Reporting to the Chief of Staff and based in the Office of the President, the Director of Strategic Communications leads Erikson Institute's institution-wide communications strategy, ensuring the Institute's mission, priorities, and impact are communicated with clarity, consistency, and purpose. As a trusted communications partner to the President, Chief of Staff, and institutional leadership, the Director develops and executes communications that strengthen Erikson's reputation, elevate its thought leadership, and engage internal and external audiences.
Working collaboratively across Marketing, Enrollment, Development, Academic Affairs, Research, Policy and Community Impact, Human Resources, and other institutional units, the Director aligns communications with Erikson's strategic priorities while complementing enrollment marketing and fundraising initiatives. The Director oversees executive and institutional communications, media relations, internal communications, digital communications, editorial strategy, and crisis communications, while leading a small communications team and external consultants. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring an accomplished writer, editor, strategist, and communications practitioner who can move seamlessly between long-term planning and day-to-day execution.
Essential ResponsibilitiesInstitutional and Executive CommunicationsDevelop and execute Erikson Institute’s institution-wide communications strategy in alignment with the Institute’s Strategic Plan and presidential priorities.Partner with the President and Chief of Staff to provide strategic communications counsel and support executive messaging and institutional communications.Develop, write, edit, and execute high-quality communications, including institutional announcements, presentations, newsletters, web content, talking points, correspondence, and other communications that advance Erikson’s mission and strategic priorities.Coordinate institution-wide communications to ensure messaging is timely, accurate, consistent, and aligned across academic and administrative units.Lead communications planning and execution for major institutional initiatives, announcements, and strategic priorities.Media Relations and Reputation ManagementDevelop and execute a proactive media relations strategy that strengthens Erikson’s visibility and reputation.Cultivate relationships with local, national, and trade media and proactively identify opportunities to elevate Erikson’s faculty, research, programs, and institutional leadership.Prepare messaging, press materials, media responses, and briefing materials for institutional leaders.Monitor emerging issues that may affect the Institute’s reputation and provide communications counsel to institutional leadership.Develop, maintain, and execute issues management and crisis communications plans in coordination with the President, Chief of Staff, General Counsel, Human Resources, and other designated leaders.Lead the development of initiatives, including a speaker’s bureau and thought leadership opportunities, that increase Erikson’s visibility and influence.Content, Digital Communications, and Brand GovernanceDevelop, write, edit, and oversee compelling content across print, digital, web, email, social media, presentations, photography, video, and other communications platforms.Lead execution of institutional storytelling that communicates Erikson’s mission, scholarship, research, academic excellence, fundraising priorities, and community impact.Maintain editorial standards, messaging frameworks, and communications guidelines in partnership with President’s Office and Marketing to ensure consistency with Erikson’s brand identity.Ensure communications are accurate, accessible, inclusive, and consistent with applicable legal, privacy, confidentiality, copyright, accessibility, and institutional requirements.Provide communications leadership for institutional events by developing messaging, promotional materials, speeches, scripts, media support, and storytelling in partnership with staff responsible for event planning and execution.Maintain the institutional editorial calendar and prioritize communications projects in alignment with institutional priorities.Internal CommunicationsDevelop and execute an internal communications strategy that strengthens organizational alignment, transparency, engagement, and institutional culture.Produce and manage internal communications, including institutional newsletters, leadership communications, and employee announcements.Partner with Human Resources and other institutional leaders to support communications related to organizational initiatives, employee engagement, and institutional change.Identify opportunities to strengthen communication across the Institute and recommend improvements to communication processes and practices.Leadership, Budget, Consultant, and Performance ManagementLead, mentor, and develop communications staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and service-oriented team.Personally lead high-priority communications projects while appropriately delegating and managing the work of staff, consultants, agencies, and vendors.Develop and manage the communications budget and external consultant relationships.Establish priorities and workflows that ensure communications resources are aligned with institutional goals and responsive to organizational needs.Develop annual communications plans, establish measurable goals and performance indicators, and regularly evaluate the effectiveness and impact of communications initiatives.Foster a culture of continuous improvement, creativity, responsiveness, and excellence within the communications function.Measures of SuccessSuccess in this role will be demonstrated through:
Institutional Reputation & VisibilityAbout Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.
Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu
Read LessJob Summary:
This internship position provides routine support to the marketing team. The marketing team supports all marketing to external audiences for the graduate school, professional development and institutional advancement. It is inclusive of our web properties – www.erikson.edu, the Intranet, lead generation sites, and a student information system site. This role will work in collaboration with Marketing and Communications, Admissions and IT departments.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Supports the team’s projects and programs including:
Support SEO and AEO efforts through content creation, keyword research; updating content on third-party sitesSupport execution of integrated marketing campaigns including drafting and deploying email campaigns, boosting social media postsCollaborate with Marketing Manager and/or Web Developer on design projectsCoordinate website and collateral content audit and assist with updates to website and marketing assetsManage outreach to students, faculty and alums for any research, branding & marketing projectsEnter and update events, images and institutional information in a partner website to ensure accurate and engaging representationMaintain marketing calendars, campaign trackers, and documentation Creation of and data entry into performance dashboards related to paid advertising, website performance, email performance and integrated marketing campaigns (Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint, etc.)Research advertising and sponsorship opportunities for degree programs and professional developmentComplete competitive analysis for degree programs and professional development offeringsOther duties as assignedLearning & Development
Hands-on experience with full campaign lifecycle (planning → execution → analytics) Exposure to higher education and nonprofit marketing strategy Portfolio development through participation in major institutional campaigns Mentorship from marketing and communications leadershipQualifications:
Current undergraduate (junior or senior)/graduate student or recent graduate in Marketing, Communications, Design or related field. Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite and Excel Strong project management skillsAccuracy and attention to detailExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsMarketing, communications, social media, copywriting/content creation experience a plusExperience with design software like Canva and Adobe is a plus.Ability to work independently and as part of a teamKeeps abreast of marketing and design trendsExperience with Google Analytics a plusErikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, and advocacy and policy and leadership.
Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu
Read LessThe Digital Content Intern supports the Communication team's video and digital media work for Erikson Institute. Working under the direction of the Digital Content Producer, the intern assists primarily with video editing, digital asset management, and the setup and breakdown of video and photo shoots. This is a hands-on role for someone building a portfolio in video production who wants exposure to a full content workflow, from pre-production through editing and delivery.
To perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in Communications, Film/Video, Multimedia, or a related field.Working knowledge of a non-linear editing application (Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or equivalent).Familiarity with basic camera, lighting, and audio equipment.Strong organizational habits and attention to detail in file management.Reliable, collaborative, and able to follow direction while taking initiative on assigned tasks.Reel or portfolio of student/personal work preferred.Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.
Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu
Read LessPOSITION SUMMARY:
Currently, there are two possible positions:
Online Teaching Adjunct Faculty
The Online Teaching Adjunct Faculty position is for the Erikson’s Master of Science in Early Childhood Education, triple endorsement program. Most courses include 1 hour of asynchronous teaching and 2 hours of synchronous teaching each week. Synchronous teaching for these courses is evening hours (5PM-7:00PM and/or 7:00 PM-9:00PM).
Practicum Supervisor
The Practicum Supervisor is responsible for conducting classroom visits either online and/or in-person for students who are in their last semester at Erikson Institute. These visits typically take place during school hours (7:45 AM-4:00 PM) and/or during childcare hours (6:00AM-6:00 PM). In addition, Practicum Supervisors are expected to grade weekly assignments, monitor student progression and practicum hours in Watermark, have midterm meetings with students and their practicum site supervisor/mentor, and complete disposition forms at the end of the semester.
