Communications & Content Manager - Big Ten Academic Alliance

Communications & Content Manager Big Ten Academic Alliance University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign The Big Ten Academic Alliance, the consortium of Big Ten universities headquartered in Champaign, IL and hosted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, is seeking a Communications & Content Manager. At the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA), we are at the forefront of higher education academic collaboration and advancing institutional excellence. We are seeking a Communications & Content Manager, who will play a critical role in telling the story of Big Ten Academic Alliance’s impact and will play a key role in shaping how the Big Ten Academic Alliance communicates its mission, work, and impact. This position blends writing, digital production, and project coordination, turning ideas and initiatives into engaging, accessible, and consistent communications. Big Ten Academic Alliance staff are employees of the University of Illinois and receive employee benefits . We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse community that values and celebrates the unique contributions of everyone and will contribute to the creation of a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Job Summary In this role, you will be responsible for developing, producing, and managing organizational communications and digital content. Your work will ensure BTAA’s story is clear, inclusive, and visually cohesive across all platforms. The ideal candidate will have strong writing, editing, and design skills, experience with digital communications, and the ability to collaborate across departments to facilitate successful content execution. You will serve as the “in house” communications and content expert of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and make a lasting impact on our member universities. The Communications & Content Manager works in close partnership with the Associate Director of Operations to align day-to-day content efforts with organizational strategy and priorities. Duties & Responsibilities Content Development & Digital Communications • Write and edit organizational content including web pages, newsletters, announcements, and email campaigns. • Maintain and enhance the BTAA website for accuracy, accessibility, and visual appeal. • Design and build responsive layouts and digital assets using HTML, CSS, and modern design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalent). • Produce graphics, infographics, and branded templates aligned with BTAA’s visual identity and accessibility standards. • Manage BTAA’s social media presence—scheduling, posting, and tracking engagement metrics. • Support digital and print production for key initiatives, events, and publications. Coordination & Workflow • Serve as the main point of contact for communications requests across BTAA programs. • Prioritize and schedule projects, ensuring timely, high-quality delivery. • Maintain shared content calendars and collaborate with internal and external contributors. • Uphold accessibility, editorial, and brand standards across all content. Partnership & Strategy Alignment • Collaborate with the Associate Director of Operations to translate strategic goals into clear, compelling communications. • Identify and elevate storytelling opportunities that highlight BTAA’s collective impact. • Provide consultation and support for high-profile initiatives and leadership communications. • Support organization-wide efforts to improve consistency, accessibility, and communication workflows. Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field. • Two (2) years (24 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area. • Demonstrated experience with content management system (CMS) platforms and/or email marketing systems. Working Conditions: Location: Champaign, Illinois. As part of our innovative and flexible work culture, this position operates within a hybrid work environment, allowing a combination of remote and on-site work. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience in higher education, academic, or nonprofit settings. • Experience with data visualization, infographics, or motion design tools (e.g., Canva Pro, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite). • Familiarity with Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) and CRM tools. • Proficiency in HTML and CSS, with experience designing or editing responsive layouts. • Strong graphic design skills, with demonstrated experience using Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) or similar tools. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Thorough understanding of web accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) and best practices for inclusive digital content. • Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills. • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects independently. • Adaptability: Respond to change positively and adjust style to the needs of the situation. • Attention to Detail: Thoroughly accomplish tasks with concern for all involved areas. • Collaboration: Develop cooperation and teamwork while working towards solutions that benefit all involved parties. • Drive for Results: Demonstrate concern for achieving or surpassing results against internal or external standards. • Initiative: Proactively act on opportunities and issues to capitalize or resolve them. • Innovation: Apply original thinking to improve processes, methods, systems, or services. • Open Communication: Encourage open expression of ideas and opinions. • Organizational Loyalty: Exhibit appreciation for the Big Ten universities and their academic and research missions. • Prioritization Skills: Demonstrate the ability to prioritize tasks effectively when under pressure and facing numerous urgent responsibilities. • Problem Solving: Build a logical approach to address problems or opportunities effectively. • Professionalism: Think carefully about the likely effects of words, actions, and behavior on others. • Reliability: Demonstrate high dependability in all aspects of the job. • Service: Demonstrate a strong commitment to meeting the needs of co-workers, managers, and external constituents. • Technical Expertise: Apply specialized knowledge, skills, and judgment effectively. • Ability to work after hours occasionally as necessary. Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000 annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx . Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 5, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/ year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities and requirements of this role. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at steiling@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137. 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 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 . Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu . Requisition ID: 1034051 Job Category: Professional and Administrative Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu