Director of Communications

Summary of Position: The Director of Communications creates the voice for Connections' communications, working across the organization to reflect the full scope and impact of the organization to its many constituents including supporters, staff, program participants, elected representatives, and the community at large. This leader is responsible for developing effective messaging and communication strategies and creating and coordinating the flow of communications and information between Connections and its constituents. The Director oversees both internal and external communications.

The primary goal of this position is to develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that increases Connections' visibility and invites constituents into the work of ending homelessness. Strategies to achieve the goal include messaging and website (external and internal) development, collateral planning and production, boosting fundraising efforts, writing speeches and communications for the agency and executive leadership, and managing all facets of media relationships.

This position will supervise the communications team members (currently 2 managers). Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) the Director of Communications also works closely with the Senior Director of Advocacy. The Director of Communications serves as a senior leader on the Development team and reports to the CDO.

Schedule and Work Environment: Connections for the Homeless offers a flexible work environment, as positions and business needs allow. This position's home office is located at our Lake Street Church location in Evanston, IL. It is expected that evening and weekend work will be required on occasion to participate and support agency events as well as board/volunteer committee meetings.

Specific Duties:

Branding, Messaging, and Communications Strategies (20 %)

• Develop and manage a robust, multichannel communications strategy for the agency at large, Joining Forces for Affordable Housing (the advocacy arm of Connections for the Homeless).
• Build strategy, narrative, and communication calendars for targeted audiences and groups including donors, volunteers, in kind donors, and all types of community partners and government relations.
• Develop and steward the agency's voice and vision through all channels including social media and websites.
• Use data to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of communication strategies.

Communications Materials and Assets (40 %)

• Oversee and manage website development and content for Connections for the Homeless' internal and external sites as well as Joining Forces for Affordable Housing to ensure they are effective communication tools and supportive of the organization's communication goals.
• Provide oversight and execution of all agency collateral material production including the annual report, newsletters, impact cards, program brochures, and presentations.
• Serve as lead writer or editor to develop content in collaboration with advocacy, program, and development staff such as briefings, collateral, solicitation letters, articles, newsletters, and reports.
• Support executive communications by generating presentations, speeches, solicitation letters, and digital content.
• Drive effective internal agency communications by editing internal newsletters and all agency announcements and special projects. Also provide utilization guidance and structure for effective utilization of Microsoft Teams.

Visibility, Fundraising, and Media (30 %)

• Develop strategies to increase the organization's visibility with likely supporters and volunteers and advocates.
• Develop strategies to increase the organization's position as a respected thought leader that provides effective solutions that end homelessness in Evanston and Northeastern Illinois.
• Manage media relationships by writing press releases and cultivating relationships with editors and reporters to pitch stories and drive awareness in the community.
• Support the Development team in the creation of marketing materials for fundraising activities such as events, direct mail appeals, and online fundraising campaigns.
• Lead the crafting of executive responses to crises or challenging situations, quickly and professionally.
• Help promote special events to encourage attendance and participation.
• Guide the development of messages and speeches for guest speakers and event presenters.

General Development Responsibilities (10 %)

• Build relationships with participants, staff, key volunteers, community members, agency supporters, and board members.
• Attend donor events, community meetings, and external agency presentations.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Core Values of Connections for the Homeless.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Hiring Timeline (projected):

• Application Deadline: Friday, December 12
• Initial Interviews (phone/virtual): Week of December 15
• Hiring Manager Interviews (virtual): Week of January 5
• Final Interviews (in-person): Weeks of January 12 and 20
• Target Offer Date: January 23

Timeline subject to change

The following qualifications are requirements for the position:

• Must have 5 years of experience leading a team.
• At least 7 years working in NFP, preferably a social service organization.
• At least 5 years managing communication strategy for a NFP.
• Flexible schedule –to attend after hours' meetings, community events, and/or volunteer activities.
• Able to work independently and with diverse populations.
• Excellent writing and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent project management skills

The following qualifications are highly desirable:

• A team player, with excellent leadership and team building skills.
• Familiarity with the principles of Ethical Storytelling.
• Excellent computer skills, including MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with content management software and Google analytics.
• Experience with email marketing tool Constant Contact or similar.
• Experience with web-hosting platform Square-Space or similar.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills and must operate well in a fast-paced environment.
• Goal and results-driven with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced service environment.
• Accountable, with an attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to take initiative and anticipate the needs of donors, stakeholders, and colleagues.
• Proactively share information and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Able to overcome obstacles, working independently and as part of a team.
• High degree of emotional intelligence.

Other Requirements:

• Must submit to a criminal background check and submit to or provide evidence of a recent test for tuberculosis.

For nearly 40 years, Connections for the Homeless has served and catalyzed our community to end homelessness, one person at a time. Each year we provide eviction prevention, shelter, and housing services to 4,000 people from across north suburban Cook County. Beyond providing direct services we also operate a robust advocacy and community organizing program to address the root causes of homelessness. The COVID pandemic accelerated our growth in the depth and breadth of services we offer and the organizational infrastructure to sustain this highly impactful organization. Connections is a radically reshaped organization deeply committed to demonstrating our core values in all relationships with participants, colleagues, donors, partners, and volunteers.

Join our dedicated team at Connections for the Homeless, where we blend a commitment to making a difference with a competitive rewards package. Our full-time employees enjoy a range of benefits, consciously crafted through an equitable lens, to support their well-being and professional growth.

At Connections for the Homeless, we recognize that supporting our employees is essential in achieving our mission. We are ready to invest in you as you make a difference in our community. We can't wait for you to join us