Executive Director, Marketing and Communications

Executive Director Of Marketing & Communications

One Million Degrees seeks an experienced, mission-driven, creative, and detail-oriented Executive Director of Marketing & Communications to lead the organization's brand strategy, storytelling, and communication efforts during a pivotal moment of growth and national expansion. This role drives awareness, engagement, and support for OMD's mission, ensuring consistent and compelling communication across all platforms.
This senior leadership role will shape how OMD communicates its mission and impact in our Chicago hometown and nationally, elevating the lived experiences of community college students to drive change, open doors, and shift how people think about the promise of higher education.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in the education ecosystem and a proven track record of building national brands within growing organizations. You understand the power of placeyou know how to nurture Chicago-based relationships with community colleges, civic leaders, media, and additional local partners while simultaneously scaling a brand for national impact. You're a systems builder who starts every project by asking: How does this serve our scholars? Grounded in OMD's commitment to social and racial justice, you design marketing strategies that remove barriers, not create them. You believe fiercely in the power of community college and career-connected learning, and you're energized by the opportunity to provethrough compelling storytelling and strategic communicationsthat investing in students changes everything.
You'll lead a team as we deepen OMD's groundbreaking work in Chicago and take our model nationwide, working collaboratively across development, programming, workforce partnerships, and beyond. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, you'll be a key voice at the leadership table, shaping the future of how OMD shows up in the worldwith stories and strategies that are bold, student-centered, and ready for what's next.
Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Lead OMD's content strategy & creative production
Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with organizational goals.
Craft and refine messaging that resonates with diverse audiences including educators, donors, policymakers, community partners, and scholars.
Develop and own marketing campaigns for programs, events, fundraising initiatives and other organizational projects, including campaign creative and strategy briefs.
Ensure OMD's and social media feed is high-quality and regularly curated.
Own OMD's email marketing strategies and platforms, ensuring all tactics align with best practices in content and database hygiene.
Partner closely with Program team to grow and strengthen scholar recruitment and retention.
Lead crisis communication planning and response.
Launch OMD's brand nationally
Partner with OMD Leadership Team to launch OMD brand nationally through strategic positioning across new markets and communities.
Develop processes to ensure staff has the training and resources to promote brand health.
Lead design of all digital and print assets- including collateral for events, annual reports, and other designed artifacts.
Own OMD's brand book and ensure organizational fidelity with OMD's brand guidelines.
Oversee website content, SEO, and analytics. Ensure OMD's website is engaging, up-to-date, accurate, easy to navigate, and on-brand. Evaluate digital performance and optimize engagement.
Lead OMD's public relations and earned media strategy
Cultivate relationships with media outlets and secure strategic press coverage, in Chicago and nationally. Serve as organizational spokesperson when needed.
Galvanize colleagues and partner organizations to pursue high-quality media opportunities that uplift the value of community college and the power of OMD's evidence-based model.
Develop organizational communication strategies that speak authentically to community college students and their experiences.
Work with OMD's strategic communications vendors to develop an organizational positioning strategy and identify opportunities for OMD's presence at conferences, community events, and public forums nationally.
Monitor media trends and proactively position the organization in relevant conversations.
Write press releases and statements related to organizational news and events.
Thought leadership and field influence
Leverage deep understanding of the Chicago education landscape to strengthen relationships with local stakeholders (media, colleges, employer partners, donors, etc.)
Navigate the unique dynamics of Chicago's community college system and higher education policy environment, with demonstrated ability to build productive partnerships with public institutions.
This role partners across functions to facilitate public relations training for OMD staff, board, scholars and coaches.
Advance Executive Positioning
Build and execute a proactive external engagement strategy for the CEO, positioning both the leader and the organization as national voices in community college success and workforce development.
Manage CEO communications including social media presence, speech writing, talking points for panels and media interviews, and executive briefing materialsensuring strategic, accurate messaging for all high-stakes engagements.
Lead annual planning for CEO participation in conferences, speaking opportunities, and leadership forums; research attendee lists and identify strategic connections; recommend board positions and influential networks the CEO should pursue.
Steward a thriving Marketing and Communications team
Build and manage the marketing and communications team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.
Ensure consistent tracking and reporting on engagement data; ensures contact database is up to date through regular hygiene; ensures all of OMD's Marketing and Communications artifacts, knowledge and assets are archived and accessible.
Implement technology solutions and systems to optimize team workflows, content management, and communications effectiveness.
Develop and manage OMD's Marketing and Communications budget.
Source and manage all vendor relationships including copywriters, designers, video production, and strategic communications.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Mission Alignment:
Passionate about OMD's mission to advance economic mobility
Leads with empathy, respect, integrity, and authenticity
Motivated to address systemic inequities and support student success
Education:
Bachelor's degree required in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field
Experience:
At least 10 years of progressive marketing and communications experience, with at least 5 years in leadership roles
Deep familiarity with Chicago's higher education landscape, particularly institutions serving underrepresented students
Exceptional storytelling skills with ability to translate complex data and impact into compelling narratives
Skills:
Demonstrated success as a people manager, including leading teams through periods of growth, change, or organizational transformation
Strong understanding of digital marketing, social media strategy, and content management systems
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and working with diverse communities
Traits and Competencies:
A builder: Highly motivated by the notion of building a marketing and communications operation to support a young and growing organization
Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
Exceptional people manager who develops talent, builds cohesive teams, and leads effectively through change
Collaborative leadership style with ability to influence across organizational levels and build coalitions with peer organizations internally and externally
Data-informed decision maker who balances analytics with creative intuition
Systems builder who leverages technology to improve efficiency and impact
Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
Proficient and knowledgeable with technological tools like Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Outlook, graphic design software, and/or content management systems (CMS)
Relentless commitment to centering scholar stories and voices in all work
Proven experience navigating partnerships with public systems or institutions
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $116,000-$145,000.
Full Health Benefits Provided for all full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision. OMD pays 100% of individual's basic monthly health premium and 80% dependent coverage.
Employee assistance program, which offers confidential emotional support, work-life solutions, legal guidance, financial resources, and more.