Communication Mgr., Strategic Communications chez Erikson Institute

The Communication Manager supports the administrative infrastructure and protocols that allow the Strategic Communications and External Affairs department to reach its strategic goals by executing a range of ongoing tasks using department systems and tools, including: electronic newsletter management, setting up, scheduling and sending eblasts, maintaining internal communication channels, supporting media relations work, content creation and project management of communication tasks for strategic events. 

Reporting to the Director of External Communications, the successful Communication Manager will be a natural collaborator/team player who listens well and possesses clear communication and customer service skills that enable them to work well cross-departmentally. As a front-line worker on various communication channels, the Communication Manager will assist the Director in ongoing improvement and innovation of communication efforts at Erikson. This position is hybrid, requiring in-person meetings and event attendance on a regular basis at the Erikson campus located in Chicago, Illinois.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS-40%

• Maintain cross-department email campaign schedule to ensure audiences are not fatigued with communications from Erikson
• Develop email campaigns: writing content, use branded templates and make adjustments as needed, send email campaigns by target dates 
• Analyze campaign performance and suggest improvements
• Work with Marketing staff to upgrade email templates
• Ensure emails follow industry policies and best practices
  • Ensure mobile-friendly email templates
• Managing Audience List
  • Collaborate with Raiser’s Edge manager to maintain data integrity
  • Conduct regular data reconciliation to ensure audience lists are updated
• Review email communications for other departments to ensure messaging is aligned with Erikson’s editorial standards.
  • Proofread emails for clarity, grammar and spelling

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS-35%

• Monthly Inside Erikson employee newsletter: collect news items across the institution, write, edit and layout newsletter and send test to Director
• Storytelling: Identify and write stories on faculty, staff, students and alumni for Erikson.edu and OneErikson intranet.
• Create content for internal intranet and submit to Marketing for upload.
• Manage the dissemination of other internal communications as needed
• Maintain monthly calendar of events and upload to TV news monitors located in the Erikson building
• Communication tasks related to Erikson Events: 
  • Assist in executing communication plans for Commencement, Annual Luncheon, Inspire Circle events and twice-yearly fundraising appeals.
• Create decks in PowerPoint to support all-staff meetings

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS-25%

• Assist with Media Relations
  1. Researching outlets, updating media contact list, 
  2. Creating press packets and content for eventual “newsroom” page on erikson.edu
• Manage requests for Speakers Bureau
  1. Research opportunities for President to speak to influential audiences
  2. Input speaking opportunities in department tracker
  3. Create decks in PowerPoint to support speaking presentations 
• Assist in creating social media post copy

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Required: Expertise in Mail Chimp or similar platform— list management, design/template creation, scheduling, sending, troubleshooting.
• Required: Expertise in project management.
• Required: Expertise in Office 365, Zoom.
• Strong copywriting abilities along with an understanding of design principles.
• Experience in audience segmentation and targeted messaging.
• Operational Mindset: The ability to support cross-functional work by using and maintaining the communication systems and tools that support Erikson’s strategic priorities.
• Team player---must work seamlessly within Strategic Communications, and between other departments 
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy.
• Optional: Photography/video editing skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS degree in communications, digital marketing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3+ years’ work experience in a marketing, advertising, communication, or business setting.

Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.

About Erikson Institute

We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.

Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu