Communications Director

BPI seeks a highly motivated communications professional with a passion for social justice to join our staff as Communications Director. This senior leadership role will oversee all communications, marketing, and public relations activities. This position is based in our Loop office, reports to the Executive Director, and will work closely with program staff to achieve strategic goals. 

Responsibilities:

• Build and guide a long-term communications strategy, leading all marketing and communications efforts organization-wide in furtherance of BPI’s mission, vision, and values
• Partner with BPI program staff to advise them on how to leverage the power of communications to advance BPI’s work and identify opportunities to do so 
• Ensure that BPI has the communications strategies, content, workflows, and systems in place to effectively advance the organization’s fundraising goals and programmatic work 
• Elevate BPI as a thought leader in social justice areas in which it works and increase the visibility of its overall impact across key stakeholder audiences 
• Manage, update, and create content for BPI’s website, e-newsletters, and social media channels 
• Play a key role in execution of special events and activities related to fundraising 
• Manage production of BPI's Annual Report and other print and digital publications as assigned
• Create and execute a robust public relations and media outreach strategy including producing press releases, media advisories, and other relevant communications 
• Sustain media relations; reach out to key members of the media and other influencers to generate coverage, place articles, and create interview opportunities 
• Establish, track, and report on key metrics to effectively measure the progress and performance of all communications and public relations initiatives and efforts 
• Serve as BPI's photographer, videographer, and "designer-in-chief" for basic web graphics and print collateral 
• Manage relationships with external firms engaged in marketing and communications work for BPI 
• Serve as an ambassador for BPI, building and sustaining external relationships as needed 
• Exemplify BPI’s core values and advance BPI’s vision in all aspects of our work

• Demonstration of a strong passion for BPI’s mission and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Seven to ten years of relevant experience in marketing, communications, or PR, including leadership of organization-wide initiatives 
• Experience communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences 
• Ability to develop and articulate a compelling strategic vision for BPI’s communications across multiple platforms and diverse audiences 
• A creative and entrepreneurial approach to increasing BPI’s visibility while being mindful of the complex nuances and sensitive nature of advocacy 
• Exceptional concept development, writing, editing, and project management skills 
• Strong working knowledge of digital and traditional media tactics and channels 
• Strong research and analytical skills combined with excellent attention to detail
• A working knowledge of relevant stakeholders and institutions in the Chicago region 
• Expertise in both Microsoft and Mac environments and in the use of Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Constant Contact or similar marketing software programs 
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or public affairs preferred. Graduate degree a plus 
• Experience with a law, policy, or social justice organization desirable

Compensation is commensurate with experience.