Communications & Design Specialist

National Louis is seeking applicants interested in joining our team as the Communication and Design Specialist. This position will be responsible for advising on and implementing the communications activities of the McCormick Center. This position will also be responsible for using graphic design skills to create promotional materials and internal documents. In addition to graphic design skills, this position will use writing and communication skills to craft content for communications collateral and strategies for marketing implementation under the supervision of the eLearning and Technology Manager.

In this role you will:

• Design and create print and digital graphics. Manage organizational system for all marketing materials, both physical and digital. Develop graphics and icons for eNewsletters (Mailchimp), social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter), webpages, presentations, etc. 
• Design print and digital items as requested, including advertisements, research reports, media toolkits, brochures, etc. Understand the basics of HTML and CSS to complete general edits on the McCormick Center website (WordPress). 
• Coordinate printing; serve as liaison to professional printers. 
• Take photos and record videos at conferences, events, and trainings, as necessary. 
• Ensure the integrity of the McCormick Center brand. 
• Manage brand by ensuring consistent look, style, and feel for all graphics. 
• Ensure all vendor printed materials meet the brand standard. 
• Review branding usage on staff documents. 
• Make necessary brand edits and ensure that staff has brand awareness. 
• Maintain templates for MS Word, MS Powerpoint, as well as Google Docs and Slides. 
• Coordinate with content owners, edit, and write marketing content, including eNewsletters, policy statements, press releases, social media copy, and other content as needed, in alignment with the McCormick Center’s brand. 
• Coordinates the development of resources and announcements to be distributed on the website, social media, and/or via email, NLU, and relevant national early childhood news outlets. 
• Interacts with NLU departments to coordinate mutually beneficial communication plans. 
• Represent the McCormick Center at conferences and events as necessary. 
• Present technology and marketing trainings in alignment with the McCormick Center’s goals and scopes of work. 
• Manage, design, and develop social media strategies to help grow the McCormick Center’s social media reach and impact. 
• Manage schedule for email communications and social media postings. 
• Create written and visual content for social media outlets. 
• Advise on, design, and create content and strategies for email marketing with Mailchimp. Monitor and share data reports regarding Key Performance Indicators. 
• Stay up-to-date on technologies in communication design and social media. 
• General Office Support. Help keep common areas clean and tidy. Keep McCormick Center Outlook calendar current. 
• Represent the McCormick Center in a professional and ethical manner. Support the growth of the McCormick Center by participating in relevant committees.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Marketing, Graphic Design, or related field required. 
• 3-5 years of related experience required. 
• Proficient use of technology and computer software, including Adobe Creative Cloud; familiarity with Customer Relationship Management databases; video conferencing software; and familiarity with online email tools, social media tools and strategies, video and photo equipment, and website design management. 
• Some travel will be required. Must be able to work some nights and weekends.

Learn more and apply online at Communications & Design Specialist.