Director of Marketing, Public Relations & Business Development

Position Summary

This position is responsible for planning, development and implementation of the College of Medicine Peoria marketing strategies, communications, and public relations activities, both external and internal. Serves as a member and advisor on the College of Medicine Peoria leadership team and directs the marketing efforts and executes action plans to reach the College's short and long term strategic planning goals. Acts as the public relations spokesperson for the UIC Peoria campus, working in collaboration with UIC Strategic Marketing and Communications. Ensures consistent articulation of the College and University's image and position to all constituents in support of their mission and vision.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the communications and marketing responsibilities for the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria. Work with Administration, Department Heads and Chairs and staff members to help them develop and achieve their communication goals
• Write, direct, develop, edit, review, prioritize, and publish a broad-based series of campus communications (internal and external) to include print materials, multi-media, social media, and web pages for various audiences, including the Peoria community, students, faculty, prospective students, residents, and University staff. Oversees and directs copywriting, editing, design, layout, and production of all print and video promotional materials, social media, and the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria website
• Establish marketing goals and develop and execute marketing action plans to achieve marketing objectives for both short- and long-range strategic goals.
• Work directly with the Regional Dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria to serve as primary media spokesperson for the campus, and initiate public relations and crisis communications responses in alignment with UIC Strategic Marketing and Communications processes and procedures
• Provide professional direction to staff members, offer training and development opportunities, and conduct annual performance evaluations and on-going supervision of departmental staff.
• Assist the Regional Dean and other members of the administrative team in researching and drafting speeches, written communication, arranging interviews, and maintaining other forms of public contact.
• Provides Leadership in the strategy for conducting and coordinating market research, provides marketing consultation and strategy in coordination with department/unit leadership in response to changing markets and competitive conditions. Collaborate with clinical leadership to develop marketing plans or provide support to promote clinical operations.
• Establish and maintain departmental graphic and identity standards, in conjunction with University Public Affairs.
• Coordinate and manage communication and marketing budget.
• Leads and manages the regional campus’s Community Health Awards process and presentation. This includes leading, maintaining, and convening the UICOMP Community Health Awards committee (comprised of area community health leaders and advocates).
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communication, Journalism, Business or closely related field.
• Three years of professional experience in marketing, public affairs, and/or strategic communication with at least two years in a management or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience in working with print media, multi-media, web development and knowledge of pertinent computer systems.
• Knowledge of marketing strategies and tactics.
• Knowledge of techniques and methods for disseminating information.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work proactively with a wide range of stakeholders in a diverse environment.
• Effective interpersonal skills, especially when working with diverse groups.
• Ability to solve problems efficiently and to weigh multiple benefits and risks when making critical decisions
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively lead teams to achieve goals.
• Ability to develop creative and resourceful solutions to marketing and public relations issues.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations to clearly communicate ideas and concepts to a broad audience.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to develop, plan and implement short-term and long-term goals.
• Experience in building a professional brand or image for a company or department.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Marketing, Communication or Journalism or closely related field preferred.
• Experience in a college or university marketing/communications environment preferred.
• Knowledge of communication management in a critical or crisis situation preferred.