At Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford (ECR), we are committed to two—often interconnecting—pillars of work: early learning and disability. Through these pillars, we transform the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support. As an affiliate of America’s largest nonprofit health care organization, we have proudly served the communities and families of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford since 1936. 

For more information about our organization, please visit us online at www.eastersealschicago.org. 

The Communications Director will be responsible for the development and implementation of a broad range of ECR communication activities, including writing and editing for print and digital communication platforms, stakeholder outreach and engagement, and measuring the effectiveness of ECR’s marketing and communications efforts. This individual will manage communication projects from planning to execution and build relationships with a broad range of key ECR stakeholders in the process, including ECR program leaders, clients, employees, the media, and partner organizations. Ultimately, they will play a pivotal role in elevating ECR’s visibility through a knack for storytelling and keen editorial eye—an awareness of key issues and trends related to ECR’s work and ability to recognize the storytelling opportunities with the greatest potential to engage key audiences in and generate support for ECR’s mission. 

This role offers a chance to shape our communications team's future. You'll help build our team's capabilities, creating a strong foundation for our continued growth.

This position is based at our Easterseals Chicago location at 1939 W. 13th Street, Chicago, IL 60608.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Content Planning

• Develop content & communication plans designed to broaden awareness of and increase engagement in ECR programs: Partner with ECR program managers to brainstorm around and develop story ideas that can be translated into impactful, meaningful content for key audiences; develop an annual editorial calendar outlining communication plans related to key ECR events and initiatives as well as opportunities to exhibit or amplify thought leadership.
• Define the audience(s) for ECR’s storytelling efforts and contribute to developing outreach plans for those audiences—identifying the channels through which to share ECR’s stories with key internal and external audiences, e.g. ECR families, donors, local reporters, etc. 
• Field and manage ECR program leaders’ requests for communications support, ensuring work is completed on time and on budget.
• Ensure all ECR communications adhere to Easterseals’ brand voice and style guidelines.

Content Production

• Write and edit short- and long-form content for a variety of channels including the ECR website and blog, social media channels, newsletters, and collateral materials.
• Manage the production of multimedia content—produce short-form videos spotlighting ECR’s work-in-action; identify opportunities to leverage existing content in new ways. 
• Update existing ECR content as needed, e.g. webpages, cases for support, and other materials with fresh stories demonstrating the impact of ECR programs.

Analytics and Reporting

• Track the performance of communication initiatives and develop reports as needed for key stakeholders, including ECR’s Board of Directors and program leaders. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Guide the development of and review content produced by communications partners, including freelancers.
• Review content to ensure alignment with organizational messaging and quality standards. 
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment, encouraging creativity and innovation. 

Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education/Certification:

• A bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism or a related field. 

Experience Required:

• A minimum of seven years’ experience in communications, marketing, and/or journalism.
• 2-4 years of experience in nonprofit communications, marketing, or public relations preferred. 
• Experience mentoring or supervising junior staff, interns or volunteers preferred. 

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong writing and editing experience for print and online communication platforms, including social media platforms.
• Creative and thoughtful on how new media technologies can be utilized.
• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into communication plans and compelling content.
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills.
• Skill and comfort in proactively building relationships and positioning subject matter experts for high-impact placements (e.g. speaking opportunities, media appearances, etc.).
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive: a willingness to step in at any point in the creative development and execution process.
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate as an effective strategic as well as tactical thinker.
• Excellent organization skills—an ability to prioritize and manage concurrent projects.
• A commitment to detail, accuracy, and quality of work.
• An understanding of the use of metrics to gauge the effectiveness of communications strategies and content.
• Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and/or Canva preferred.
• Passion for the non-profit sector and commitment to the organization’s mission.

Vehicle/ & Transportation:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Auto insurance.
• Reliable vehicle. 

ADA: Easterseals will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990. Unless exempted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, all persons hired for this position are required to possess the ability to perform the physical tasks necessary to treat clients, i.e., bending, floor-sitting, etc., as well as to have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.

**Outstanding Benefits Package **

Comprehensive Healthcare

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for select plans available to you and your eligible dependents

Excellent Insurance Protection

• Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage
• Long-term disability insurance at no cost to you
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work-life balance support

Exceptional Career Growth

• Up to $40,000 in eligible education reimbursement to fuel your professional development

Generous Retirement Benefits

• Automatic 3% non-elective contribution to your 401(k) - no match required
• Additional dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% - earn up to 6% of total employer contribution

Work-Life Balance

• 13 paid holidays to enjoy time with family and friends
• Flexible PTO policy that respects your need for rest and rejuvenation