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One Million Degrees · 1 month ago

Executive Director, Marketing and Communications

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$116K/yr - $145K/yr

10+ years exp

One Million Degrees is a nonprofit organization that accelerates community college students’ progress on career pathways to economic mobility. The Executive Director of Marketing and Communications will lead the organization's brand strategy and communication efforts to drive awareness and support for OMD’s mission, while ensuring compelling communication across all platforms.

EducationNon ProfitSocial Impact

Responsibilities

Lead OMD’s content strategy & creative production

Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with organizational goals

Craft and refine messaging that resonates with diverse audiences including educators, donors, policymakers, community partners, and scholars

Develop and own marketing campaigns for programs, events, fundraising initiatives and other organizational projects, including campaign creative and strategy briefs

Ensure OMD's and social media feed is high-quality and regularly curated

Own OMD's email marketing strategies and platforms, ensuring all tactics align with best practices in content and database hygiene

Partner closely with Program team to grow and strengthen scholar recruitment and retention

Lead crisis communication planning and response

Partner with OMD Leadership Team to launch OMD brand nationally through strategic positioning across new markets and communities

Develop processes to ensure staff has the training and resources to promote brand health

Lead design of all digital and print assets- including collateral for events, annual reports, and other designed artifacts

Own OMD's brand book and ensure organizational fidelity with OMD's brand guidelines

Oversee website content, SEO, and analytics. Ensure OMD’s website is engaging, up-to-date, accurate, easy to navigate, and on-brand. Evaluate digital performance and optimize engagement

Cultivate relationships with media outlets and secure strategic press coverage, in Chicago and nationally. Serve as organizational spokesperson when needed

Galvanize colleagues and partner organizations to pursue high-quality media opportunities that uplift the value of community college and the power of OMD’s evidence-based model

Develop organizational communication strategies that speak authentically to community college students and their experiences

Work with OMD’s strategic communications vendors to develop an organizational positioning strategy and identify opportunities for OMD’s presence at conferences, community events, and public forums nationally

Monitor media trends and proactively position the organization in relevant conversations

Write press releases and statements related to organizational news and events

Leverage deep understanding of the Chicago education landscape to strengthen relationships with local stakeholders (media, colleges, employer partners, donors, etc.)

Navigate the unique dynamics of Chicago's community college system and higher education policy environment, with demonstrated ability to build productive partnerships with public institutions

This role partners across functions to facilitate public relations training for OMD staff, board, scholars and coaches

Build and execute a proactive external engagement strategy for the CEO, positioning both the leader and the organization as national voices in community college success and workforce development

Manage CEO communications including social media presence, speech writing, talking points for panels and media interviews, and executive briefing materials—ensuring strategic, accurate messaging for all high-stakes engagements

Lead annual planning for CEO participation in conferences, speaking opportunities, and leadership forums; research attendee lists and identify strategic connections; recommend board positions and influential networks the CEO should pursue

Build and manage the marketing and communications team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence

Ensure consistent tracking and reporting on engagement data; ensures contact database is up to date through regular hygiene; ensures all of OMD’s Marketing and Communications artifacts, knowledge and assets are archived and accessible

Implement technology solutions and systems to optimize team workflows, content management, and communications effectiveness

Develop and manage OMD’s Marketing and Communications budget

Source and manage all vendor relationships including copywriters, designers, video production, and strategic communications

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualification

Marketing strategyCommunications leadershipPublic relationsBrand managementDigital marketingContent management systemsData analysisStorytellingEquityInclusionTechnology proficiencyTeam managementCollaborationAdaptability

Required

Bachelor's degree required in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field

At least 10 years of progressive marketing and communications experience, with at least 5 years in leadership roles

Deep familiarity with Chicago's higher education landscape, particularly institutions serving underrepresented students

Exceptional storytelling skills with ability to translate complex data and impact into compelling narratives

Demonstrated success as a people manager, including leading teams through periods of growth, change, or organizational transformation

Strong understanding of digital marketing, social media strategy, and content management systems

Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and working with diverse communities

A builder: Highly motivated by the notion of building a marketing and communications operation to support a young and growing organization

Strategic thinker with strong execution skills

Exceptional people manager who develops talent, builds cohesive teams, and leads effectively through change

Collaborative leadership style with ability to influence across organizational levels and build coalitions with peer organizations internally and externally

Data-informed decision maker who balances analytics with creative intuition

Systems builder who leverages technology to improve efficiency and impact

Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

Proficient and knowledgeable with technological tools like Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Outlook, graphic design software, and/or content management systems (CMS)

Relentless commitment to centering scholar stories and voices in all work

Proven experience navigating partnerships with public systems or institutions

Benefits

Full Health Benefits –Provided for all full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision. OMD pays 100% of individual’s basic monthly health premium and 80% dependent coverage.

Employee assistance program, which offers confidential emotional support, work-life solutions, legal guidance, financial resources, and more.

Retirement Benefits – For full-time employees, OMD offers a 401(k) plan and matches retirement contributions up to 4% of total salary.

Generous Paid Time Off Policy– OMD has 12 paid holidays and offers up to 15 days PTO in year one; in addition to two weeks paid time off for winter break.

Compensatory time for designated duties performed outside of normal work hours

Monthly cell phone and internet reimbursement up to $50/month.

12 weeks of paid parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parents.

Professional Learning Opportunities – OMD supports employee development in areas relevant to professional and organizational goals and will pay for training such as workshops and conferences as agreed upon by the employee and supervisor.

Hybrid Work Schedule – One in-office day required a week; other days can be remote (in-person day set by you and your manager), and additional in-office days may be needed based on organizational priorities.