There also may be other opportunities for Practicum Supervisors to teach courses alongside this role if needed in the program. All adjunct instructors report to the Program Director of the academic program in which they teach.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
Teaching
Prepare and organize for class and engage with students in an online and/or on-campus format;Teach seminars and supervise internships/field placements, and supervise independent study projects as needed;Create a learning environment that encourages student involvement and participation; Consider individual differences of students to design and support a range of appropriate learning activities;Use a variety of assessment methods as applicable by academic discipline and specific course to allow students to demonstrate knowledge, practice and reflection;Evaluate teaching and assessment methods and use data to continually improve instructional strategies;Use a variety of instructional methods and technologies to enhance classroom and/or online instruction and achieve learning objectives and learning outcomes;Adhere to the course-specific learning outcomes as designated by the program and participate in course, program and Institute assessment and accreditation activities; Maintain attendance records and inform Registration and Records regarding enrollment errors and administrative withdrawals in a timely manner;Discuss performance and provide constructive feedback, as well as, other relevant information to students throughout the semester; andMaintain up-to-date grades in Canvas and submit end of semester grades on time in my.erikson.edu.Syllabus
Updated syllabi would be provided for you from which you will teach your course.Communication with the program director is expected in regard to any update to the syllabus. Provide a schedule of office hours to students and the program director. Virtual office hours to be approved by program director.Advising
Review and grade course assignments;Refer students to the appropriate academic support services available; andHelp students develop professional habits for the field by reinforcing student technical standards;Meetings/Professional Development
Participate in adjunct faculty and staff meetings, and commencement exercises;Continue professional development and growth according to personal needs and certification requirements, including participation in EI-provided faculty development offered throughout the academic year;Maintain professional competence in the specific discipline or field of study and integrate this expertise into teaching and learning to support student learning and outcomes; Complete all mandatory performance evaluation measures within specified time limits, e.g., Title IXAdhere to all institute policies and procedures related to academic programs.Perform other duties as assigned.
ETHOS OF CARE APPROACH
Faculty in the Triple Endorsement Program work from a reflective ethos of care, the radical act of taking care of ourselves and one another. Faculty strive to connect with students modeling the relationship-based approach that is foundational to early childhood education and the intersections of early childhood, bilingual/ESL, and special education. Our program is guided by an ethos of care for and with our students. Adjunct instructors are expected to embody an ethos of care in their own pedagogy.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of a master’s degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related field is required. Qualified candidates for adjunct faculty positions will have demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and belonging. Preferred individuals who are licensed teachers in early childhood or elementary education, background in multilingualism and special education.
To Apply:
Submit a 1–2-page cover letter that includes your teaching philosophy, qualifications, and any experience with online teaching, including specific software and/or applications that you have used.
Resume or curriculum vitae
Names and contact information of two references to be contacted after the interview.
Bilingual (Spanish) Developmental/Infant Mental Health Specialist for Children in Foster Care- Cook County
Erikson Institute is seeking to hire an experienced clinical professional with knowledge of child development and a background in working with children and families. This person will provide screening and referral services for families with young children where there is identified abuse and/or neglect. This position involves an opportunity to work for an innovative, ongoing state-wide collaboration between the Erikson Institute DCFS Early Childhood Project and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Through this collaboration, Developmental/Infant Mental Health Specialists seek to integrate an understanding of child, parent, family, and trauma history, with the goal of recommending and linking to services to maximize child and family functioning. Assessments are provided both in-person and virtually.
Roles & Responsibilities:
The Developmental/Infant Mental Health Specialist for children in foster care will: conduct developmental assessments of young children birth to age four with their foster parents in Cook County; interpret and document assessment results; and make and follow up on referrals and recommendations for children and their parents to support the family’s functioning. The Developmental/Infant Mental Health Specialist will provide attachment and trauma-informed case consultation to caregivers and DCFS or private agency case managers. This position includes the opportunity to build networks of referral resources, collaborate with early childhood and child welfare systems, and advocate for the needs of young children and families. Ample clinical and professional support is offered through weekly supervision, week group supervision/case presentations, and trainings offered by the program.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in child development, Social Work, Psychology or related fieldProfessional licensure such as LSW/LCSW or LPC/LCPC preferredRequired bilingual fluency (written and verbal) in Spanish and deep bicultural competency within the Latino community.Knowledge of child development, infant mental health, social work, and the child welfare systemExcellent verbal and written communication skills in English requiredMinimum of two years of clinical or assessment experience in mental health, child welfare or early childhood settingExcellent organizational skillsValid Illinois driver’s license and access to reliable car for travel as neededAvailable to work Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a minimum of two days per week working onsite at assigned DCFS office locations.Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.
Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu
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