Director of Marketing and Communications

Position Summary

The Director of Marketing Communications will lead a coordinated and effective marketing and communications program involving digital, print, and media communications to the internal and external audiences of Breakthrough.

The Director will lead the strategy and execution of communication annual goals. This role is responsible for project details, communication, execution, production and quality assurance; and collaborates with teams across the organization to deliver a high-quality output on time and within budget. They will partner with the Chief Development Officer to provide a big picture overview of all creative workflow, in order to ensure strategic cohesion across Breakthrough.

The Director is an active part of the fund development team and is responsible for the planning and implementation of projects. A typical day would include strategy meetings, content development, website updating, fundraising brainstorming, supervision, and program engagement.

Working at Breakthrough is more than just a job, it is a commitment to engaging in the community and the issues facing the community and Chicago at large. We are looking for someone who has awareness of justice and equity issues and someone who is committed to the mission of Breakthrough.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Implementation

• Develop the annual marketing and communications plan and execute projects outlined in the plan
• Directs and implements projects of all types, including: appeals; project plans; timelines; task assignments; budget tracking; cultural competency; resourcing; quality control; production; and reporting.
• Lead content creator (writing newsletters, appeals, social media posts)
• Capturing images and video across Breakthrough
• Manages all social media platforms (incl. strategy, content, images)
• Collaborate with program team leaders and staff to determine communication needs and create plans to accomplish program communication goals
• Ensure positive branding and strategic alignment of all communications pieces
• Collaborate with Chief Development Officer on Strategic Planning projects
  
  
  

Creative Vision

• Support the planning and execution of Breakthrough’s Annual Benefit
• Develop ideas and lead the execution of all internal and external communications in partnership with the fund development team. This includes vision and creative direction for social media, public relations, donor communications, events, program marketing, and special projects
  
  
  

Leadership

• Serve as the internal and external communications point-of-contact
• Equip staff and Board with messaging and materials
• Develop internal communications framework and lead collaborative process
  
  
  

Media

• Develop and lead a media engagement and Public Relations plan
• Be the main point of contact for media inquiries
• Lead proactive media engagements
  
  
  

Supervision

• Oversee and manage all projects of the contracted designers and web developers
  
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Exceptional ability in writing, storytelling, and copyediting for a wide variety of audiences
• Demonstrated experience in crafting and executing fresh ideas
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and in a group; demonstrated leadership through managing others and projects
• General knowledge of project management processes
• Expert knowledge of print and digital production processes
• Detailed knowledge of creative project procedures, including timelines, roles, and tasks involved
• Attention to detail, organization, and time management
• Ability to prioritize a multi-faceted and shifting workload
• Experience with cross-media projects (print, digital, social, mobile)
• Self-starter and critical thinker with the ability to own projects with minimal direction and supervision
• Basic knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Ability to develop new programs or systems to monitor impact and effectiveness
• Must possess and demonstrate an accurate and informed understanding of cultural competency, especially as related to youth, families, equity, and community development
  
  
  

Qualifications

Required Education: Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, marketing/advertising or a related field is preferred or lived experience equivalent

Required Experience Level: At least 5 years professional marketing/communication experience, non-profit experience a plus