Communications Manager

To apply, please submit resume and cover letter (both are required) ​to Suzanne Ploger at [email protected]  No phone calls.

​Job Title: Communications Manager
Department: Development
Reports To: Director of Development
Supervises: Not Applicable
Salary: $45,000 - $50,000/yr

General Summary:
Under the general direction of the Director of Development, the Communications Manager is responsible for the overall success of the agency’s marketing and community outreach efforts.  This includes the marketing of agency programs and services, events, outreach, and partnerships.
 
Overview:
The Communications Manager is a critical thinker with excellent communication and marketing skills. This role develops strategies for outreach campaigns intended to reach diverse audiences, using a combination of traditional and emerging resources.  This position is responsible for creating effective campaigns utilizing the agency’s website and social media, annual reports, direct mail, media placements, and paid advertising.  This position serves as a liaison position between the organization, board, volunteers and community in marketing agency events and services. This position will enable JOURNEYS | The Road Home to effectively reach its fund-raising goals and continue to strengthen and build new strong beneficial relationships.
 
Essential Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, English, Communications, or related field
2. 3+ years professional experience in the areas of communications or marketing
3. Knowledge of marketing channels in print and online, including social media platforms
4. Ability to customize content for target audiences effectively.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong grasp of grammar, proactive writing, language, and attention to detail
6. Technological competency
7. Familiar with the communities within JOURNEYS service area
8. Subscription to and integration of the agency’s core values of Respect, Teamwork, Mission-Driven, and Commitment

 
Core Competencies:

1. Demonstrate effective communication skills
2. Adapt to changing work priorities
3. Maintain composure under stressful situations
4. Maintain confidentiality
5. Apply common sense understanding to carry out duties
6. Take initiative in problem solving

  
Essential Functions:
 MARKETING | 75%

1. Identify key stakeholders including diverse audiences, community leaders, elected leaders and opinion leaders to ensure the right message is being developed and delivered in an effective way
2. Stay informed about developments in marketing and communications to foster innovation and create versatile and strategic messaging
3. Work with leadership to develop communication and marketing strategies, adjusting plans as necessary
4. Represent agency at civic clubs, outreach events, and speaking engagements
5. Identify and present opportunities for consistency in messaging across channels
6. Ensure all messages align with organizational strategies and develop content for impactful messaging
7. Develop short- and long-term outreach goals and planned initiatives
8. Create and manage media content calendars, including annual reports and appeals
9. Oversee digital marketing efforts, including social media campaigns, email newsletters, and website content
10. Plan and oversee the design, content, and production of marketing materials
11. Brainstorm and collaborate on new ideas and strategies for programs and branding
12. Identify media and press opportunities and determine strategic communication campaigns
13. Comply with agency policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, social media and brand guidelines

 
​ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS | 25%

1. Direct oversight of Marketing Associate position and activities
2. Assist with oversight of Event Coordinator position and activities
3. Create and oversee marketing budget for ad placements, acquisition efforts, and marketing materials
4. Collaborate on presentations for events and engagements

 
Note:  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. The Board of Directors reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
 
This work is primarily sedentary and requires travel throughout the service area as well as within the greater Chicago areas. The work schedule varies depending on the needs and services of the organization. Evening and weekend work is necessary in order to attend meetings or to participate in events. This position will require exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.