Director, Research & Science Communications

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. Through its sixteen 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 innovative 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 over 300,000 alumni and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVCR) seeks a creative Director of Research & Science Communications to lead and elevate the storytelling of its research enterprise.  Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR), this senior leadership role serves as a science writer and advisor for research and science communications across OVCR. The Director will shape and execute a comprehensive communications program that increases the visibility, understanding and impact of UIC’s research—from fundamental discovery to translational science and community-engaged scholarship.

This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished science writer and communications leader to operate at the center of a major research institution, collaborating with its key partner in the Office of Strategic Marketing & Communications (OVCSMC), and also with UI Health, UIC's 16 academic and health sciences colleges, industry partners and community and government agencies.

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 budgeted salary range for the position is $135,000 to $155,000.Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Research Communications Leadership

• Partner closely with the Vice Chancellor for Research and OVCR senior leadership to design and implement integrated communications strategies that advance UIC’s research mission and institutional priorities.
• Position OVCR—and UIC more broadly—as a trusted, authoritative voice on research excellence, innovation, and societal impact at institutional, regional, and national levels.
• Develop communications strategies that reflect the evolving federal research funding landscape, including shifting agency priorities, funding mechanisms, and policy considerations.

OVCR Communications & Executive Messaging

• Lead OVCR’s internal communications and digital presence, including oversight of the OVCR website and communications team.
• Serve as a key advisor during emerging or sensitive research-related issues, ensuring consistent, accurate, and timely messaging in coordination with university leadership.
• Draft executive-level remarks, talking points, presentations, and campus communications for the Vice Chancellor for Research.
• Oversee content strategy, user experience, and accessibility for the OVCR website, ensuring timely updates on research initiatives, funding opportunities, and faculty resources.
• Collaborate with IT and design partners to continuously enhance functionality and usability.

Science Writing & Content Creation

• Identify, develop, and curate compelling research stories that highlight faculty expertise, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact.
• Translate complex scientific and health research into clear, engaging narratives, summaries, articles, and digital content tailored to diverse audiences and platforms.
• Collaborate closely with the Office of Strategic Marketing & Communications (OVSMC) to elevate high-priority research initiatives through university channels and media outreach.

Cross-Campus & Enterprise Coordination

• Work collaboratively with communicators across UIC’s 16 academic and health sciences colleges, research institutes, and administrative units to align messaging and ensure coherence.
• Serve as a connector between OVCR, OVSMC, UI Health, faculty researchers, and external stakeholders in support of shared communications goals.
• Engage with industry, community, and government partners to support strategic research communications initiatives.

Federal Funding & Research Policy Communications

• Interpret and communicate complex, uncertain, or rapidly evolving federal research funding policies and directives to faculty and research administrators.
• Develop clear, accurate, and timely guidance in coordination with OVCR leadership, legal counsel, OVSMC, and institutional partners.
• Lead coordinated communications during periods of funding disruption, policy transition, or heightened scrutiny of research activities.

Metrics, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Design and implement data-driven frameworks to measure communications effectiveness, assess impact, and guide continuous improvement of strategy and execution.
• Use analytics and insights to refine storytelling approaches, platforms, and audience engagement.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will bring:

• Deep experience in science writing, research communications, or health/science journalism, ideally within a research-intensive university, academic medical center, federal agency, or research organization.
• A sophisticated understanding of the research ecosystem, including federal funding agencies, policy environments, and academic research culture.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible, compelling narratives for varied audiences.
• Executive-level communications judgment, strong leadership skills, and experience managing teams and cross-functional partnerships.
• A collaborative, strategic mindset with the confidence to advise senior leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD required in biomedical, life sciences, or related scientific or communications discipline.

Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in scientific, research or science-policy communications within academic, governmental, healthcare or science-driven organizations.

Demonstrated ability to advise senior research leadership on communications related to research strategy, funding and policy.

Familiarity with federal research funding, including major funding agencies, grant mechanisms and policy dynamics.

Exceptional writing and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex scientific and funding information into clear communications.

Proven experience operating in high-stakes, high-visibility environments requiring sound judgment and discretion.

Experience working at the intersection of research, compliance and communications preferred.

Demonstrated leadership experience with a commitment to mentoring and developing scientifically literate communications professionals.

APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by February 6, 2026. Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. All candidates must create a candidate profile through http://jobs.uic.edu and upload a cover letter, resume  and contact information for three references by the close date.

Applications must be submitted through the UIC job board at the following link:

https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/18843?c=uic

As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

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.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899