Communications Director (SPP)

The NEIC seeks a bright and highly motivated individual to support the development and execution of the council’s vision, mission, and strategy through the application of communication best practices. The Communications Director serves as the staff advisor to the council’s communications committee and VP of Marketing (the VP is a volunteer position on the executive board), and is responsible for guiding the creation and implementation of the council’s internal and external communications. This position requires occasional evening and weekend work and reports to the Director of Support Services. Our office is fast-paced, and our hardworking staff is passionate about the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, require limited supervision, and be a self-starter who can take charge of their own assignments. This position can be remote 2-3 days per week or as needed to accomplish goals.

Responsibilities:

DIGITAL COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT

• Create, manage, and strategize social media content for all major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 
• Keep up to date with emerging platforms and trends and assess their value to the council, adjusting communications plan as needed. 
• Maintain content calendar with input from key staff and volunteers. 
• Manage council website design, content, and analytics. Work with IT committee to manage DNS, SSL, and other necessary backend components of the website. 
• Manage internal communications application (InspireHUB). Stay up to date in posting about current news and events for our members. Work with staff and key volunteers to create and post content pertinent to their departments. 
• Manage Mailchimp system; design monthly newsletters as well as additional emails as needed by volunteers/staff. 
• Evaluate digital communication tools/platforms and recommend changes or supplementations as needed. 

CONTENT CREATION

• Create and manage digital and print designs for a variety of events and campaigns. 
• Write and edit copy for official communications, fundraising, marketing, recruitment, and other programs as needed.

COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY

• Work with VP of Marketing and Communications Committee to develop and revise communication strategy as needed. Recruit additional Communications Committee members as needed from volunteer base. 
• Manage development and design of internal and external communications literature and communications to ensure consistent branding and messaging. Educate volunteers on appropriate usage of BSA branding. 
• Manage council calendar and event promotions. Set expectations and design best practices for smooth flow of information. 
• Manage digital content including brand assets, photography, and videos. 
• Report on web and social analytics to council executive board.

MARKETING, ADVERTISING, AND PR

• Stay abreast of current marketing trends and identify those which align with the needs of the council. Oversee marketing/advertising budget for effective visibility and market penetration. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with local news media outlets to highlight Scouting’s role in the community. Stay abreast of any trending news regarding the Boy Scouts of America, local Scouting, etc. 
• Manage relationships with local nonprofits, sports teams, and other mutually beneficial partners to raise funds and increase the council’s visibility in key markets. 
• Produce or oversee production of marketing content including video, photo, digital, and print assets. Work with volunteer photographers and videographers to gather image assets. 
• Speak publicly on behalf of the council.

OTHER

• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Support Services

Strong knowledge of:

• social media platforms and content management applications (Hootsuite or similar)
• WordPress or other web design platforms
• social media and web analytics, including Google Analytics
• design programs including Adobe Creative Suite and Canva
• Mailchimp or similar email marketing management applications
• Microsoft Suite
• Digital content management

Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

2-3 years’ experience in communications, marketing, advertising, PR, or similar field.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (official transcript required for employment)

Must be willing to accept and meet the Boy Scout of America’s leadership and membership standards and subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law.

Must be willing to submit to criminal, reference, and motor vehicle background checks.

Ability to work varied hours when necessary.

Ability to travel for training at least once a year for one to two weeks.

Committed to personal and professional productivity while maintaining high ethical and professional working standards.

Self-motivated individual with solid time management skills and strong organizational skills in management, budgeting, and planning.

ADDITIONAL DESIRED SKILLS:

The below skills are not required, but are certainly nice to have.

• Background in Scouting 
• Background in nonprofit management and fundraising 
• Photography and videography skills.

The Northeast Illinois Council (NEIC) is an equal opportunity employer. In addition to offering a competitive salary, we offer benefits including medical insurance, prescription coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, accidental death, and a matching 403(b), plus compensation for authorized expenses including phone and mileage reimbursement. We also offer a generous vacation policy and ten holiday observances.