Overview

Associate Director of Communication and Public Relations

The Associate Director of Communication and Public Relations is an experienced communication professional who creates, promotes, and manages projects that elevate Erikson Institute across media channels—traditional, digital, and social. The Associate Director is a subject matter expert with managerial experience who can generate and integrate written and visual content to inform and engage Erikson Institute’s internal and external audiences. The Associate Director is responsible for the systems that allow the Communications department to function smoothly---the editorial calendar, use of eblast software, story bank, editorial guidelines, protocols for review and approval of external-facing communication outputs, and (jointly with Marketing) managing requests for new collateral or web/intranet content.

As part of the Marketing and Communication Department, this role works cross-functionally/departmentally based on institutional priorities—supporting all facets of Erikson’s work—academics, policy, fundraising, clinical services, and others.

The Associate Director reports to the Director of Communication. The Associate Director supervises the Communication Manager.


Roles and Responsibilities
  • Develop, implement, and track Erikson’s internal and external communication strategies, in partnership with the Director of Communication:
  • Working with Director of Communication, develop and track annual goals for media and communications initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain an annual Editorial Calendar for Erikson, which is used cross-departmentally to plan communication campaigns for both external and internal audiences.
  • Analyze and report on outcomes of communications and media projects; for example, media hits and reach for an event or open/engagement rate for MailChimp campaigns, and social media metrics.
  • Create and manage traditional, digital, and social media campaigns to raise awareness of and engage external audiences in Erikson’s mission across all pillars of our strategy (Academics, Policy, Services).
  • Cultivate relationships with media outlets and reporters, manage requests for expert interviews, maintain updated list of press contacts that receive releases and other updates.
  • Write copy and create visual content for electronic and print channels that is compliant with brand standards. 
  • Write copy for communications to Erikson stakeholders including Board, Staff, Faculty, Students, Donors, Media, Policymakers.
  • Write press releases and pitches for various outlets; create a press kit (hard copy and electronic version for web).
  • Create comprehensive communication plans to support Erikson keystone events including, but not limited to, the Annual Luncheon, Commencement, President’s Council events.
  • Plan, coordinate, and direct internal communication plan deliverables.
  • Responsible for managing the following items with assistance from the Communication Manager:
  • Manage dissemination of mass email communications and ensure lists are updated and maintained through MailChimp or other CMS—executed by the Communication Manager.
  • Manage Erikson social media accounts
  • Ensure application of Erikson’s Editorial Style Guide standards across the Institute, to ensure consistent voice, style, messaging, taglines, and proper editorial style in all content—from publications to web content to social posts—by creating and managing a system of review for all external content.
  • Work with Marketing to support users of Erikson’s branded templates and Erikson Brand Design Center, and Erikson’s video and photo assets.
  • Manage Erikson’s story bank repository of student and other testimonials.


Qualifications
BA or BS required (MA preferred) with at least 6+ years of demonstrated success managing internal and external communications with progressive responsibility and supervisory experience. Experience in higher education a plus. Expert writing/editing ability; proven success with public relations, multimedia storytelling; video storyboarding, project planning.


About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.

Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, and advocacy and policy and leadership. 

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu


To Apply:
Please email, fax, or mail a cover letter and resume to:

Director, Communications
Erikson Institute
451 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60654
fax:  312.755.0928
email:  shaennicke@erikson.edu
 
Apply Now