Title: Internal Communications Manager

Employee Status: Full time – Exempt

Salary: Grade 5

Starting range of $85,000 – $108,000

Reports to: Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Department: External Affairs

Location: Chicago

Hybrid: In office: T/W | WFH: M/Th/F

Department Function: External Affairs engages with the stakeholders that make IFF’s community development work possible. It oversees grant fundraising efforts through philanthropic, corporate, and government sources; leads a communications and marketing program directed to our clients, partners, funders, and investors; and connects with government decision-makers on public policy that impact IFF’s work.

The Organization

IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.

Basic Job Function

The Internal Communications Manager is a critical part of IFF’s organizational culture and internal alignment. This role is responsible for developing and executing all internal communication channels and events, ensuring that all staff are informed, engaged, and connected to the organization’s mission, values, and strategic goals. This is a highly hands-on role requiring exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to fostering a unified "One IFF" culture across all regional offices and departments. The ideal candidate is an experienced communications professional with top-notch verbal and written communication skills, the ability to communicate complex concepts concisely and with an asset-based lens, a commitment to and talent for solving problems collaboratively, strong project management skills, adept technological know-how, and an eye for graphic design.

IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Strategy and Execution.

• Develop a strategic, measurable internal communications plan that aligns internal messaging with IFF’s mission and strategic goals and connects employees to IFF’s priorities, culture, and leadership.
• Monitor and measure internal communications channels and programs, adjusting the strategy and content based on feedback and data.

2. Content and Channel Management.

• Lead the internal newsletter, the One IFF Digest, creating and managing the editorial calendar, content creation, writing, editing, and distribution to ensure timely, high-quality, and engaging content.
• Liaise with other staff and department leads to ensure content is being submitted on schedule and aligns with organizational goals.
• Manage the IFF Intranet as the primary hub for internal information, ensuring content is current, relevant, easy to find, and visually engaging.

3. Staff Engagement and Culture Building.

• Lead the planning, logistics, and content development for all-staff meetings, including the agenda, presentations, and follow-up communications.
• Organize and promote the "Brown Bag" Lunch and Learn series, coordinating speakers and topics to support staff development and knowledge sharing.
• Lead on planning and execution of the annual All-Staff Retreat, managing all communication, logistics, and content development to maximize team building and alignment.

4. Relationship Management.

• Liaise with Talent Management and Office of the Chief Equity and Diversity Officer on the best approach and messaging for internal announcements to actively build and reinforce IFF's organizational culture, including around commitments to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), new staff onboarding, and more.
• Acts as a trusted advisor, providing best practices and strategic counsel on internal messaging, timing, and channel selection.

5. Other. Assists with other department functions and projects, as needed. Develops and completes an annual professional development plan, in consultation with supervisor. Maintains required job knowledge, skills, and core professional competencies.

6. Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.

Performance Measures:

1. Understand and effectively communicate IFF’s mission, business, and impact, tailored to an internal audience.

2. Successful delivery of high-quality projects including communications that are written well, crafted strategically, and aligned with IFF’s goals and branding, and events that are designed and executed to meet the stated purpose.

3. Execute assigned projects within the timeframe and goals established.

4. Engagement with colleagues, clients, and partners embodies value of lifelong learning and professional development.

5. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge.

6. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.

7. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.

8. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.

9. High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.

Position Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Previous Experience: Minimum three years’ experience in internal communications, corporate communications, or a related field, preferably in a mission-driven, nonprofit, or complex, multi-site organization. Experience in and knowledge of community development, finance, or real estate development is strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements: Familiarity with an asset-based communications approach and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Dynamics365, and SharePoint; Monday.com; and Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Regional travel may be required. Occasional evening and weekend work. Must be able to move 20 pounds. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for periods of time.

Standard Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution

Life Insurance

Short and long term disability

Work-Life Balance Benefits:

Hybrid workplace

Summer Fridays

Employee Development Benefits:

Professional development stipend

Mentorship program

Miscellaneous:

Wellness programs

Employee assistance

Referral Bonuses

IFF does not offer the following:

• relocation package
• 100% remote
• sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit.

Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above. Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Application Instructions: Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online.

IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.