Communication and Capacity Building Specialist

HandsOn Suburban Chicago

Arlington Heights, IL

$36,500 to $38,000 Yearly
Full-Time

Job Description

Environment and Culture:

HOSC is collaborative, inclusive, and customer-centric. We work as a team and independently to support the needs of our communities.

Our work environment includes:

Work-from-home days and flexible working hours
Growth opportunities
Relaxed atmosphere
On-the-job training
Casual to business casual work attire

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Communications and Capacity Building Specialist will manage all aspects of communication strategies and website content to support HOSC’s mission and goals. They work closely with program leaders and team members as the communications partner on various strategic initiatives.

The Communications and Capacity Building Specialist engages businesses, volunteers, and community partners through targeted marketing efforts, training, outreach, and coordinating community events. They manage educational and training programs, including Volunteer Engagement Training Programs (VETP). Importance is given to engaging new and diverse business partners, volunteers, partners, and community members while developing new and ongoing volunteer and community partner training, and appreciation events. This role will collaborate with HOSC leadership and team members to deliver HOSC’s mission and meet strategic goals and outcomes.

Communications Responsibilities:

· Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to promote the organization's programs, events, and initiatives.

· Manage all communication channels, including social media, email newsletters, press releases, and marketing materials.

· Create engaging and compelling content for various audiences to raise awareness and support for the organization's mission.

· Oversee the organization's website, including content creation, updates, and maintenance to ensure a user-friendly experience.

· Utilize SEO best practices to optimize website content for search engines and increase online visibility.

· Monitor website analytics and performance metrics to track user engagement and make data-driven decisions for improvement.

· Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels.

· Lead the design and production of marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, and promotional videos.

· Conduct regular evaluations of communication strategies and website performance to identify areas for enhancement and growth.

· Stay current on industry trends and best practices in communication and website management to drive innovation within the organization.

Outreach and Training Responsibilities:

· Plan, coordinate, and implement HOSC educational programming for nonprofits in collaboration with the Community Engagement Team.
· Plan, coordinate, and implement HOSC events in coordination with HOSC development committee.
· Coordinate and organize annual meetings that engage the network's target audiences.
· Help the Chief Executive Officer carry out fundraising initiatives.
· Passionately support the vision and mission of HOSC.
· Exercise discretion and independent judgment regarding matters of significance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The Communications and Capacity Building Specialist has at least 3 years of communications experience, ideally in an “in-house” role within a nonprofit, writing and managing website content, newsletters, and donor communications.

· Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.

· Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing roles.

· Proficiency in website management platforms (e.g., WordPress, Wix, Squarespace) and basic knowledge of HTML and CSS.

· Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail.

· Experience with social media management and digital marketing strategies.

· Graphic design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign) is a plus.

· Knowledge of SEO principles and Google Analytics for website optimization.

· Strong public speaking skills and comfortable in groups of people.

· Experience in training and giving presentations.

· Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.

· Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.

· Passion for nonprofit work and commitment to the organization's mission.

· Illinois driver’s license and access to reliable and insured transportation required.

ing automation tools (SalesForce, Hubspot, etc) desired

Physical Factors: Ability to travel to multiple sites and locations, to work on a computer for multiple hours, and to lift and carry 40 pounds safely.

Working conditions: Collaborative, hybrid work environment. The position may require early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Please send a cover letter and resume to humanresources@handsonsuburbanchicago.org.