Department

ARD Digital Communications

About the Department

Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents, and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.

ARD Communications partners with colleagues within ARD and across the University to advance ambitious goals in fundraising and constituent engagement. The 35-person communications team produces several print and electronic publications, creates donor-facing propositions for both individuals and large audiences, and will be a key partner in creating and executing the upcoming campaign’s messaging, creative approach, and positioning.

Job Summary

The Digital Production Specialist will join our Digital Communications team to drive the development and support of high-quality digital communication tools. With a strong focus on HTML, CSS, and jQuery development, you will play a pivotal role in creating and maintaining emails, email templates, web pages, online forms, and other digital assets. Reporting directly to the Director of Digital Communications, your work will prioritize usability, accessibility, and compliance with industry standards, including WCAG 2.0 AA accessibility guidelines.

This position plans, prepares and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the University's perspectives, programs, and accomplishments. Work is performed with a moderate level of guidance, and typically includes marketing, press relations, creative editorial and design services, and internal communications.

As an advocate for digital best practices, Digital Production Specialist will collaborate with internal and external teams of developers, content creators, and designers to craft user-centered solutions for digital communications challenges. This role requires attention to detail, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering high-performance, accessible digital products.

Responsibilities

Under direct supervision, produces emails including alumni news, event communications, Annual Giving campaigns, special University announcements, and other alumni communications. Engages in day-to-day communication with the clients and the Digital Communications team. Ensures the timelines and protocols for high-priority projects are met. Front-end development for various end-user applications and digital communication technologies, utilizing marketing automation platforms like Marketo.Analyzes, designs, develops, debugs, and modifies computer code for applications, web pages, and production support.Develops, edits and reviews HTML for email, performs detailed oriented quality assurance with close attention to detail and process, see-through email process to deployment.Creates, edits and publishes landing pages and event pages in the content management system. Works with stakeholders to gather and analyze requirements for developmental programs. Receives a moderate/high level of guidance to design applications to meet University and business requirements.Supports and maintains existing applications. Works with web developers and responds to requests from users.Troubleshoots technical issues, employing established procedures to deliver viable solutions.Acts as a technical consultant and resource for faculty research, teaching, and/or administrative projects.Downloads or extracts standardized data on the performance of email, social media, and website communications for use in marketing reporting and analysis.Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.Plans, develops and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction.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.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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree.

Experience: 

Minimum of two years of professional work experience in email deployment, web content management, web production, web project management or similar professional work experience. Agency or marketing/communications experience.  Client management is highly desired.Digital application development, and support.Implementing accessibility solutions and adhering to WCAG standards.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including Phoenix (the University's donor relationship management system), and Microsoft Windows computer environment.Solid and demonstrable technical understanding of computers (Windows and Mac), XHTML, CSS, HTML editors (e.g. Microsoft Visual Studio Code), and graphics software (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite)Comfortable with Unix, PC and Mac environments.Proficient with Salesforce, Marketo or other marketing automation systems, and Drupal or comparable content management systems.Knowledge and advocacy of email best marketing practices.

Preferred Competencies

Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.Self-motivated and take initiative.Strong understanding of web accessibility and usability, including cross-platform and browser compatibility issues.Interact effectively with technical and management staff.Work with partners with varying levels of technical expertise.Demonstrated experience in collaborative problem-solving.

Working Conditions

This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.Standard office environment.Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.Work evenings and weekends as needed.This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$63,750.00 - $75,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.