guidance to members of the state Mar. Com team, fostering collaboration, accountability, professional growth, and an inclusive work environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify, develop, and deliver marketing and communications training and professional development opportunities for Illinois Extension personnel.
• Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies, procedures, and guidelines. Strategic Communications, Media Relations, and Visibility
• Develop and execute media-centered communications strategies that increase Illinois Extension’s statewide visibility, strengthen organizational reputation, and advance strategic priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, University partners, affiliate organizations, and other key stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of Illinois Extension communications.
• Lead media relations efforts, including identifying and developing news opportunities, coordinating media pitches, and disseminating news releases, feature stories, and statewide messages.
• Develop key messaging strategies and communications tools, including message frameworks, creative briefs, pitch materials, and other resources that support consistent and effective communications.
• Identify and pursue strategic promotional, trade, partnership, and paid advertising opportunities in collaboration with Mar. Com colleagues.
• Provide guidance on emerging communications trends, audience needs, and opportunities to strengthen organizational visibility and engagement. Editorial and Content Strategy
• Lead the development and prioritization of feature stories and other strategic content, balancing organizational priorities with the needs of multiple stakeholders and audiences.
• Collaborate with writing, digital strategy, language translation, design, photography, and videography staff to develop and distribute integrated communications across platforms.
• Collaborate with the Art Director and other creative staff to support brand unity and develop effective photography, videography, storyboarding, and visual storytelling approaches.
• Define communications and publicity goals and use performance data to inform content strategy, channel selection, and future communications efforts. Communications Operations, Planning, and Performance
• Manage the administration and documentation of strategic marketing and communications priorities, including development of appropriate communications plans, processes, and supporting materials.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to establish priorities, keep stakeholders informed, manage expectations, and ensure communications projects remain on schedule, particularly clients without a strategy partner.
• Support end-to-end coordination of integrated communications campaigns in collaboration with project management, creative, editorial, and digital staff.
• Define performance measures and prepare regular, actionable reports on communications efforts, including print, digital, social media, earned media, and campaign performance in collaboration with appropriate Mar. Com staff.
• Develop reporting mechanisms and processes that support consistent analysis, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making.
• Assist with budget planning, monitoring, and financial accountability for communications expenditures. Special Projects and Organizational Support
• Lead or support special communications initiatives that advance Illinois Extension, the College of ACES, and University priorities.
• Provide communications expertise and support for emerging organizational needs, high-priority initiatives, and cross-functional projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.