| At Youth Guidance, we believe that no matter what challenges a young person faces, they are more likely to succeed when they have caring adults in their lives. Our highly-trained staff guides kids to overcome the life and academic challenges facing Chicago’s youth. We meet kids where they are — physically and emotionally — to help them focus on their education, make positive choices, and remain on the right path toward life success. Founded in 1924 today Youth Guidance is a leading provider of outcomes-driven programs serving more than 11,000 youth while touching the lives of more than 14,000 youth, parents, teachers, and community members. Position Summary The Marketing & Communications Associate works alongside the Director of Marketing & Communications in implementing the strategic communications plan of Youth Guidance: generating awareness for agency programs, conveying the potential of all youth, and celebrating the way that all Youth Guidance programs, such as nationally recognized Becoming a Man (BAM), Working on Womanhood (WOW), support young people in under-resourced communities. Essential Duties/Responsibilities Agency - Write compelling, mission-driven content that emphasized the potential of all youth through emotionally engaging storytelling
- Graphic design of newsletters, annual report, fact sheets and other agency collateral
- Maintain website content and update images through web content management system (e.g., WordPress)
- Create high impact visual content for social media platforms and other collaterals
- Support and maintains all social media outlets using Hootsuite, other tools
- Adhere to agency brand standards in all work product and support agency staff in adhering to a consistent visual identity
Special Events - Design save the dates, invitations and program books for both digital and print distribution
- Assist in off-site media opportunities and public relations events
- Serve as agency photographer for programmatic and fundraising events, time-permitting, and based on need
Administrative - Assist in the development/management of the agency’s overall communications calendar
- Oversee annual ordering of promotional items that adhere to the agency’s brand standards and remain within departmental budgets.
- Inventory marketing supplies upon their arrival
- Manage the check-out process for branded agency materials and assist in reviewing public-facing items to ensure adherence to brand standards
- Keep an up-to-date log of current and ongoing projects
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications Education/Experience/Training - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience
- Minimum 1-2 years relevant experience
Skills/Abilities - Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills
- Very strong graphic design skills
- Experience with Photoshop and InDesign
- Excellent photography skills. Experience with videography and editing footage
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite
- Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Ability to problem solve
- Solid storytelling skills and an ability to thoughtfully interview youth, staff and other stakeholders
- Familiar with Google Analytics and AdWords management and reporting
- Exceptional attention to detail and capacity to balance multiple projects
- Ability to successfully manage multiple projects at one time
- Must have the ability to work well independently, as well as with a team
- Must have a commitment to cultural sensitivity and respect for differences
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to frequently talk and hear.
- The employee frequently is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time; walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
- The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Role entails daily work in the downtown office with routine travel to school locations and special events. Occasional late evenings and weekends. Youth Guidance is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity. Youth Guidance does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law and is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity along all of these lines. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. |
