Publicity-Promotion Associate (Communications & Digital Content Specialist) Maternal Health Research
Hiring Department: DOM Maternal Health Research
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1041866
FTE: 1
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Shift: Days
# of Positions: 1
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Posting Close Date: July 16, 2026
Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $70,000.00 - 85,000.00 / Annual Salary
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The Communications and Digital Content Specialist supports communications, marketing, and outreach efforts for the Department of Medicine and the Maternal Health Research Unit. This position develops and disseminates content across digital platforms, including websites, social media, and email communications, and assists in translating research, clinical initiatives, and programmatic activities into engaging, audience-focused communications.
The role also supports media monitoring and dissemination of maternal health and public health topics to enhance the visibility and impact of the unit's work and ensure alignment with institutional priorities and branding standards.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Communications & Content Development
- Develop, write, and edit content for websites, newsletters, social media, and promotional materials
- Translate maternal health research, clinical initiatives, and program outcomes into accessible and engaging content for diverse audiences
- Ensure digital content reflects UIC brand voice and aligns with marketing and communication objectives
- Assist in implementing communications initiatives that promote departmental and research priorities
Website & Digital Content Management
- Maintain and update departmental and research websites using a content management system (e.g., WordPress)
- Ensure content accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and alignment with UIC branding and digital standards
- Optimize digital content for search visibility and user engagement
- Apply web content best practices, including accessibility (ADA compliance) and usability
- Coordinate development and organization of digital assets (images, graphics, multimedia content)
Social Media & Digital Outreach
- Create, schedule, and manage content across social media platforms
- Maintain an editorial calendar aligned with key initiatives, research milestones, and events
- Monitor engagement metrics and recommend improvements to content performance
- Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in social media and digital communications
Email & Multi-Channel Communications
- Develop and distribute email communications using designated platforms, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with best practices
- Monitor email performance metrics (e.g., open rates, click-through rates, engagement) and recommend improvements
- Ensure consistency of messaging and branding across web, social media, and email communications
Media Monitoring & Research Communications
- Monitor news, media, and emerging topics related to maternal health, health equity, and public health
- Compile and distribute periodic news summaries or digests for leadership and stakeholders
- Identify opportunities to elevate departmental expertise and research in response to current events
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with faculty, researchers, and staff to gather content and support communications initiatives
- Collaborate with UIC, UI Health, College of Medicine’s Marketing and Communications Offices and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated messaging
- Support outreach and visibility efforts for research and programmatic initiatives
Analytics & Reporting
- Track, analyze, and report on web, email, and social media performance metrics
- Provide recommendations to improve user engagement and communication effectiveness
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising, communications, or a related field.
- One (1) year (12 months) Experience developing and coordinating content across multiple platforms, including web, social media, and email communications.
Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in academic medicine, public health, or research communications
- Experience managing and updating website content using WordPress or similar content management systems, including page creation, content updates, and basic site organization
- Familiarity with web content best practices, including accessibility (ADA compliance) and search optimization
- Strong writing and editing skills for diverse audiences
- Familiarity with maternal health, health equity, or community-based research
- Knowledge of communications, public relations, and promotional practices
- Ability to translate complex research and technical information into clear, accessible messaging
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Proficiency with digital communication tools, social media platforms, and analytics tools
- Ability to monitor trends and synthesize information into actionable communications
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills in a complex academic and healthcare environment
To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
