Strategic Communications Specialist

DePaul University Athletics

. Support reputation management, crisis response and mitigation, and media relations strategies for colleges and schools .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $64,662 - $75,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and implementing effective communication strategies, including media relations, crisis response, and reputation management. Proficient in producing diverse written materials and utilizing social listening tools to enhance organizational reputation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor’s Degree In Public Relations5 To 7 Years Of Communications ExperienceStrong Oral And Written Communication SkillsMedia Production KnowledgeCrisis Communications Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Crisis ResponseMedia RelationsResearch And AnalysisContent DevelopmentStrategic CommunicationsMetrics EvaluationPress Release DevelopmentSocial Media ManagementWriting SkillsAnalytical Skills

Soft Skills

Attention To DetailAbility To Work IndependentlyFlexibility In Managing PrioritiesDiscretion With Confidential MattersAnalytical And Strategic Thinking

Tools & Technologies

Social Listening ToolsDPU Alerts SystemContent Management SystemsVideo Production ToolsEditorial Planning Tools

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationPublic PolicyCrisis Communications TrainingReputation ManagementCommunication Strategies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support reputation management, crisis response and mitigation, and media relations strategies for colleges and schools
Conduct research and identify opportunities to promote DePaul’s reputation to internal and external audiences
Use social listening tools to track digital reputation and risks
Produce talking points, statements, articles, and other written materials to address issues
Research and analyze communication issues affecting colleges, centers, institutes, and initiatives
Monitor higher education initiatives, current events, public policy concerns, and other relevant issues
Collaborate with colleges and internal partners to implement communication strategies
Develop press releases, internal news articles, social media, and video content
Lead media relations for at least two assigned colleges or schools in partnership with deans and staff
Support communications for large-scale university initiatives and events, including convocation and commencement
Provide editorial guidance and ensure consistent university messaging
Manage the university president’s LinkedIn account, including content development and editorial planning
Develop thought leadership materials, including op-eds, social media posts, podcasts, and articles
Serve on the emergency communications response team during crises
Participate in and help develop crisis communications training exercises
Serve on the on-call emergency communications team and execute DPU Alerts during crisis situations
Maintain expertise and train colleagues on sending DPU Alerts
Evaluate strategic communications initiatives using key performance indicators
Collect and analyze metrics and create regular reports on strategic communications plans and crisis response

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communication, journalism, English or related discipline
Minimum 5 to 7 years of full-time communications experience
Comfort and flexibility managing multiple competing priorities while maintaining attention to complex details in a fast-paced and unpredictable environment
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods, including alternative and emerging ways to inform via written, oral, and visual media
Strong oral and written communications skills
Knowledge of English language structure and content, including spelling, composition, punctuation, AP style, and grammar
Ability to perform effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, results-oriented communication environment
Ability to think analytically, strategically, and creatively
Ability to work independently and make decisions
Ability to treat sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
Proven ability to develop and implement effective communications strategies for PR campaigns
Demonstrated research and writing skills, including collecting data, conducting research, and preparing reports and presentations
Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail
Ability to work full-time on campus and travel between the Loop and Lincoln Park campuses as necessary
Resume and cover letter required
Successful completion of a background check required for employment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits
Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%
Tuition waivers for employees and dependents
Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more
Full-Time Benefits
Working for a stable and well-known University