Job Openings >> Director of Marketing and Communications
Director of Marketing and Communications
Summary
Title:Director of Marketing and Communications
ID:1022
Organization:Jewish Child & Family Services
Location:Chicago, Illinois
Description


 

Director of Marketing and Communications
Opportunity Guide
 
http://www.jcfs.org/
 
To provide help, healing, and caring services infused with Jewish values to
strengthen lives in our community.

 

 

Jewish Child & Family Services (JCFS) provides vital, individualized, results-driven, therapeutic and supportive services for thousands of children, adults and families of all backgrounds each year, facing challenges with life transitions, mental health, developmental/intellectual disability and basic human need.

 
Offering over thirty programs at ten different locations across the Chicagoland area, JCFS’s services are comprehensive and diverse.  Selected programs include:
 

  • Counseling Programs aimed at services individuals in all stages of life, including, but not limited to, Financial Counseling, Pre-Marital Counseling, Divorce Counseling, Bereavement counseling and counseling for Children and Teens.
  • Community programs with a wide range of focus including advanced illness support, adoption support, the Jewish Center for Addiction, and sexual abuse prevention.
  • Testing and assessment programs including comprehensive psychological evaluations and testing for adults and children to address emotional, behavioral and academic needs.
  • Programs for both children and adults with disabilities and their families.
  • Child welfare services including foster care, group homes, and adoption connections.
  • A wide range of special education programs, including a special needs camp, a legal advocacy center, and resources for Jewish Day schools.

 

On July 1, 2013, JCFS and Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) entered into a strategic alliance to provide integrated services.  Building on the foundation of each organization, the alliance allows them to provide enhanced comprehensive services to those in need throughout the community.

“We are taking our lead from many JCFS and JVS organizations across the country that have successfully joined together to leverage their resources and create more fully integrated services,” said Howard Sitron, President and CEO of JCFS, and now also serving as Executive Director to JVS Chicago. “Our collective goal remains the same - to best provide our community with the help and support they need,” said Sitron. 
 

JCFS/JVS’s marketing department operates out of its location in downtown Chicago.  JCFS operates on a $28.8M budget.
 

The Opportunity:  Director of Marketing and Communications
 

The Director of Marketing and Communications will serve as visionary leader for both JCFS and JVS’s messaging and branding efforts.  The successful candidate will help shape the mission message to tell a great story, and guide the communication of both organizations’ priorities to both internal and external audiences across all available channels and forms of communications.  The Director will oversee and manage the marketing team, which includes three direct reports (one position is currently vacant). He/she will create and lead a vision for communication that can fulfill and complement the needs of the highly varied programming that JCFS and JVS offer. 

The position reports to Stacey Shor, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, and requires a strategic thinker with a high level of communication, marketing, editorial, and media expertise; team leadership experience, and business acumen, along with an interpretive ability to channel the mission of JCFS and JVS out to the public via various mediums.
 
 
Primary Performance Objectives

Strategy and Leadership

 

  • Work collaboratively with program and executive leadership of JCFS and JVS to align the organizations’ vision, mission and strategic communication.
  • Shape, coordinate and implement the messaging of all JCFS and JVS programs, with a clear focus on the mission of the organizations.
  • Ensure coherence of brand and identity by integrating vision and strategy.  Collaborate continually with program experts in each area to craft messages that satisfy the needs of the organization and of its various audiences and constituencies.
  • Lead and direct the communication of JCFS/JVS across all media channels, including but not limited to print, audio, video, internet, mobile, and social platforms.
  • Conduct review of the various communication methods being used internally and externally and identify methods and tools to improve message delivery.
  • Function as the agencies’ spokesperson for all media inquiries and crisis communications; cultivate and maintain media relationship to ensure visibility for JCFS/JVS.
  • Advance the visibility and public profile of JCFS and JVS by developing new and innovative approaches to increase community awareness of its services.

 
Department and Staff Management

  • Set department objectives, outcomes and expectations, and allocate resources and monitor staff’s progress toward goals.
  • Ensure maximum efficiencies and performance from staff members (team of 3, one current vacancy) with a style that inspires excellence.
  • Establish and maintain good working relationships with staff members throughout JCFS and JVS.
  • Evaluate the benefits of working with outside vendors on projects, and manage vendor relationships.
  • Manage the workflow of the department, working with other staff to maintain good communication regarding deadlines and need for communication support.
  • Provides counsel and support to enable Board, committees and staff to effectively represent JCFS and JVS’s mission, goals and services to prospective supporters throughout the Jewish community, as well as in the community at large.

 
Miscellaneous

  • Manage JCFS and JVS’s websites and ensure that web communications, including social media, drive brand strategy.
  • Oversee creation of all JCFS and JVS publications, including annual reports, press releases, speeches, and other materials.
  • Work closely in conjunction with the Resource Development department to ensure all messaging supports philanthropic efforts.
The Qualified Candidate
 
JCFS seeks a visionary and strategic professional with demonstrated success in managing and growing a successful communication program preferably in a complex, matrixed, nonprofit environment.  An ideal candidate will demonstrate a successful track record in developing consistent messaging for large organizations with diversified programming.  The Director will maximize the opportunities to communicate the mission of JCFS/JVS and increase visibility of the agencies.  A passion for the mission of JCFS/JVS is essential. 
 
The successful candidate will have:
 
  • A bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in a related field; Master’s degree is preferred
  • 8 to 10 years of related experience with proven skills in team management
  • Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills and desire to work in a team environment
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Proven expertise in taking initiative, building and maintaining strong rapport and positive relationships with various constituencies
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and social media; knowledge of statistical software preferred
  • Ability to work outside standard work hours and to travel locally and nationally; a current driver’s license is required

This position offers a competitive salary with generous benefits.  All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.
Jewish Child and Family Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria.
 
 
To Apply
 
This search is being managed by Laura Weinman, Senior Consultant at Alford Executive Search.  To apply, candidates must complete the online application at http://alfordexecutivesearch.applicantstack.com/x/openings and submit their cover letter and resume.  No applications will be accepted via email. Questions may be addressed to lweinman@alfordexecutivesearch.com
 
Alford Executive Search (www.alfordexecutivesearch.com) is a retained search firm dedicated to providing recruitment services of exceptional quality and strengthening the not-for-profit community through professional staffing solutions.
 
 
This opening is closed and is no longer accepting applications
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