Marketing & Communications Manager

Who We Are
Founded in 2001, LEARN is a nationally recognized non-profit network of PreK-8th grade elementary charter schools that is creating measurable, transformational change in the lives of its students. We currently educate 4,100 students, a majority low-income, minority student population (88% and 98%, respectively) across 11 campuses, the majority of which are in Chicago, IL. LEARN also serves families in Waukegan and North Chicago IL including the families of service members located at the Great Lakes Naval Academy and Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling (JBAB) in Washington D.C.

LEARN is a college prep elementary school providing its scholars the foundation necessary for long term academic and personal success. Our schools provide a rigorous educational program that is built upon an intimate understanding of each student's individual learning style and academic needs. We are guided by five core values which include: expectations of high achievement; mutual respect; the development of a safe and nurturing environment; active family involvement; and the positive development of the Whole Child.

LEARN has an impressive track record of success. It was recently recognized in a Stanford University study as one of the nation's top Gap Busting schools for its ability to close the academic achievement gap for its low income, minority population of students. LEARN students matriculate to college at a rate that is 3X the average of their peers and they graduate at 2x the rate of their peers, exceeding city and state averages.

What You'll Do
We are seeking a highly motivated, strategic, and self-directed
Marketing & Communications Manager
to lead and execute LEARN's marketing and communications initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who is equally comfortable setting strategy as they are writing content, managing campaigns, and measuring results.

As a key member of the development team, this individual will drive brand strategy, internal and external communications, and marketing initiatives that support student enrollment, staff recruitment, and organizational growth. You will be both a strategic leader and a hands-on executor, playing a pivotal role in elevating LEARN's visibility and impact.

*Key Responsibilities
Brand & Communications Strategy*

• Own LEARN's brand strategy to strengthen visibility, credibility, and engagement across all campuses and markets (Chicago, North Chicago, Waukegan, and Washington, D.C.).
• Establish an annual communications calendar and oversee implementation across digital, owned and earned media channels.
• Capture and craft stories that celebrate LEARN students, teachers and community impact; leverage this content for social media, internal and external newsletters, digital campaigns, and earned media.
• Manage external partners to support brand amplification.

*Marketing for Student Enrollment & Talent Recruitment*

• Design and execute data-driven marketing strategies and campaigns to achieve 100% student enrollment and support staff recruitment across campuses.
• Oversee digital advertising campaigns, social media growth, and creative content initiatives targeting prospective families and job candidates. LEARN's digital presence is currently on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Develop marketing collateral (flyers, digital ads, posters, etc.) in collaboration with internal staff.
• Analyze and report on marketing performance, using insights to continuously improve messaging, targeting, and impact.

*Internal Communications*

• Create and implement an internal communications strategy to foster staff engagement, culture, and retention.
• Lead the development, editing, and sending of a monthly staff newsletter that builds awareness of key organizational initiatives and important updates.
• Partner closely with HR and the CEO to develop tone, key messages, and voice to encourage staff engagement and retention.

*External Communications*

• Manage LEARN's social media presence and digital storytelling — developing and executing content calendars, writing posts, and tracking engagement.
• Oversee website content strategy, ensuring it remains current, accurate, and compelling for all stakeholders.
• Produce newsletters and other key materials for donors, partners, and external audiences.

What You'll Need

• A bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in marketing or communications, preferably in the education or nonprofit sector.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to create and manage content for websites, social media, newsletters, and digital platforms.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Experience with tools such as WordPress, Form Assembly, Canva, and Constant Contact.
• A passion for education and belief in LEARN's mission to provide quality educational opportunities for underserved students.

Benefits Summary
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation, personal days, paid holidays
• Short and long term disability
• Paid life insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 403B Contribution + 4.5% matching as eligible

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of LEARN Charter School Network. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, family medical history, disability or veteran status.