Publicity-Promotion Associate (Communications & Digital Content Specialist) Maternal Health Research

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.