Strategic Communications Specialist Contractor

Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) is a workforce development intermediary that keeps jobseekers at the center of all we do. CJC advocates for jobseekers, by researching current pressing matters for the field, develop recommendations and share them broadly to create systemic change. CJC builds capacity for the workforce development field, by developing curriculum that’s offered through training, cohort learning and leadership academies based on our research of best practices. CJC influences City, State and Federal Policies related to increasing funding for our public workforce system, creating equitable pathways and eliminating barriers to employment. Our Mission: Together with community and institutional leaders, Chicago Jobs Council is re-imagining our workforce system so all people can thrive through employment. Our Vision is to create an anti-racist workforce development system and employment equity so that everyone can realize their unique pathway out of poverty. 

Position Scope: The Strategic Communications Specialist Contractor will develop high-level, ecosystem-wide communications to educate, inform, and engage key stakeholders, with specific strategies related to policymakers, legislators, funders, workforce development providers, employers, post-secondary education partners and community based organizations.  This role is part-time (approximately 20-25 hours per week) and will consult with the CEO and program directors to advance organizational goals.  This will include co-creating communication plans related to two annual events  and regular communications related to policy advocacy and building capacity for the workforce development sector.  This role will execute an integrated communications approach and will report to the CEO.  

Competitive Compensation: The Strategic Communications Specialist is an independent contractor position for 20-25 hours a week at a rate in the range of $36/hr - $40/hr. Additional hours may be requested, as available.

Location: Hybrid, 29 E Madison, Suite 1700C, Chicago, IL 

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Content Development and Editing: Craft overarching narratives and key messages about CJC activities, expertise and impact to increase visibility and elevate the organization's role in the ecosystem.  Regularly edit staff’s written materials and promotional ideas to maintain brand consistency and proper alignment with goals of communication efforts. (Example:  Translating policy briefs from technical terms to more broad lay person language and editing program marketing materials).  Identify opportunities to position the organization’s expertise, leadership and major initiatives  to broader audiences in both digital and print.  

• Design and Infographics:  Design templates and frameworks for common communications products, such as: training flyers, one-pagers and organization-wide reports; fundraising campaign and special event materials, briefs and email series; awareness campaign toolkits; policy brief templates; slide decks and talking points.   As needed, work with outside graphic consultants and printers for larger scale projects. 


• Data analysis. Review social media, email marketing, search engine optimization, and website analytics to spot trends and make recommendations on how to adjust/improve marketing and content. 


• Website and social media management.  Conduct an audit of existing digital and social media channels, including performance of platforms and key content types, and provide recommendations on which channels and formats are most effective for core audiences.vUpdate and maintain the website and social media platforms, remaining current on trends and providing leadership in terms of best practices for content and post


• Media Relations:  Lead efforts to build relations with media outlets to increase opportunities of placements of written press releases, opinion editorials, and public statements; coordinate interviews with news media, develop talking points, and support related activities. 


• Brand Oversight: Maintain and implement internal guidelines for the use of CJC logo and brand; monitor the use of logo and brand across all materials and media to ensure consistency. 


• Communications planning: Develop and maintain an annual strategic communications plan that identifies audiences, goals, channels, metrics and timeline for prioritized projects and campaigns.  Develop and manage an internal calendar that identifies partnerships with appropriate team members.  


• Events: Support the Development Manager by leading the communications and marketing of two annual fundraising events. 

Personal Qualities 

• Commitment to Chicago Jobs Council’s mission and vision, and our commitment to racial equity 


• Strong interpersonal skills, especially an ability to build relationships and work across the organization. 


• Adaptability when a change is made, and openness to incorporating team feedback. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy and program content into clear, persuasive, and audience-appropriate language.​


• Excellent design and visual skills, with proficiency in design programs and software (e.g. Canva, Prezi, Squarespace, Adobe Suite, etc) 


• Strategic thinker who can connect organizational goals to communications tactics, set priorities, and focus limited hours on high-impact activities.​


• Strong collaboration skills; able to work with executives and frontline staff, provide constructive guidance, and build staff capacity.​


• Excellent organizational and time management skills that allow for the handling of multiple and competing priorities while meeting short and long term deadlines 


• 5-8 years of related experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or related roles, preferably in social justice, policy, workforce, education, or nonprofit environments.

Application Information 

To apply for the Strategic Communications Specialist independent contractor position, please submit a cover letter, resume at https://cjc.bamboohr.com/careers/73 . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

CHICAGO JOBS COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. CJC is committed to building an inclusive staff and strongly encourages applications from individuals of color, people with disabilities, individuals with diverse backgrounds, and those whose life experience is underrepresented in employment programs and policies. 

Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

CJC recognizes that systemic, institutional and individual racism creates disparities in the way people of color fare in the labor market. We are continuously working to review and update our practices, policies, and procedures using a racial equity lens in order to achieve more equitable outcomes for all. 

Illinois is an at-will employment state.