Position Description
POSITION TITLE: Communications Manager
PAY RANGE/GRADE: Commensurate with experience/Grade 7
Interested applicants should submit resumes to jobs@bickerdike.org
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Communications Manager is responsible for communications and project
coordination for Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation (BRC) and its overall work and many initiatives.
The position plays a key role in coordination and execution of written and electronic communications and
public relations materials for Bickerdike’s internal and external audiences to ensure successful
organizational positioning and program implementation. In all instances the Communications Manager
must perform in accordance with and be committed to the Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation
mission.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable persons with disabilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly
required to stand, walk, climb stairs, use hands, reach with hands and arms, bend, lift and or move up to
25 pounds.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Create, manage and execute a broad array of communications programming and initiatives on
behalf of Bickerdike and broader work and initiatives including but not limited to: the Bickerdike
website, print and/or electronic newsletters, press releases, email and telephone
communications, reporting, monitoring, and other items related to the successful implementation
and/or promotion of Bickerdike and its programs and initiatives.
2. Oversee the creation and implementation of electronic communications for Bickerdike including
but not limited to: developing and managing both graphic and informational content for the
Bickerdike website, including content for its subsidiaries and initiatives; writing design and upload
of new content; routine updates; coordinated RSS feeds; coordination of community and
organizational calendars; resource pages, etc.
3. Play a lead role in the upkeep of the Bickerdike website, coordinating with appropriate Bickerdike
staff and key organizational partners, facilitating communication with consultants as necessary.
4. Create, maintain and implement a regular communications plan on behalf of all Bickerdike
organizational initiatives in collaboration with appropriate staff, targeting key content for
distribution via web-based, electronic and print media on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis.
5. Generate original content and coordinate content creation among Bickerdike program staff for
internal and external distribution, including articles for Bickerdike’s print and electronic media, as
well as print and electronic media of Bickerdike’s community and industry partners.
6. Coordinate and manage the Humboldt Park Smart Communities Portal in coordination with the
Smart Communities Program Manager and the New Communities Program Director.
7. Assist in writing, editing and placement of content for publication in industry media including such
publications as the LISC NCP newsletter, Shelterforce, Affordable Housing Finance and Design
Develop Construct Magazine, American Builders Quarterly.
8. Facilitate implementation of relevant communications priorities articulated in the 2010 – 2014
Strategic Plan, including in the areas of internal and external communications, social media,
policy advocacy, etc..
9. Assist with Bickerdike’s fundraising efforts, including but not limited to proposal writing and donor
cultivation.
10. Support Bickerdike’s public relations efforts, including the writing and circulation of press
releases and advertising.
11. Coordinate and carry out production of electronic photo and video media for Bickerdike and
Humboldt Construction’s website and electronic communications that document and promote
organizational programs and initiatives throughout the year, including the deployment and use of
professional camera equipment and photo, graphics and video editing software.
12. Coordinate and carry out the design and production of communications materials including but
not limited to brochures, ads, informational sheets and flyers.
13. Act as first point of contact for all media requests, coordinate interviews with designated staff and
provide media outlets with supplemental information and Bickerdike materials.
14. Oversee, coordinate and carry out all aspects of Bickerdike’s membership program including but
not limited to membership policies and procedures, recruitment drives, membership incentive
programs, application approvals, membership renewals, member removals, membership
electronic and print materials and maintenance of all aspects of the membership database.
15. Ensure accurate Spanish translation of content as appropriate.
16. Assist with administrative and program tasks related to Bickerdike including but not limited to
meeting preparations, event support, contact-list updates, filing/organization, and mailings.
17. Staff and/or support assigned Bickerdike committees and teams and/or projects including
information gathering and distribution, outreach support, minute taking, reporting, coordination,
and follow-up to ensure successful implementation.
18. Maintain record keeping information systems related to Bickerdike and/or other efforts as
appropriate.
19. Attend and participate in city-wide communications and policy forums, committees, community
meetings, and public events as required.
20. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: BA or equivalent relevant experience required. Superior writing and oral presentation skills.
Computer knowledge necessary including familiarity with web-based communications, graphic and web design
software and photo and video editing programs. Program administrative experience desired. Must be willing to
work flexible hours. Bilingual Spanish-English written and verbal skills strongly preferred. . West Town,
Humboldt Park, Logan Square Hermosa and Avondale residents preferred.
REPORTING RELATIONS: Under the supervision of the Operations Director. In the absence of this supervisor,
shall report to the Executive Director.
POSITION CLASSIFICATIONS: Exempt
Bickerdike is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Drug Free Workplace
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In the heart of Chicago, we offer degrees in fields of study that can change your life and change the world. CUPPA students and alumni are uniquely skilled to build and transform sustainable urban neighborhoods and communities and to address the challenges presented in the 21st century. Find our more about our Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees at cuppa.uic.edu.
Follow our job postings below and our national job tweets at @CUPPACareers. For student internships and student opportunities, head to the CUPPA Student Opportunities Blog
Have a job or internship to post? Send an email with the title, location, job description, and contact information to cuppa@uic.edu