The Chicago Community Trust
Job Description
Position Summary:
The Content Specialist works with Strategic Communications leadership to produce content assets that encompass the Trust's goals, align with its image and brand identity, and support the Trust's strategic objectives. The Content Specialist organizes and maintains a content calendar that schedules all aspects of the creation and delivery of content to external and internal audiences. That includes human interest stories, stories of impact, and profiles about Trust grant recipients and community partners doing great work for the region. Successful candidates will have experience in content creation in various formats that will reach new audiences and inspire increased engagement.
Essential Functions of Position:
Successfully manage content creation to increase the Trust's storytelling opportunities, leveraging human-centered stories to change narratives around the issues our strategic priorities are addressing. Efficiently project manage the development of stories, videos, podcasts, and other content, identifying what stories to amplify and on which platforms and executing opportunities to publish, promote and share content with internal and external stakeholders. Track and measure content performance and identify and implement opportunities to improve and refine plans in partnership with the Strategic Communications team. Principle Responsibilities:
Maintain content calendar Copywrite storytelling content, including grant recipient profiles, grant making highlights, video scripts, and relevant event invitations Manage production of videos and podcasts Design infographics Help build a team of freelancers, including writers, videographers, and photographers, and manage assignments Brainstorm with Strategic Communications team members to develop new ideas for content Edit and proofread content Maintain and refresh video and photo libraries for internal and external use Regularly monitor and report on content performance Ensure Trust branding standards are applied appropriately across all content Remain current on best practices and generate new ideas to grow the Trust's audience Experience and Skills Position Qualifications:
Degree in Journalism? Public Relations or relevant field Three to five years of communications experience or proven work experience as a content specialist or similar role At least two years of related work experience in the nonprofit or social impact; experience with or knowledge of philanthropy desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills An appreciation for quality content and the ability to create it Outstanding project management skills Ability to work with internal departments to ensure effective execution of content strategy Ability to work in a highly collaborative and team environment; collegial, energetic, ethical, able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, grant recipients, community partners, and others who contribute to storytelling opportunities Ability to multitask and take on multiple assignments Ability to represent the Trust with external partners Comfortable working with data and spreadsheets when needed Strong working knowledge of common content development and management tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Canto Experience with Salesforce??, its email application, and leveraging data for digital media campaigns Proficiency with MS Office and Outlook, comfort using online content management systems, and proficiency in social media platforms Demonstrates attention to detail and deadlines Self-starter who can work independently and in teams to think imaginatively about opportunities Ability to make decisions, justify recommendations, and is responsive and transparent with team members The History of The Chicago Community Trust
The Chicago Community Trust was founded in 1915 by Norman and Albert Harris, father and son duo of the Harris Trust and Savings Bank (now BMO Harris Bank). The Trust was the fourth community foundation ever created. There are now 750 community foundations in Canada and the U.S.
As our region's community foundation, the Trust unites generous donors, committed nonprofits and caring residents to effect lasting change that moves our entire region forward. Our approach centers on tackling the region's immediate needs and addressing the root causes of deep-seated issues to realize a more prosperous future for all who call metropolitan Chicago home.
For more than 100 years, donors have entrusted their philanthropic resources and visions to our stewardship. Guided by our deep knowledge of the community, we fund, lead, convene and collaborate to address the greatest and most critical needs facing the Chicago region. From the $22 million raised to help with unemployment relief in the Great Depression to spearheading an effort to help people keep their homes during the foreclosure crisis of the Great Recession to $35 million raised for the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, which supported nonprofits serving our most vulnerable neighbors, Chicagoans have put their trust in us.
In 2019, we announced we would focus our discretionary spending over the next decade on working to close Chicago's growing racial and ethnic wealth gap. The Trust envisions a Chicago region that's stronger and more prosperous because everyone-regardless of race, ethnicity, or zip code-has equitable access to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed and live a fulfilling life.
With assets of more than $4.5 billion, the Trust, in partnership with its donors, distributes more than $1.6 billion in grants each year. The Trust Team seeks to match the passion and commitment of donors, grant recipients, residents, and community leaders that continue to work tirelessly to make the Chicago region one where all have the opportunity to realize their dreams.
Job Benefits Salary + Benefits
The salary range for this position is $67,000-$76,000. The Chicago Community Trust offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.
