Additional Information: Show/Hide As our Communications Associate, you will play a vital role in amplifying our mission and impact. Serving as a key member of our communications or development team, you'll help shape our voice through digital platforms, events, media outreach, and internal collaboration, ensuring messaging is consistent, inclusive, and effective.
Key Responsibilities Content & Storytelling
Draft, edit, and proofread materials including newsletters, blog posts, press releases, op-eds, and social media content, tailored for our diverse audiences.
Collaborate with program staff or community partners to craft narratives that highlight our impact.
Digital & Media Channels
Manage and update website content and e-newsletters; use CMS platforms and coordinate with vendors as needed.
Plan, schedule, and monitor social media across channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube). Grow engagement and evaluate performance.
Events & Campaigns
Support communications for events, including logistics, content creation (signage, presentations, RSVPs), and onsite assistance.
Develop and distribute promotional collateral: flyers, brochures, invitations, annual reports, and email appeals.
Media & Donor Engagement
Build relationships with local/national media; assist with media outreach, tracking, and distribution of press materials.
If aligned with development goals, support donor/donor communications efforts such as appeals or CRM tracking.
Operational & Department Support
Manage digital platforms such as Mailchimp, CRM systems (e.g., DonorSearch), and asset libraries.
Provide administrative support to the CEO, coordinate calendars, assist with budgeting and invoices, and maintain branded materials inventory.
Monitor and report on communications metrics and trends; propose improvements to strategy.
Time Management & Prioritization: Effectively managing complex calendars, meeting deadlines, and juggling different priorities to ensure smooth operations.
Organizational Excellence: Meticulous attention to detail in managing documents, schedules, and logistics to ensure workplace efficiency.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
1–3 years of communications experience in a nonprofit, advocacy, or mission-driven environment.
Technical Skills
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling with attention to tone, clarity, and mission alignment.
Proficient in social media, CMS, email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), and basic graphic tools (Canva, Adobe Suite).
Familiar with CRMs, analytics tools, and digital tracking.
Soft Skills
Organized, able to manage multiple projects with fidelity, strong project management, and deadline orientation.
Collaborative team player with high emotional intelligence and alignment with our mission/values.
Able to handle sensitive content with thoughtful discretion and confidentiality.
Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage different tasks efficiently.
Flexible; can work in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrates resourcefulness
Commitment: Willing to attend meetings and events, including nights and weekends
(The responsibilities listed above are representative and not all-inclusive. Supervisor/s /s may assign other duties.)
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment physical, drug screening, and criminal background check
Possesses appropriate professional credentials
Classification
Communications Associate is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Salary
Salary is commensurate with the level of education and experience.
Calendar
The Communications Associate follows the Central Administration Calendar.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work is typically performed indoors within the school facility
Moderate physical movement is required for the job
Minimal exposure to physical risk is anticipated
Annual Performance Review
The Communications Associate will schedule his/her formal annual review meeting with the CEO by April 1st of each year.
The Communications Associate will complete a draft personal evaluation by March 15th of each year to be used during the formal review.
The CEO will conduct the EA performance review by April 15th of each year.
Compensation Package Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, to all full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week.
Why Join Our Team?
Contribute meaningfully to a cause you’re passionate about.
Gain broad exposure across communications, events, media, and digital storytelling.
Be part of a collaborative team striving for impact and equity.
Disclaimer This disclaimer acknowledges that it is highly probable that you are at risk of personal injury as an employee of Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. Injuries may include, but are not limited to, hitting, biting, kicking, scratching, and having hair pulled by students. The extent of some injuries may result in a break in the skin. All injuries must be documented in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook. Often, students are placed in this setting due to physical aggression or acting-out behaviors that may prevent them from participating in a typical school environment. Our setting, a private therapeutic day school, allows for this atypical behavior. All employees are required to show proof of a Hepatitis B vaccination upon hire.
* Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. can review and change the job description when necessary.
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