Communications Manager (MPI)

Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,900 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment. MFS is spearheading the Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI) . With a vision to live in an equitable Chicago that is free of gun violence where all children, youth and families live happy and fulfilled lives, MPI aims to coordinate, support, and sustain Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), a cross-agency infrastructure made up of local community-based and citywide organizations that deliver a comprehensive set of services to heal communities at the highest risk for gun violence We are now hiring for a full-time Communications Manager to join our MPI/CP4P Team! ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Partner with Communications Director, Chief Communications Officer, and team to develop a strategic external/internal communications plan and recommend improvements and tactics to promote the MPI/CP4P brand. Write and prepare compelling internal/external copy and communications on behalf of MPI/CP4P organization and leadership, including but not limited to speeches, briefings, talking points, newsletters, pre-read materials, memoranda, letters, emails, brochures, flyers and presentations Assist with all stages of podcast production including researching, writing, recording and editing Partner with Public Relations Manager in strategizing and securing key media placements Partner with Social Media Manager and Communications Assistant in writing and creating digital content for organization's social media outlets, such as regular posts, blogs, tweets, etc. Partner with Senior Graphic Designer in developing graphic designs for online and print communications (website, digital communications, print materials/signage, etc.) Build relationships with staff across MPI/CP4P programs and disciplines to conduct interviews and develop high-quality, high-impact written and digital communications pieces (impact stories, reports, summaries, social posts, descriptors, fact sheets, etc.) Provide communications support for MPI/CP4P program and initiatives, including insights/recommendations and developing/executing online content Provide communications support for events, programs/collaborations/initiatives Contribute to monthly content calendar to manage content and plan specific, timely campaigns Administrate the creation and regularly scheduled publishing of relevant, original, high-quality organizational content Partner with Communications Director, Chief Communications Officer and team to develop a website/digital communications strategic plan and recommend improvements and tactics to promote the organization's brand Create/write/edit content for the organization's websites and communications Use organization's content management system (i.e. WordPress) to add/edit/optimize/cross-promote content, including developing event promotions and registrations Maintain email database and contact management/segmentation (i.e. Mail Chimp, Constant Contact) Analyze website trends and make recommendations for improvements to functionality and the "look and feel" of websites Manage various website traffic reporting systems (e.g., Google Analytics) to monitor overall trends and proactively provide recommendations on ways the organization can leverage its online visibility, improve traffic and readability. Work with web host and other third-party vendors to resolve technical or performance issues and ensure they are identified and resolved Manage the organization's multimedia archive Shoot and edit photography/short video footage (people, events, etc.) for online and print communications needs QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Certifications etc. (Hard requirements that are non-negotiable and cannot be off-set by other attributes, skills or experience): Bachelor's degree with coursework in digital communications, communications, journalism or related field required 5-7 years+ experience in communications (including digital communications, website management and social media) required Excellent writing and editing skills and the ability to write compelling copy required Strong knowledge of content management systems (i.e. WordPress) and email services (i.e. Mail Chimp, Constant Contact) required Proficient in Microsoft Office Solid knowledge of HTML/CSS, digital communications platforms, social media dashboards, Google Analytics and online evaluation tools Basic knowledge of online advertising and SEO/SEM strategies desired Strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including but not limited to Premiere, Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator preferred Strong media relations skills; experience in securing media placements Existing press and media relationships within Chicago and Illinois Knowledge, skills and abilities (Additional knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be successful and perform well in the role (i.e. UKG implementation, expert level excel skills etc.): Self-motivated, team and goal-oriented individual with the ability to drive results Must be deadline-driven and possess the ability to meet important timelines in a fast-paced environment, a project management expert Effective time management skills and ability to complete given tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously Be proactive, reliable, responsible and accurate with an attention to detail Ability to work special events as well as handle unexpected deadlines and emergency communications required Must be able to periodically work evenings/weekends Driving for work preferred with a personally owned vehicle SALARY: Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $00,000 Metropolitan Family Services offers a very generous benefits packet to our professionals: Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage: HMO, Traditional PPO, or PPO w/ HSA contributions. Dental and Vision Insurance Options 12 paid Holidays Paid Time Off (PTO) 401K Plan Training and Professional Development Plan with E- Learning Wellness Initiative Program Employee Assistance Network Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Created: 2024-11-05