Marketing and Communications Manager Job at Hope Ignites in Normal

Overview

Marketing and Communications Manager role at Hope Ignites Chicago. This is a full-time, hybrid position reporting to the President. Salary range: $60,000.00/yr - $70,000.00/yr.

This range is provided by Hope Ignites. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Position Highlights

• Full-time, hybrid position
• Reports to the President
• Salary: $60k-70k annually

Company Overview

Hope Ignites Chicago, formerly Boys Hope Girls Hope, is a Residential Scholarship program and catalyst that helps young people achieve their full potential. We guide and nurture scholars from middle school through early careers, providing scholarships, wrap-around support, and connections to internships and jobs. Hope Ignites Chicago has 20+ team members, 150+ volunteers, serves 60+ young people locally, and is part of an international network serving 1,200 youth across 15 cities in the United States, Guatemala, and Mexico. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Position Overview

Reporting to the President, with collaboration from the Vice President and Director of Philanthropy, this role acts as the primary brand caretaker and ambassador. Lead the development and implementation of the Hope Ignites Chicago brand strategy for internal and external communications, digital marketing platforms, and media messages. Serve as the lead grant writer for Hope Ignites Chicago, with support from the development team.

This is a full-time position with a flexible schedule as needed. The role requires leadership, strategic thinking, project management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

What You Will Be Responsible For

• Facilitate the creation and execution of an overall marketing and communications strategy.
• Produce an annual marketing and communications plan.
• Report on marketing and media activities to the Revenue Committee of the Governing Board.
• Meet all marketing and communication KPIs as outlined in the Hope Ignites Performance Management Tool.
• Support the marketing & communications efforts around the name transition from Boys Hope Girls Hope of Illinois to Hope Ignites Chicago.
• Collaborate with Network Headquarters on timing and steps of transition.
• Craft three annual appeals highlighting program initiatives and accomplishments to inspire and grow individual giving (Fall/Back-to-School, Annual/Holiday, Spring/Graduation).
• Maintain and enhance the website in line with brand identity; become proficient in website software; identify opportunities for highlighting program facets; keep event information up to date; collaborate with NHQ on website updates.
• Maintain Hope Ignites Chicago socials (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) and create posts for the President’s LinkedIn page.
• Work with the Vice President and Director of Philanthropy to write grants—an important revenue source.
• Support major events (Golf Outing, Evening of Hope Gala, spring event).
• Develop promotional materials (Save-the-Date postcards, invitations, e-blasts).
• Support the launch of new event formats and leadership messaging.
• Prepare visual presentations for leadership and development use.
• Develop, plan, and support crisis communications; lead the annual Scholar/staff media day; coordinate with photographers; create shot lists and manage shoots.
• Maintain a comprehensive marketing file with branding documents, ads, appeals, photos, and data; provide regular reports on media placements, website updates, press releases, social media, design projects, and budget updates.
• Advise on Marketing and Communications budgetary recommendations in collaboration with the President.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

What You Bring to the Role

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or related field.
• 3-5 years of demonstrable experience in Marketing and/or Communications; nonprofit experience is highly desirable.
• Strong writing, time-management, and project-management skills.
• Graphic design skills are highly desirable; video shooting/editing skills are a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; familiarity with Adobe Suite is a plus.
• Ability to work with external vendors, committee members, volunteers, and dispersed team members; capacity for regular phone/virtual communication.
• Access to a personal vehicle for vendor meetings, events, etc.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to Hope Ignites Chicago’s mission.

Ideal Attributes, Disposition & Skills

• Commitment to the beneficiaries of Hope Ignites Chicago; willingness to use professional skills to advance the mission.
• Excellent relationship management, communication, and writing skills; ability to persuade and build rapport with donors and partners.
• Diplomacy, tact, and professionalism; team player who is creative and self-directed.
• Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects with attention to detail; strong prioritization and deadline management.
• Integrity, credibility, good judgment, and a sense of humor.
• Ability to collaborate with event and development colleagues.

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Structure

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Wilmette. Salary range is $60,000 to $70,000 per year, with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, PTO/Paid Leave, and life & disability insurance.