Marketing & Communications Specialist
The Carole Robertson Center for Learning (the Center) seeks to hire a Marketing & Communications Specialist as a core member of the Program Marketing & Communications team. This person is a creative, forward-thinking, innovative, and versatile Marketing & Communications Specialist with strong storytelling, analytic, and project management skills to support our brand-building initiatives and the fulfillment of the Center's strategic plan. The Marketing & Communications Specialist will execute the organization's social media program, content development for digital and print assets, storytelling, marketing planning and measurement, and special projects. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, operates well in a fast-paced environment, and upholds the highest standard of professionalism.
The Marketing & Communications Specialist will be a key player in promoting the Center's services, elevating the organization with new and existing audiences, and positioning the Center as a thought and practice leader in early education and youth development. In partnership with the Marketing & Communications team, the Marketing & Communications Specialist will help shape the content produced and distributed to the Center's internal and external audiences, assisting with other departmental activities and projects as assigned.
The ideal candidate is an experienced multimedia storyteller and dynamic writer with at least 3-4 years of marketing and/or editorial experience. The Marketing & Communications Specialist should be adaptable, organized, and able to prioritize time effectively. Creative and strategic thinking skills rooted in a commitment to access and ethics are essential to this position as we communicate our organization's mission to educate, enrich, and empower children and families. This position reports to the Vice President of Program Marketing & Communications.
This position is based out of the Center's administrative offices at 1111 S. Western, with frequent local travel to the Center's program delivery sites across Chicago.
Major Responsibilities and Key Tasks
- Plan and execute online content production and scheduling, including a social media plan and editorial calendar.
- Support the writing, design, and execution of a cross-platform content strategy (including social media, website, and email marketing) that aligns with the Center's mission and strategic plan.
- Serve as the organization's social media lead. Create and curate engaging and informative content for various social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) according to a regular schedule and aligned with our social media strategy.
- Capture and analyze the appropriate social data/metrics, insights, and social media best practices to measure the success of social media campaigns, refine future campaigns and grow engagement.
- Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and inquiries on social media platforms in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Write clear and concise copy in the Center's brand voice for internal and external communications projects spanning both digital and print. Edit and proofread copy with deadlines.
- Collaborate with team members on copy, design, and production of various deliverables, including social posts, emails, blog posts, the Intranet, and the website.
- Gather stories and information from staff across the organization.
- Support the development of a blog strategy emphasizing impact stories, staff/family voice, and thought leadership.
- Collaborate with other departments to gather stories, manage reputation, and increase reach.
- Partner closely with Center departments (e.g., Development, Programs) to develop accurate, responsive, and engaging content for various communications projects.
- Capture photography and video of Center programs and stakeholders.
- Stay up to date with best practices and technologies in marketing and communications.
- Learn about current trends, best practices, and emerging topics in early childhood education, youth development programs, and related areas in the education sector.
- Special projects as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Versatile writer and storyteller with a keen attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling, with strong proofreading skills and an eye for good design.
Strong working familiarity with the business applications of social media platforms - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, LinkedIn, BlueSky etc. - - and understanding of social media metrics.
- Working knowledge of online content strategy and creation.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 tools, Canva, Constant Contact, and WordPress and the ability to adapt and learn new software and design tools as needed to enhance visual content creation skills.
- A basic level of photography, video, and multimedia storytelling skills and interest.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- High level of attention to detail to meet brand guidelines, marketing standards, and organizational voice.
- Personal qualities of integrity, commitment to the Center's mission, and adaptability amidst changing policy landscapes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, English, journalism, or related field.
- 3+ years of professional writing/copywriting and editing experience.
- 3+years' experience in content marketing, digital marketing and/or social media management.
- Bilingual proficiency as indicated for program needs
- Interest in education, children and youth services, and/or nonprofit work.
Benefits
- Health Insurance (medical, dental vision)
- Retirement savings plan (401(k))
- Paid Time Off (vacations, sick leave, holidays)
- Employee Assistance Program
- 2025-26-CRCL-Benefits-Guide.pdf
- CRCL-2025-26-Bi-Weekly-Rate-Sheet.pdf
- If you are having issues accessing the link, please be sure to check out our Careers page for more information!
Carole Robertson Center for Learning provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensations, and training.