Senior Digital Marketing Lead

About the Department

The University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (ICSG) is a groundbreaking effort uniting faculty from across the university to advance society’s understanding of our energy and climate future. The Institute combines faculty insights in energy markets and policy, climate systems engineering, and energy technology to produce world-changing ideas while also investing in the next generation of energy and climate thinkers, leaders, and innovators through novel educational programs.

Job Summary

As a member of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth’s Communications team, the Senior Digital Marketing Lead is responsible for driving digital strategy and bringing external awareness to the Institute.

The position includes the management of Institute websites and social platforms with oversight of affiliated digital channels; leveraging data and analytics to drive program goals; and leading digital promotion surrounding the Institute’s programming.

The role works in close collaboration with other members of the communications team, as well as with the events and strategic initiatives teams.

The Senior Digital Marketing Lead will report to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, Marketing and External Engagement.

Responsibilities

• Manages Institute website and oversees management of Institute affiliated websites; works in collaboration with external consultants on website development and project management.
• Manages multiple Institute social media accounts, including LinkedIn, X, Instagram; oversees management of Institute affiliated social media accounts.
• Creates and maintains a content calendar; recommends, designs, and executes various social media campaigns, including paid advertising, to support report releases, Institute programming, event registrations, audience development, awareness and engagement, and other activities.
• Manages and deploys Institute email marketing campaigns and newsletters related to specific programs, events, and other projects; maintains email marketing lists and forms.
• Provides training, support, and guidance to other communications staff members on website, social media, and email marketing projects; ensuring consistency in presentation, brand voice, and objectives.
• Oversees transition of email marketing platforms, ensuring brand consistency, audience segmentation, and development of new email marketing strategies.
• Monitors performance and key metrics to continuously improve messaging, engagement, and targeting to improve outcomes, such as growing Institute email marketing lists, website pageviews, social media following, etc.
• Proposes and develops new strategies for the Institute’s storytelling, including innovative ways to create and promote content, infographics, and other thought leadership across digital channels.
• Manages digital publicity surrounding Institute events and general programming, including webinars.
• Manages upkeep of digital technologies, software, and platform subscriptions for Institute digital marketing needs.
• Monitors the online presence (websites and social media) of Institute affiliated initiatives, associated schools and centers, as well as the University of Chicago’s news and events pages, for climate-related updates that would be appropriate for cross-promotion; coordinates with other campus communicators to cross-promote Institute content.
• Accomplishes assigned duties through two or more of the following: written communications; visual/graphic media, which may include Web site development and maintenance; speeches and personal contact. The incumbent is still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills.
• Develops, plans, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization’s programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
• Makes contributions to the media interface, including writing press releases, planning and organizing media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience.
• Managing websites, email and social media accounts in a professional capacity.
• Background in energy/environmental issues
• Representing a brand via social channels, including LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.
• Creating and overseeing paid social media advertising campaigns for targeted audiences, with understanding of targeting, split testing, and different ad formats.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web-based communication methods and tools such as HubSpot and WordPress or similar platforms.
• Prior experience working with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or other graphic design programs.
• Photography and video experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in digital engagement and their applications to communication strategies, including through web, email and social media.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and work both independently with a high degree of initiative and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Work effectively with management, staff, researchers, students, and outside vendors and collaborators.
• Strategic and creative thinking, project management and planning skills.
• Manage and prioritize job tasks, perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism and product quality.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills, creativity, flexibility and attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• This position is remote, with minimal travel to campus or external locations.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (required)