Senior communications manager

Location: Chicago, IL

Impact for Equity, a highly regarded and impactful public interest law and policy center, seeks a dynamic and experienced Senior Communications Manager to lead organizational efforts to message the mission and work of Impact for Equity to external audiences including stakeholders, advocacy partners, funders, and the media.

Organization Description

Impact for Equity, formerly known as BPI, is a public interest law and policy center that has been at the front lines of the fight for social justice in the Chicago region for over fifty years. Known for its innovative and effective advocacy for racial and economic justice, today Impact for Equity is deeply engaged in advancing systemic change in the criminal legal system and housing. With collaboration as a core value, Impact for Equity partners with people directly impacted by racial and economic injustice and the community-based organizations that serve them. Impact for Equity works to develop nuanced policies and programs, advance effective strategies, catalyze strong coalitions, and advance progress toward its overarching vision of a state where every person has the right and opportunity to live their fullest life in a thriving community and free of systemic barriers. The organization’s tenacious lawyers and policy staff employ a combination of legal tools, policy research, organizing, advocacy, and convening to achieve transformational change. A collaborative and stimulating workplace, Impact for Equity is committed to offering opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to work that advances racial, economic, and social justice.

Position Overview

The Senior Communications Manager leads organizational efforts to message the mission and work of Impact for Equity to external audiences including stakeholders, advocacy partners, funders, and the media. Under the direction of the Managing Director of Development and External Relations, the position is responsible for driving strategy and implementation of all communications, marketing, and public relations activities at Impact for Equity to advance programmatic goals and support fundraising initiatives.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of Senior Communications Manager include:

Strategic Planning and Implementation

Design and implement a comprehensive communications plan, including content, workflows, and systems that align with organizational objectives.
Develop key messaging and brand guidelines for consistent communication across all platforms.
Elevate Impact for Equity’s thought leadership in social justice areas by implementing a broad strategy to increase the visibility of its impact across key audiences.

Content Creation

Lead and create content for Impact for Equity’s digital platforms including website, e-newsletters, and social media channels.
Manage production of Impact for Equity’s programmatic reports and other publications, including copy editing and basic graphic design.
Monitor and manage the organization’s social media presence across all platforms. Create and execute creative and compelling social media campaigns to promote brand awareness and engagement.
Track and report on social media metrics to measure the effectiveness of social media campaigns.

Media Relations

Structure and execute a robust public relations and media outreach strategy including the development and dissemination of press releases, media advisories, and other timely and strategic communications.
Cultivate and maintain media relationships with key members of media outlets and influential stakeholders to secure coverage, place articles, and facilitate interview opportunities.

Analysis

Conduct analysis of key communication metrics to evaluate the overall effectiveness of communication strategies.
Utilize advanced data analysis techniques to uncover emerging trends and insights that drive strategic decision-making

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or public affairs preferred, or related field. Graduate degree a plus

Five to seven years of relevant experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, including proven track record of leading organization-wide initiatives

Exceptional writing, editing, verbal communication, and project management skills

Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies across multiple platforms and tailored to diverse audiences

Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate challenges and develop innovative solutions to complex communication problems.

Proven track record of successfully managing high-stakes projects, prioritizing tasks, and delivering results under tight deadlines

Collaborative approach with the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment

A working knowledge of relevant stakeholders, media outlets and institutions in the Chicago region

Expertise in both Microsoft and Mac environments and in the use of Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Canva, Constant Contact or similar marketing software programs

Solid commitment to the mission and vision of Impact for Equity with the ability to serve as a compelling ambassador for the organization, recognizing policy change happens slowly

Experience with a law, policy, or social justice organization desirable

Multilingual skills are a plus but not required.

Compensation

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and ranges from $70,000 – $75,000.

Work Hours and Environment

The Senior Communications Manager position is a full-time, 40-hour per week role in a hybrid work schedule. Employees will work three days in-office and two days remotely, with Tuesdays designated as mandatory in-office days. The office environment will be workstation-style, with moderate noise levels. While standard work hours are Monday through Friday, occasional weekend and evening work may be necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. Impact for Equity offers a competitive benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, 403b retirement plan, generous time off, and additional perks like transit benefits and cell phone reimbursement.

Travel Requirements

Local travel to various locations in Chicagoland may be occasionally required.

To Apply

Please submit your application packet to hiring@impactforequity.org with “Sr Communications Manager” in the subject line. Your packet should include a resume, writing sample, and a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for this position. If your candidacy advances, you will be asked to provide a list of three professional references and to engage in a short writing exercise. Impact for Equity will accept applications until the position is filled.

Impact for Equity is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, people with lived experiences of poverty, and people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.