Department

PSD Institute for Mathematical and Statistical Innovation: Administration and Staff

About the Department

This position reports to the IMSI Assistant Director and handles a diverse portfolio of responsibilities in the areas of event planning, logistics and accommodations for visitors, and other programmatic functions in support of the Executive Director and Director, and staff, students and visitors in the Institute. Plans and administers institute events, including technology for remote and in-person meetings. Responsible for activities related to space, marketing, lodging and catering

Job Summary

Communications is one of IMSI’s three strategic pillars (Science, Communications, Broadening Participation) and is key to building an audience for IMSI research in the science community, translating IMSI science for broad audiences, and lowering the barriers to participation in the mathematical sciences and in IMSI activities. Reporting to the Executive Director, IMSI seeks a Director of Communications and Engagement (DCE) who will play a leadership role in develop-ing and carrying out IMSI’s comprehensive communications and public engagement plan. An essential element of the DCE’s responsibilities will be building out communications training for the mathematical sciences community; developing, implementing, and developing effective channels for science communication (such as continuing or evolving IMSI’s podcast, Carry the Two); and growing a math communications blog site (MathStatBites). The DCE will be an es-sential partner in building an inclusive culture in IMSI activities by facilitating engagement be-tween IMSI participants, UChicago’s local, regional, and global community, and by partnering with key stakeholders in expanding IMSI’s public engagement programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and carry out a math and statistics science communication program targeted at professionals in the field who want to improve their communication skills to a variety of audiences (high priority).
• Develop and manage a math and statistics communication program using popular media platforms and strategies, targeted at broad audiences, with the goal of lowering the barrier to public appreciation of math, statistics, and allied fields (high priority).
• Manage the blog site, MathStatBites (high priority).
• Develop and carry out an innovative public-facing communications and engagement plan, in partnership with the Director and Executive Director and IMSI colleagues at other institutions.
• Develop and carry out public engagement and outreach strategies focused on broadening participation in the mathematical sciences, perhaps in partnership with other groups
• Work with IMSI sub-awardees and other partners on public engagement and education outreach programs
• Work with the Director and Executive Director on identifying and raising funds for innovative program ideas
• Draft summaries of IMSI scientific activities, designed for dissemination across many media & channels, for a range of defined audiences.
• Assists with the development and implementation of education outreach programs.
• Under the direction of senior leadership, develops programs and relationships to advance program initiatives
• Uses knowledge of the divisional vision and values to assess, evaluate, and recommends opportunities for collaboration with partners.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

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Work Experience:

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

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, in a STEM field preferred; or journalism, communications, or other relevant subject.

Experience:

• Graduate degree, training, or work experience in some relevant combination of the following: STEM, science journalism, science communications, informal science education, science outreach, science museum/center, theater, edutainment, performance, TV, video/film – accumulating to 5-7 years of experience related to the DCE position.
• Demonstrated strengths and accomplishments in writing, speaking, performance, or other public communications.
• Familiarity with the science communications, public engagement, and informal science education literature and leading practices.
• Demonstrated creativity in relevant program development and execution.
• A commitment to broadening participation in the mathematical sciences.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with a broad range of partners including, students, faculty, staff, leaders & staff from partner organizations.
• Attention to detail and timeliness.
• Creative problem solving.
• Enthusiasm for being in front of an audience, ranging from business and academic leaders, faculty and researchers, university coworkers, outside colleagues, students, children, and families.
• Ability to read an audience and modify communications strategy and style accordingly.
• Thrives on change, ambiguity, and thinking on their feet.
• Diplomatic approach to partnerships and other IMSI relationships.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Academic Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

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.

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