The Content Specialist works with Strategic Communications leadership to produce content assets that encompass the Trust's goals, align with its image and brand identity, and support the Trust's strategic objectives. The Content Specialist organizes and maintains a content calendar that schedules all aspects of the creation and delivery of content to external and internal audiences. That includes human interest stories, stories of impact, and profiles about Trust grant recipients and community partners doing great work for the region. Successful candidates will have experience in content creation in various formats that will reach new audiences and inspire increased engagement.
Essential Functions of Position:
Successfully manage content creation to increase the Trust's storytelling opportunities, leveraging human-centered stories to change narratives around the issues our strategic priorities are addressing. Efficiently project manage the development of stories, videos, podcasts, and other content, identifying what stories to amplify and on which platforms and executing opportunities to publish, promote and share content with internal and external stakeholders. Track and measure content performance and identify and implement opportunities to improve and refine plans in partnership with the Strategic Communications team. Principle Responsibilities:
Maintain content calendar Copywrite storytelling content, including grant recipient profiles, grant making highlights, video scripts, and relevant event invitations Manage production of videos and podcasts Design infographics Help build a team of freelancers, including writers, videographers, and photographers, and manage assignments Brainstorm with Strategic Communications team members to develop new ideas for content Edit and proofread content Maintain and refresh video and photo libraries for internal and external use Regularly monitor and report on content performance Ensure Trust branding standards are applied appropriately across all content Remain current on best practices and generate new ideas to grow the Trust's audience Experience and Skills Position Qualifications:
Degree in Journalism? Public Relations or relevant field Three to five years of communications experience or proven work experience as a content specialist or similar role At least two years of related work experience in the nonprofit or social impact; experience with or knowledge of philanthropy desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills An appreciation for quality content and the ability to create it Outstanding project management skills Ability to work with internal departments to ensure effective execution of content strategy Ability to work in a highly collaborative and team environment; collegial, energetic, ethical, able to develop productive relationships with colleagues, grant recipients, community partners, and others who contribute to storytelling opportunities Ability to multitask and take on multiple assignments Ability to represent the Trust with external partners Comfortable working with data and spreadsheets when needed Strong working knowledge of common content development and management tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Canto Experience with Salesforce??, its email application, and leveraging data for digital media campaigns Proficiency with MS Office and Outlook, comfort using online content management systems, and proficiency in social media platforms Demonstrates attention to detail and deadlines Self-starter who can work independently and in teams to think imaginatively about opportunities Ability to make decisions, justify recommendations, and is responsive and transparent with team members The History of The Chicago Community Trust
The Chicago Community Trust was founded in 1915 by Norman and Albert Harris, father and son duo of the Harris Trust and Savings Bank (now BMO Harris Bank). The Trust was the fourth community foundation ever created. There are now 750 community foundations in Canada and the U.S.
As our region's community foundation, the Trust unites generous donors, committed nonprofits and caring residents to effect lasting change that moves our entire region forward. Our approach centers on tackling the region's immediate needs and addressing the root causes of deep-seated issues to realize a more prosperous future for all who call metropolitan Chicago home.
For more than 100 years, donors have entrusted their philanthropic resources and visions to our stewardship. Guided by our deep knowledge of the community, we fund, lead, convene and collaborate to address the greatest and most critical needs facing the Chicago region. From the $22 million raised to help with unemployment relief in the Great Depression to spearheading an effort to help people keep their homes during the foreclosure crisis of the Great Recession to $35 million raised for the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, which supported nonprofits serving our most vulnerable neighbors, Chicagoans have put their trust in us.
In 2019, we announced we would focus our discretionary spending over the next decade on working to close Chicago's growing racial and ethnic wealth gap. The Trust envisions a Chicago region that's stronger and more prosperous because everyone-regardless of race, ethnicity, or zip code-has equitable access to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed and live a fulfilling life.
With assets of more than $4.5 billion, the Trust, in partnership with its donors, distributes more than $1.6 billion in grants each year. The Trust Team seeks to match the passion and commitment of donors, grant recipients, residents, and community leaders that continue to work tirelessly to make the Chicago region one where all have the opportunity to realize their dreams.
Job Benefits Salary + Benefits
The salary range for this position is $67,000-$76,000. The Chicago Community Trust offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.