Job Description
Communications & Community Relations
Communications & Community Relations Manager
The Manager of Communications and Community Relations advances and coordinates communication with both internal and external stakeholders. In particular, you will facilitate relationships with members of the media, community, and partners to build and maintain meaningful relationships and strategic alliances in the service of advancing the mission of The Kennedy Forum.
Responsibilities
Media Relations
●Build and cultivate collaborative relationships within the press and publicity community.
●Compose and edit press releases, articles, presentations, and blog/information for internal and external use.
●Field media requests for information and interviews.
●Proactively seek out media opportunities to secure high level media coverage for KFI.
●Coordinate media and activities surrounding KFI’s events and announcements.
●Organize press events.
●Gather and disseminate timely information to press and staff.
●Provide guidance, media training (and talking points as appropriate) to staff and Board members expected to have contact with reporters.
●Create and manage targeted press lists
●Track and share relevant media clips with stakeholders.
Marketing/Content
●Implement marketing and outreach campaigns by preparing outreach strategies, plans, and objectives;
●Keep promotional materials ready by coordinating requirements with graphic designer and content writers.
●Develop marketing and other collateral materials such as outcomes reports, e-blasts, programming brochures, issue briefs and sponsorship packages.
●Help create and curate videos, blog content and other supportive multi-media content
●Brainstorm and execute ideas for awareness and fundraising campaigns
Community Engagement
●Develop external communications plans and strategies, including support for policy initiatives, community relations programs, development initiatives
●Cultivate partnerships with Illinois businesses and community stakeholders through programming and strategic communications.
●Monitor and manage KFI’s social media presence, publish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
●Manage digital marketing/media placement with thoughtful application of paid social media tactics and partnership posts.
●Seek opportunities to grow social media reach.
●Develop a social media and outreach plan congruent with KFI programmatic activity and strategic goals.
●Assist the Executive Director in the planning and execution of regular meetings with KFI’s Board External Affairs Committee
Qualifications
●Five years of hands-on work-related experience in public relations, marketing, and/or media relations.
●Experience working with community groups, associations, thought leaders, and industry leaders
●Digital and social media experience
●Excellent writing and editing skills
●Creative, strategic thinker
●Excellent verbal and written skills as well as detail-oriented project management skills are essential.
●The ability to produce text quickly and accurately.
●Knowledge of the press and what reporters need.
●Research and fact-finding skills.
●Experience creating media strategies and carrying through to execution.
●Experience with social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
●Strong interpersonal skills.
●Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively.
●Motivated, proactive, and self-starting.
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