Marketing Communications Specialist

Are you looking for an opportunity to use your gifts in Marketing Communications to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our Chicago neighbors in need?

Yes? That's great because we're looking for the right candidate to join our team!

The role of the Marketing Communications Specialist is to create and manage marketing and communications assets that support the goals and objectives of the Development Department in an effort to increase funding and raise awareness for the people served and the programs and services offered at Franciscan Outreach. The ideal candidate should be able to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously and work collaboratively with a wide range of employees, stakeholders and external audiences.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Create, design and implement marketing and communications deliverables to support the Development Department’s goals and objectives through integrated traditional print, digital and multimedia platforms 
• Create, implement and measure the success of all marketing communications efforts designed to increase revenue and enhance the organization’s image and position within the marketplace 
• Develop compelling and strategic messaging and content across multiple platforms, including collateral, annual reports, newsletters, eNews, appeal letters, website, social media, blogs, human interest stories, scripts, acknowledgement letters, and other deliverables 
• Assist the Director of Development with the rollout and management the organization’s new brand enhancement strategy 
• Produce and maintain consistent design and visual identity across all deliverables 
• Collaborate with Development Director to plan, develop and execute special events 
• Work with Development Director and Database Administrator to manage the website on a WordPress platform including, content development, campaigns and design updates. 
• Develop and manage a comprehensive social media strategy, manage social media calendars – ensuring a steady stream of content across all channels and track and evaluate effectiveness of social media efforts. 
• Assist in the development of a media strategy aligned with organizational goals. 
• Maintain media lists and produce and manage content for media contacts, including press releases, briefs, statements, talking points/key messages, Op-Eds, LTE, etc. 
• Develop and maintain tracking and storage systems for marketing and communications collateral, including stories, photos and video content. 
• Work with Development Director and Database Administrator to manage the constituent relationship management system to identify, maintain and segment constituent information. 
• Conduct data analysis to develop strategies to target appropriate audiences 
• Perform other duties and special projects as required.

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of one to three years of demonstrated experience in marketing and communications. 
• Previous work with a nonprofit organization is a plus. 
• Familiarity with design software including InDesign, Illustrator, Adobe and Photoshop. 
• Working knowledge of HTML, WordPress and digital platforms is highly recommended. 
• Experience with constituent databases such as Neon CRM, and/or Raiser’s Edge. 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) is required.

RELATED SKILLS:

• Exceptional proven written and verbal skills 
• Excellent editing, proofreading, presentation and design skills 
• Ability to manage a creative and collaborative process with internal and external stakeholders 
• Experience managing designers, printers, mail houses and other contractors 
• Exhibits exceptional leadership, critical thinking and analytic abilities 
• Ability to manage difficult situations with tact and diplomacy 
• Superior project management, planning and organizational skills 
• Ability to multi-task, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
• Sound judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality 
• Self-starter who works well independently, but collegially with other team members 
• Strong attention to detail 
• Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management