Position Summary 

The Forum is seeking a full-time Communications Director to set the vision and strategy for the communications of the organization, advance its communications priorities in policy and development, and manage its media relations. The Director will manage a Communications Coordinator/Graphic Designer, a part-time Social Media consultant, and interns. They will use traditional and digital media to amplify the Forum’s work in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment. Among other responsibilities, the Director will monitor and respond to the external environment to position the Forum as a credible source of timely, accurate, and relevant information and analysis on the Illinois Latino community, promoting the importance of including Latino voices and perspectives. The Director will also leverage their expertise in communications strategy to increase the Forum’s brand recognition and fundraising efforts.

Responsibilities 

• Develops, implements, and evaluates and annual communications plan, goals, and objectives in collaboration with senior management that aligns with organizational goals and priorities.
• Amplifies the Forum’s mission and work by developing, implementing, and managing broad-based cohesive communications strategies to reach multiple audiences and promote Latino inclusion on relevant public policy debates.
• Creates, manages, and oversees the implementation of the Forum’s content strategy, including but not limited to print, social media, website, and other e-communications efforts.
• Creates and disseminates compelling, persuasive, accurate, and engaging communication content that will resonate with the Forum’s constituents and help advance the organization’s mission.
• Works directly to compose, edit, and manage a full range of media strategies and outreach; delivers annual report; creates quarterly newsletters; and assists with the publication of staff-generated reports.
• Serves as the primary liaison with the media, responding with requests for information and coordinating interviews with staff, board of directors, and/or other appropriate spokesperson or information sources; prepares staff for external interviews.
• Serves as primary liaison to media; cultivates and maintains media relationships and outreach by writing, preparing, distributing, and pitching all media materials including news releases, statement letters to the editor, and op-eds.
• Develops, writes, creates creative direction, and provides production oversight of marketing and collateral materials to maintain consistency of the Forum’s brand, and support the work of the Education, Civic Engagement, and Development departments.
• Supports promoting, amplifying messages, and any other communication needs for organization-wide events, including the Forum’s annual fundraiser and overall fundraising efforts.
• Is responsible for developing Communication department budget, board reports, expense reports, media appearances updates, and communications analytics.
• Manages a team of communication specialists -including a Communications Coordinator/Graphic Designer, a part-time Social Media consultant, and interns.
• Works closely with colleagues including policy directors, development, and staff to produce collateral material to support their work.
• Other duties as assigned.