Communications and Public Relations Director - Center on Halsted - Chicago, IL

Communications & Public Relations Director
Center on Halsted

Chicago, IL

Department: PR/Marketing
Reports to: CEO
Classification status: Exempt; Full-Time

Essential Functions: Communications and Public Relations Director provides strategic leadership, management, and coordination of communications, public relations, media, marketing, and branding for Center on Halsted, (COH) the largest LGBTQ community center in the mid-west. Communications and Public Relations Director develops and oversees the implementation of communications and marketing strategies that advance the organization’s reputation, meaningfully engages key stakeholders and external audiences in the mission, and amplifies Center on Halsted influence and impact. Strong brand positioning and public relations capabilities are at the core of the portfolio, as well as positioning communication discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.

Job Duties:

• In conjunction with the CEO, serves as a consultant and strategist to COH leadership in matters of external positioning, messaging, and public relations.
• Proactively develops and manages media contacts and relationships and serves as a key public relations officer for institutional advancement and crisis communications.
• Develops and stewards collaborative partner relationships with peer colleagues to ensure the coordination of communications and marketing strategies across COH entities.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of COH key areas of focus to be an effective, grounded communicator to external audiences.

Communications, Marketing, and Branding

• Develops and implements both long-term and annual communications and marketing plans that reflect the current and future priorities of the organization.
• Maintains an ongoing assessment of communications and marketing needs and works collaboratively to design a cohesive and aligned approach for advancing the individual entity and overarching brand.
• Leads the generation of content that reflects the vision, direct service impact, policy advocacy accomplishments of the organization, inspires and engages multiple audience segments, leading to measurable action.
• Advances internal communication strategies that support the strategic vision and increase the effectiveness of staff and board as brand ambassadors.
• Regularly evaluates the effectiveness of communications strategies and messaging and adjusts strategies as required.
• Guides the development of communications policies related to privacy, release of information, etc.
• Develop and drive digital/online/social media strategy and execution.
• Selects and oversees the work of writers, photographers, videographers, and graphic designers.

Development
Partners with the Director of Development to advance the fundraising strategic plan.
Conceptualizes and oversees the development of a marketing plan and content for special events, donor reporting, and other publications.

Disclaimer:
This job description is not a comprehensive list of all of the possible job-related responsibilities, tasks and duties that are required of this position, and further, Center on Halsted reserves the right to change as it sees fit any and all of the employee’s responsibilities, tasks and duties.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Microsoft Office proficiency required.
• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in marketing, communications, journalism, nonprofit administration, or related field; at least 3-5 years of related experience serving in a leadership capacity with responsibility for implementation of web content, donor communications, publications and/or public relations; experience working in not-for-profit sector preferred. Demonstrated capacity to lead a creative team, direct content, and manage messaging of complex issues. Ability to multi-task and be extremely detail oriented
• Communication Skills: Must be highly competent in communicating the organization’s core values, long-term vision, and key messages to new and existing audiences.

Application Instructions:
Apply by email with the subject Communication and Public Relations Director. Email resume, cover letter and salary history/salary range expectations to: HR Department, careers@centeronhalsted.org.

In your cover letter, please address the following:
Please describe what you believe are opportunities to leverage the mission of COH.
In what ways could you increase Center on Halsted’s social media presence?
Explain in how you would work with multiple program teams, while working on many different projects with multiple deadlines.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Center on Halsted hires the most qualified candidates without regard to any person's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, military discharge status, or source of income.