Director, Content And Science Communications

Department

Booth Polsky Center: Marketing

About the Department

The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation advances innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. We are dedicated to supporting students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as other entrepreneurs and community-based small business owners in navigating the complex process of bringing new products, services, and research to market. For more information, visit polsky.uchicago.edu.

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges.

Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment.

Chicago Booth is proud to claim:

• an unmatched faculty.
• degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents.
• a global body of nearly 56,000 accomplished alumni.
• strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities.

As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment.

For more information about the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, please visit: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/.

Job Summary

The University of Chicago's Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation seeks a dynamic and strategic Director of Content and Science Communications to lead the development and dissemination of compelling narratives that highlight the Center's groundbreaking work in entrepreneurship, science commercialization, technology transfer, and innovation. This role is responsible for elevating the Polsky Center's visibility and impact through high-quality content that bridges academic research, scientific advancement, and entrepreneurial ventures. The ideal candidate will be a versatile storyteller with a strong background in science communication, strategic content creation, and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Works in tandem with the Executive Director in developing and executing a comprehensive content strategy that aligns with the Polsky Center's strategic goals and University branding.
• Creates compelling content, including feature stories, research spotlights, web content, reports, and executive communications, that translates complex scientific and technical concepts into accessible, engaging narratives for a broad audience.
• Oversees content across digital platforms, including the Polsky Center website, newsletters, social media, blogs, and video storytelling.
• Leads efforts to communicate the scientific and technological innovations emerging from the University of Chicago ecosystem, including faculty research, startup ventures, and commercialization efforts.
• Collaborates with researchers, inventors, and faculty to translate scientific research into narratives that highlight real-world impact and entrepreneurial potential.
• Ensures scientific accuracy and integrity across all materials.
• Manages Associate Director, Digital Marketing and Communications.
• Works closely with internal stakeholders including faculty, University leadership, marketing and communications teams, and innovation partners.
• Serves as a key liaison between the Polsky Center and the Central Communications team at the University of Chicago to ensure alignment of messaging and brand consistency.
• Supports external communications initiatives including press releases, media outreach, and public announcements.
• Collaborates with media relations professionals to secure coverage in scientific, business, and mainstream media outlets.
• Develops materials for public events, conferences, and donor or stakeholder communications.
• Plans, develops, designs and implements the strategic and tactical marketing plans for a department or program. Directs, monitors and evaluates marketing communication and research programs.
• Maintains departmental priorities, allocates resources, and determines project direction in line with established priorities.
• 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

• --

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, science, or a related field.
• Advanced degree, Master's or PhD, in a scientific or technical discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum seven years of relevant experience in science communications, journalism, content strategy, or related fields.
• Background working in higher education, a research institution, or a technology-focused organization.
• Prior experience managing content teams and editorial workflows.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated success in translating complex scientific or technical topics into accessible and engaging content.
• Familiarity with digital content management systems, analytics tools, and multimedia platforms.

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a strong portfolio of published work.
• Deep understanding of scientific research processes, innovation ecosystems, and startup culture.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to prioritize projects and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative spirit.

Working Conditions

• This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

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

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$100,000.00 - $135,000.00

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 equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

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.

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.