Communications and Storytelling Manager - Salary Range Starting From $60K/yr

The Communications and Storytelling Manager will be a key part of the team responsible for driving Ingenuity’s work forward. In particular they will be responsible for strengthening Ingenuity’s internal and external engagement and managing the planning, implementation, and execution of Ingenuity’s communications and marketing strategies. The team member in this position is an effective storyteller and communicator, as well as a strong writer, editor and project manager.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Communications and Storytelling Manager provides cross-functional support to the Ingenuity team. Key responsibilities include:

Internal Communications and Content Creation (60%)

Internal Coordination and Communications

    Create and maintain highly strategic, creative and cost-effective annual communications plans that align strategies, tactics, budgets and measurement standards across program areas.

    Absorb relevant information and collaborate with Ingenuity staff and the Chief of Staff to devise and execute key aspects of communications strategies.

    Engage and convene staff to gather information that will build context for organization-wide communications and education.

    Coordinate integrated communications campaigns for major Ingenuity projects, including the annual State of the Arts Report, Creative Schools Certication Survey, Data Snapshots, Ingenuity Virtual Learning (IVL) launches, National Arts in Education Week and CSF Grant Announcements, among others.

    With the Development Team, create integrated fundraising campaigns ( i.e. end of the year appeal, Giving Tuesday, Annual Fundraising event, among others).

Messaging and Content Creation

    Manage Ingenuity’s annual report, e-newsletters, website, and social media channels, including design and sourcing topics.

    Write key messages for supporting documents, FAQs, blog posts, collateral materials, press releases, video scripts, talking points, media pitches, presentations, and op-eds to strengthen Ingenuity’s position as a sector leader both locally and nationally.

    Fact-check staff documents for accuracy, and edit appropriately.

    Disseminate CSF impact stories via press releases, newsletters, social media, etc.

Project Management

    Plan, organize, set deadlines, monitor progress and execute on various projects across the organization.

    Manage communications projects from start to nish; review all major deliverables to ensure quality.

    Direct the activities of external contractors such as graphic designers and photographers.

    Monitor and analyze communications outcomes based on available analytics (social media, Google Analytics, email analytics, etc.).

    Present relevant project-based communications efforts and goals to Ingenuity staff, including: key messaging, milestones, and needs/responsibilities.

    Practice advanced planning, coordination, and testing of web, email, newsletters and other outgoing content.

External Engagement (40%)

Reputation Building and Strategy Development

    Create messaging aligned with organizational voice and tone, tailored to audience and context.

    Identify outreach opportunities (newsletters, data snapshots, annual reports, videos, speaking opportunities, CSF Grant projects etc.) to increase awareness and impact of Ingenuity’s programs and services, and build strategies to advance and sustain sector priorities.

    Guide organization efforts on emerging stakeholder issues, and improve communication between Ingenuity and external partners.

    Monitor trending arts education news, local and national advocacy efforts, policy initiatives, and community conditions to develop relevant, responsive communications that address the needs of Ingenuity stakeholders.

Shareholder Engagement

    Create an annual plan for engaging stakeholders.

    Clearly communicate Ingenuity’s objectives to the communities we serve.

    Develop and segment stakeholder audience lists to tailor messaging and mode for each audience.

    Ensure key stakeholders are aware of Ingenuity’s key programs and initiatives and create effective and transparent communications that build trust and buy-in.

    Engage, serve and communicate with the Chicago arts education community as an ambassador for Ingenuity.

    Regularly engage in community activities and committees on behalf of Ingenuity.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

       Two years of nonprofit communications and/or marketing experience.

       Exceptionally detail-oriented; excellent organizational and time management skills, with ability to accomplish multiple projects with little supervision.

       Exceptional project management skills.

       Possess a strong work ethic, with high expectations for self and the quality of work.

       Excellent communications skills, including writing, editing and speaking.

        Creative, exible, exceptional follow-through and knowledge of various communications tools and processes.

       Strong problem solving skills and the ability to come up with creative solutions.

       Ability to synthesize complex information into easily-understood communications.

       Experience with WordPress or related website platforms.

       Strong knowledge of Google Suite and Microsoft Ofce.

       Ability to create effective messaging on major social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) and management systems (HootSuite, e.g.).

       Experience with email marketing service(s) (MailChimp, etc.).

       Strong interpersonal & collaboration skills with diverse stakeholder groups.