Overview
Manager of Program Marketing & Communications Jobs in Chicago, IL at Carole Robertson Center for Learning
Manager of Program Marketing & Communications
The Carole Robertson Center for Learning (the Center) seeks to hire a Manager of Program Marketing & Communications as a core member of the MarComm team. We are seeking a creative, versatile, and strategic marketing and communications professional with strong writing, analytic, project management, and media relations skills to support our brand-building initiatives and the fulfillment of the Center’s strategic plan, with special emphasis on the organization’s upcoming 50th anniversary.
The Manager of Program Marketing & Communications is a key player in positioning the Center as a leader and influencer in its field by utilizing an integrated approach to content development, storytelling, project planning and management, and measurement. The Manager, in tandem with the Senior Director of Program Marketing & Communications, Digital Marketing Specialist, and Copywriter & Content Specialist, shapes the content produced and distributed to the Center’s internal and external audiences. The Manager of Program Marketing & Communications also supports other departmental activities, cross-team collaborations, and special projects as needed.
The Manager of Program Marketing & Communications must operate well in a fast-paced environment, uphold the highest standard of professionalism, be organized and process-minded, and prioritize time across multiple short-term and long-term projects. Creative and strategic thinking will be essential in driving our narrative, enhancing our organization’s image and positioning, and improving communications. This position, together with the Digital Marketing Specialist, plays a key role in supporting the work of the Copywriter & Content Specialist. This position reports to the Senior Director of Program Marketing & Communications.
Major Responsibilities and Key Tasks
Work in partnership with the Program Marketing & Communications staff to lead projects from concept to delivery and execute on the Center’s strategic plan.
Serve as an active member of cross-functional committees that support signature Center fundraising, professional development, programmatic initiatives, and special events.
Develop departmental processes, set up meetings, draft agendas, and co-lead regular intra-team and cross-team meetings.
As team’s project manager, define project scope and deadlines, monitor progress, and keep the team on track to project completion within budget and schedule.
In collaboration with the team, identify, curate, and create impactful content that drives engagement and action across a variety of internal and external audiences.
Collaborate with the team as a strategist and content developer in maintaining and improving the Intranet, blog, website, social media, and other channels.
Foster a culture of transparency and trust across a multi-site operation by thoughtfully maintaining, curating, and sharing relevant resources on the organization’s Intranet.
Develop concepts for, write, edit, and post blog entries, emails, social media posts, newsletter content, and other written material (e.g. annual report, special projects) to be used in digital and print communications and campaigns.
Serve as a key editorial reviewer and proofreader for departmental projects.
Manage the editorial/content calendar in partnership with the Copywriter & Content Specialist.
In collaboration with the Senior Director and Copywriter & Content specialist, grow the organization’s media presence by identifying press opportunities, preparing spokespeople, developing press materials, proactively pitching stories, and responding to reporters’ queries.
Support the gathering, reporting, and presentation of metrics and evaluation of marketing and communications activities.
Provide guidance and oversight to ensure brand uniformity for online and print content and collateral.
Support the documentation of events and Center programs with photographs and video as needed.
Plan and execute on initiatives to celebrate the Center’s 50th anniversary throughout 2026.
Support with executive communications (e.g. scripted remarks and internal or external communications) as needed.
Support with, and execute on, crisis communications as needed.
Serve as a Center representative at events.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated familiarity with several of the core disciplines, channels, and tactics of integrated marketing communications: marketing foundations, branding and positioning, digital and interactive marketing, print and digital production, public/media relations, multimedia and social media, advertising, graphic design, analytics.
Excellent writing, copyediting, and proofreading skills with an eye for impactful design.
Proficiency in Office365 suite and Adobe Creative Suite or Canva desirable.
Excellent project management skills. Familiarity with project management tools preferred.
Knowledge of email marketing, social media marketing, and web analytics and metrics.
Familiarity with developing and sending bulk communications emails in Constant Contact or similar digital and email marketing platforms a plus.
Familiarity with planning and creating social media content on Hootsuite or similar social media management platforms a plus.
Familiarity with writing for general, donor, and policymaker audiences desired.
Media relations and executive communication experience desirable.
Experience working with WordPress or similar platforms for website development desirable.
Familiarity with media intelligence tools such as Meltwater is a plus
Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage relationships with key vendors.
Experience in or demonstrated interest in working at nonprofit organizations and/or in educational settings.
Knowledge of early education, youth development, social services, community development, and/or educational policy a plus.
Spanish language proficiency desirable.
Carole Robertson Center for Learning provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Title: Manager of Program Marketing & Communications
Company: Carole Robertson Center for Learning
Location: Chicago, IL
