Communications Associate
Impactforequity, Chicago, IL, United States
Employment Type: Full time; Permanent
Reports to: Managing Director of Development and External Relations
Location: Chicago, IL
Impact for Equity , formerly known as BPI, has been at the front lines of the fight for social justice in the Chicago region for over fifty years. Known for its innovative and effective advocacy for racial and economic equity, today Impact for Equity is deeply engaged in advancing systemic change in the criminal legal system and affordable housing realms. With collaboration as a core value, Impact for Equity partners with people directly impacted by racial and economic injustice and the community‑based organizations that serve them.
The Role
We are seeking a Communications Associate who is a highly organized, creative, and technical “doer” responsible for the daily execution of Impact for Equity’s digital and print communications. Reporting to the Managing Director of Development and External Relations, this role focuses on creating engaging content, managing our social media presence, maintaining our website, and providing logistical support for outreach and fundraising campaigns. The ideal candidate is a digital wiz who can translate complex ideas into “snappy” content and ensure our brand remains consistent and professional across all channels.
Key Responsibilities
Collaborate with the Managing Director of Development and External Relations to implement the communications strategy.
Lead content creation and social media by drafting, scheduling, and posting content across all platforms (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram, BlueSky, etc.). Monitor engagement and respond to comments/messages.
Use Canva or Adobe Creative Suite to produce high-quality social media tiles, event flyers, slide decks, and basic infographics.
Build and distribute monthly newsletters and action alerts using Constant Contact. Manage and segment contact lists to ensure high deliverability.
Edit photo and video content provided by staff from events and meetings; perform basic video editing for social clips.
Perform regular “back‑end” updates to the WordPress site, including posting blogs, updating staff bios, and uploading new content.
Maintain an organized digital library of logos, staff headshots, project photos, and brand templates.
Monitor news alerts for mentions of the organization or relevant policy issues; maintain a “clippings” file of all media coverage.
Draft initial versions of press releases, blog posts, and event descriptions. Act as the final “eyes” on grammar and house style for all outgoing materials.
Assist in the development of the organization’s annual report, as well as other print and digital publications, as assigned.
Research and update media databases; build targeted press lists for specific campaigns.
Analyze engagement data to identify which types of content (videos, blogs, graphics) resonate most with our followers and use those insights to suggest improvements to the posting schedule and content mix.
Qualifications
Minimum of two years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or digital media.
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or a related field (or at least 2 years of equivalent professional experience).
Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences.
High proficiency in Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
Experience with WordPress or similar CMS.
Familiarity with email marketing software (such as MailChimp and/or Constant Contact) and social media scheduling tools.
Strong analytical skills with experience using Google Analytics and social media reporting tools are a plus.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and keep a content calendar moving.
A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a passion for social justice and Impact for Equity’s mission.
Meticulous attention to details with the ability to troubleshoot issues, utilize available resources, and seize opportunities to develop innovative solutions.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and ranges from $55,000 – $59,000. We offer a competitive compensation package with an excellent benefits package with medical, dental and vision plans, 403(b) plan, paid time off and holidays, and monthly cell phone stipend.
This is a full‑time, salaried, 40‑hour per week role in a hybrid work schedule. Employees will work two days in‑office and three days remotely, with Tuesdays designated as a required in‑office day. The office environment is workstation‑style, with moderate noise levels. While standard work hours are Monday through Friday, occasional weekend and evening work may be necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Impact for Equity is an at‑will, equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. Impact for Equity is committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, Impact for Equity prohibits discrimination or harassment against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination. Impact for Equity also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law.
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Reports to: Managing Director of Development and External Relations
Location: Chicago, IL
Impact for Equity , formerly known as BPI, has been at the front lines of the fight for social justice in the Chicago region for over fifty years. Known for its innovative and effective advocacy for racial and economic equity, today Impact for Equity is deeply engaged in advancing systemic change in the criminal legal system and affordable housing realms. With collaboration as a core value, Impact for Equity partners with people directly impacted by racial and economic injustice and the community‑based organizations that serve them.
The Role
We are seeking a Communications Associate who is a highly organized, creative, and technical “doer” responsible for the daily execution of Impact for Equity’s digital and print communications. Reporting to the Managing Director of Development and External Relations, this role focuses on creating engaging content, managing our social media presence, maintaining our website, and providing logistical support for outreach and fundraising campaigns. The ideal candidate is a digital wiz who can translate complex ideas into “snappy” content and ensure our brand remains consistent and professional across all channels.
Key Responsibilities
Collaborate with the Managing Director of Development and External Relations to implement the communications strategy.
Lead content creation and social media by drafting, scheduling, and posting content across all platforms (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram, BlueSky, etc.). Monitor engagement and respond to comments/messages.
Use Canva or Adobe Creative Suite to produce high-quality social media tiles, event flyers, slide decks, and basic infographics.
Build and distribute monthly newsletters and action alerts using Constant Contact. Manage and segment contact lists to ensure high deliverability.
Edit photo and video content provided by staff from events and meetings; perform basic video editing for social clips.
Perform regular “back‑end” updates to the WordPress site, including posting blogs, updating staff bios, and uploading new content.
Maintain an organized digital library of logos, staff headshots, project photos, and brand templates.
Monitor news alerts for mentions of the organization or relevant policy issues; maintain a “clippings” file of all media coverage.
Draft initial versions of press releases, blog posts, and event descriptions. Act as the final “eyes” on grammar and house style for all outgoing materials.
Assist in the development of the organization’s annual report, as well as other print and digital publications, as assigned.
Research and update media databases; build targeted press lists for specific campaigns.
Analyze engagement data to identify which types of content (videos, blogs, graphics) resonate most with our followers and use those insights to suggest improvements to the posting schedule and content mix.
Qualifications
Minimum of two years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or digital media.
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or a related field (or at least 2 years of equivalent professional experience).
Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences.
High proficiency in Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
Experience with WordPress or similar CMS.
Familiarity with email marketing software (such as MailChimp and/or Constant Contact) and social media scheduling tools.
Strong analytical skills with experience using Google Analytics and social media reporting tools are a plus.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and keep a content calendar moving.
A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a passion for social justice and Impact for Equity’s mission.
Meticulous attention to details with the ability to troubleshoot issues, utilize available resources, and seize opportunities to develop innovative solutions.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and ranges from $55,000 – $59,000. We offer a competitive compensation package with an excellent benefits package with medical, dental and vision plans, 403(b) plan, paid time off and holidays, and monthly cell phone stipend.
This is a full‑time, salaried, 40‑hour per week role in a hybrid work schedule. Employees will work two days in‑office and three days remotely, with Tuesdays designated as a required in‑office day. The office environment is workstation‑style, with moderate noise levels. While standard work hours are Monday through Friday, occasional weekend and evening work may be necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Impact for Equity is an at‑will, equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. Impact for Equity is committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, Impact for Equity prohibits discrimination or harassment against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination. Impact for Equity also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law.
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