What: The role of this position is to manage AUA communications, outreach programs, and volunteer coordination, while supporting the AUA team in events management, development, and administrative duties.
Please send your resume and cover letter to Laura Calvert, Executive Director, at director@auachicago.org by Friday, November 8, 2019.
Primary responsibilities:
- Manage and develop content for all AUA communication channels, including the website, listserv, monthly newsletter, and social media.
- Lead and coordinate AUA’s outreach programs, including Food Sovereignty Action Days and Ward Ambassadors program. Work with AUA staff, Board of Directors, Associate Board, and members to set and execute programmatic goals.
- Coordinate and lead monthly Associate Board meetings and recruit new members on an annual basis.
- Support event management in coordination with AUA team, including annual Urban Livestock Expo and Grown in Chicago Soiree (annual fundraiser).
- Strategize and implement semi - annual membership and donation drives.
- Write, update, edit and oversee production and design of printed and promotional materials.
- Serve as primary media contact. Develop and implement PR strategies, including media outreach, issuing press releases, fielding media inquiries, and maintaining media lists.
- Implement social networking strategies, devel op content, and monitor and respond to inquiries.
- Manage website, including website content and structure as well as monitor and report on key metrics.
- Represent AUA at events and presentations.
- Recruit and coordinate individual volunteers and volunteer groups to support AUA programs and events.
- Research funding and other resource support opportunities for AUA and the urban agriculture community.
- Engage in research, outreach , and administrative tasks for other AUA initiatives, including its Good Practices for Growing in Chicago program.
Professional Qualifications:
- 3 - 5 years minimum of professional experience in communications, community engagement, outreach programming, and event coordination.
- Strong familiarity with the Chicago region’s urban agriculture and local food movement.
- Extensive experience working with diverse communities throughout Chicago and demonstrated use of cultural competence within those experiences.
- An energetic and creative approach to organizing and promoting fun, educational, and engaging events on a modest budget.
- Tech savvy - proficient in MS Office, Google platforms, Wordpress, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).
- Excellent time management, project management, and organizational skills.
- Experience maintaining an engaging social media presence.
- Exceptional verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, effectively manage projects, and meet deadlines.
- Curious and thoughtful approach to work with a desire to solve problems and continuously improve the quality of work.
- A sincere commitment to the mission and philosophy of AUA is required.
- Flexibility to work occasional evening and weekends for events.
- An enthusiastic, team - oriented, and friendly disposition!
- Ideal Candidates would also possess: Bilingual skills -- Spanish/English
Physical Demands:
- Employee to work primarily in an office setting, with occasional visits to local farms and gardens.
- Requires ability to engage in farm tasks (e.g using hand tools, shoveling, planting) on an occasional basis.
- Requires ability to u se computers, telephones, and other office equipment.
- Requires ability to speak audibly and listen actively.
- Requires ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Requires ability to sit for long periods of time.
- May require periodic travel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary: Starting salary for this position is $40,000/year, including health insurance and paid time - off, with opportunity for growth.