Center for Neighborhood TechnologyChicago, IL
The core task of the Communications Director is to position CNT, both nationally and locally, as a leading source of strategies, tools, and policies that promote urban sustainability and equity.
CNT's Communications Director is a strategic thinker adept at communicating with a range of key audiences, including policy makers, practitioners, local officials, industry leaders, and the media, at the local, regional and national levels. The Communications Director will help CNT shape key messages and position the organization and its strategies with target audiences. Working with the CEO and senior staff, the Communications Director is responsible for raising the visibility of CNT as a thought leader and effective practitioner in its program areas, and assist program managers in achieving their communications objectives.
The Communications Director reports to the Senior Vice President, and supervises a Communications Coordinator and Graphic Designer. S/he will work closely with CNT's Development Team and program staff to implement communications and fundraising strategies.
Duties and Responsibilities
Communications Strategy
- Work with Board and staff to frame CNT's core messages and ensure their broad understanding and adoption
- Raise awareness locally and nationally of CNT's urban sustainability work in multiple regions around the country
- Help program managers advance their specific programmatic goals through strategic communications planning and guidance; identify target audiences for each program area; develop and implement a communications strategy for each major program initiative
- Monitor and evaluate news, trends and events, with an eye toward opportunities to communicate CNT's work
- Provide editorial and messaging support to CNT program staff on all communications materials, as well as communications training/coaching for program staff to build skills and capacity
- Edit and write blogs, speeches, talking points and presentations for senior leadership
- Increase CNT's national media visibility and thought leadership recognition
- Build relationships with reporters, bloggers, etc.
- Manage communications for the launch of new programs, products and reports
Oversee the drafting, editing, design, publication, and distribution of written products, including annual report, research reports, newsletters, and other institutional publications and materials
Web Presence and Social Media
- Develop content for and maintain CNT's web presence and social media channels – keeping abreast of trends and technology and making improvements when necessary
- Build capacity of staff to engage with audiences on social media as subject matter experts
- Work with staff to improve the usability of our web-based information tools
- Five or more years of experience in a senior communications and/or policy role, or related fields such as journalism or public affairs
- The ability to think strategically and to position issues and ideas within the public debate
- Superb writing, editing, and verbal communications skills
- Solid organizational and interpersonal skills
- The ability to collaborate with others and work in diverse effective teams
- Success in planning and implementation of communication strategies aimed at policy change
- Track record of producing communications products that are clear, persuasive and suitable for their target audience
- Established relationships with Chicago-area and/or national media
- Electronic media expertise in web development and social media
- A working knowledge of urban, environmental, and economic policy, community development, urban planning, housing, energy and/or environmental studies
This position requires a person of intelligence and integrity who is highly motivated and team-oriented, enjoys organizing and coordinating projects and processes involving many people and issues, has demonstrated a commitment to CNT's goals and mission, can work under deadlines and maintain a cooperative spirit in a demanding work environment, and has a sense of humor.
This is an Exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience.
To Apply
Please send cover letter, resume, and salary history to:
Center for Neighborhood Technology
Human Resources – Communications Director
2125 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
Email to: Careers@cnt.org (link sends e-mail)
No phone calls please.