DEPARTMENT:      External Affairs

REPORTS TO:    Director, External Affairs

ROLE: The External Affairs Manager reports to the Director of External Affairs and is responsible for managing communication efforts to engage media, influencers, corporate partners and targeted audiences in the League’s priorities. The Manager helps develop and implement the organization’s digital strategy, as well as broader communication and marketing strategy for assigned programs or departments within the organization. The Manager also helps oversee any External Affairs Interns. In keeping with the position, the Manager may be required to work evening and weekend hours or irregular hours depending on the activity and event schedule. For more on the Chicago Urban League, please visit us at: www.chiul.org.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Job Responsibility #1 Digital and Social Media Management (Approximately 50% of Time):

The External Affairs Manager maintains oversight of the Chicago Urban League’s social media properties and digital communication assets (i.e., e-blasts, e-newsletters, online initiatives, and digital asset management system) and helps implement the organization’s communication strategy and activities, including brand awareness efforts, partnership and other stakeholder communications.  The Manager is also responsible for developing and maintaining the organization’s influencer management program.

• Manages online engagement and social media presence through Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook and manages content for the organization’s website(s)
• Maintains media monitoring systems to track coverage and share successes
• Maintains online database of digital images
• Maintains contact information and relationships with external service providers, e.g. printers, designers, photographers, videographers, media, and public relations
• Helps develop and maintain a roster of active CUL influencers who support the organization in person, on social media and/or in a variety of other capacities; ensures that active influencers are engaged, educated about the League and prepared to speak about the organization.

Job Responsibility #2: Graphic Design (Approximately 30% of Time):

The Manager will oversee the development and approval of graphic designs for use in marketing materials.

Job Responsibility #3: Marketing and Communications (Approximately 10% of Time):

The Manager actively participates in the planning and execution of mass market initiatives, partnership announcements, signature events and stakeholder outreach to engage supporters with compelling content that contributes to awareness and engagement.  Works closely with program teams to provide advisory communications support on program messaging, events and promotional materials. Additionally, the Manager:

• Develops and executes annual strategic communications plan for select program areas that leverages constituent stories, major initiatives, editorial opportunities, and more; provides guidance and support by creating, editing and distributing materials to be used as fundraising, marketing or awareness tools
• Supports development of the organization’s Annual Report
• Assists in distributing written content, including press releases, media advisories, speeches, and stories for the organization’s communication channels
• Monitors internal and external marketing materials to ensure standardized usage of the organization’s trademarked images, names and taglines and consistency with brand guidelines

Job Responsibility #4: Perform Other Duties (Approximately 5% of Time):

Performs other duties as required

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Passionate commitment to the Chicago Urban League’s mission, vision and strategic direction with the ability to serve as a strong, compelling ambassador for the organization
• Demonstrated acumen for digital communications
• Ability to own the strategic communications planning process with internal program clients
• Demonstrated track record of working successfully both independently and as a member of a team
• Strong leadership skills, flexibility and vision
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to write effectively and speak persuasively
• Strong commitment to upholding brand values
• Organized professional with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects concurrently with strict attention to detail
• Strong strategic planning and critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders and high-profile individuals effectively
• Highly motivated and committed to program success
• Professional maturity, credibility, good judgment, honesty, and integrity
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Knowledge and Skills

3 – 5 years of corporate, non-profit and/or Agency communications experience

• Full knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated experience and skill with Adobe Photo Shop and InDesign

Desired (asset):

• Experience in non-profit sector
• Experience with photography

TO APPLY, SUBMIT COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO CAREERS@CHIUL.ORG