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Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer

Schedule: Full-time

About the Organization

Mikva Challenge is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to develop youth to be empowered, informed, and active citizens and community members who will promote a just and equitable society. We do this by engaging youth in Action Civics, an authentic and transformative learning process built on youth voice and youth expertise. Youth in Mikva’s programming experience unique civic learning opportunities in political campaigns, public policy advocacy, government internships, and youth activism programs. Our approaches include direct youth work, teacher support, and liaising with civic leaders and institutions. We believe strongly in the potential of youth and are committed to youth power and voice.

Mikva Challenge evaluations show the lasting impact of its programs.

82% of students reported an increase in their civic knowledge.

77% of students developed their sense of civic agency and increased their future commitment to civic action.

83% of students took on new civic leadership.

79% of students reported gains in their socio-emotional skills — many of which have direct academic outcomes.

About the Position

Mikva Challenge is seeking an experienced, intellectually curious, and dynamic professional to assume the Director of Communications role. An action-oriented strategist and self-starter, the Director will lead, develop, and implement a detailed annual communications strategy to reach multiple audiences including: youth, media, donors and prospective donors, education leaders, district partners, public officials, thought leaders, and the general public. This position is the leader in amplifying our students’ voices and the story of our impact on students, teachers, schools, the community and our democracy. The Director of Communications will work closely with colleagues throughout the organization as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives. Mikva Challenge requires that candidates have experience in translating complex content for different audiences and purposes. This position requires an exceptional writer and creative thinker. The incumbent will be skilled at working with Mikva Challenge youth, educators, staff, and vendors to create compelling materials and build effective relationships with media outlets while developing and maintaining a vibrant, high-quality online presence. The Communications Director will develop a long term vision for the communications function, integrating and supporting Mikva Challenge’s programming and donor engagement priorities. The Director will provide strategic insight on communications-related challenges and opportunities that align with the organization’s mission and plan.

This role is expected to travel up to 25%, with one trip per quarter, on average, to attend events, meetings, and engage with key stakeholders as needed.

Core Responsibilities

Communications Strategy and Implementation

• Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate the annual communications plan and budget across discrete audiences in collaboration with the Mikva Challenge team and constituents.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and the Board to develop communications strategies that will broaden programmatic reach, elevate the national brand, and deepen impact aligned with the mission.
• Develop and refine core messaging and ensure organizational consistency across all locations.
• Direct organization-wide communications to advance Mikva Challenge’s mission with different audiences.
• Oversee the updating and maintenance of the organization’s website, online publications, and social media, ensuring that the content is consistent, coherent and navigable.
• Oversee the development and management of the organization’s communications and event marketing calendar.

Public Relations and Media Strategy and Implementation

• Create and execute a robust public relations and media outreach strategy and manage all media contacts while cultivating new relationships to broaden our reach.
• Create, write, edit, produce, and delegate as appropriate press releases, publications, videos, collateral, newsletters, social media content, and other printed materials, including annual reports.
• Act as the organization’s spokesperson and respond to members of the media in a timely manner. Prepare other staff, such as the CEO and Chief Advancement Officer, as needed.

Management and Collaboration

• Establish, track, and report on key metrics to effectively measure the progress and performance of all communications and public relations initiatives and efforts.
• Lead and supervise the communications team, providing guidance, strategic direction, and ongoing support to ensure the successful execution of communications initiatives.
• Provide the framework for staff to conduct stakeholder communications to meet their program/project specific needs while maintaining the Mikva Challenge brand identity.
• Collaborate with the Advancement team to create and implement sponsorship rights and benefits.
• Collaborate with program staff to effectively represent Mikva’s programs to external audiences.
• Oversee vendor relationships that support the communications work of the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related field is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of seven (7) years of communications experience, preferably in an “in-house” leadership role within a complex (number and variety of constituents) nonprofit organization. The ideal candidate will have expertise in media relations, branding, online presence, internal communications, event marketing, and donor communications. The ability to transform complex information into engaging, clear messages and disseminate it to the appropriate audiences through the most effective channels is critical.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing communications strategies
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Exceptional concept-development, writing, and editing skills in a journalistic style that is customary for professional and external publications
• Exceptional workflow and project management skills
• A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on project managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently
• Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to “manage by influence”
• Strong leadership, high energy, and maturity, with the ability to unify teams and guide communications discussions at both strategic and tactical levels
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, program participants, volunteers, donors, and other supporters
• Excellent time management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to offer sound media relations advice to senior leadership
• Entrepreneurial self-starter with the able to work independently; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives
• Strong working knowledge of traditional and social media tactics and channels
• Effective in managing timelines and project budgets
• Ability to coordinate efforts of various teams in order to present a coherent message
• Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion
• Energetic and personable; takes initiative and thinks creatively
• Strong computer skills in Word, Excel, WordPress, Canva, Photoshop and design/ layout software, and CRM databases; marketing software (Adobe) or related area
• Experience with website and newsletter production and message development
• Nonprofit and supervisory experience a plus

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $65,000 – $79,000 annually commensurate with experience. Please note that the salary range listed is based on candidates located in Illinois. Candidates based outside of Illinois may be eligible for a cost-of-living adjustment based on their location.

We offer a competitive benefits package including HMO or PPO health care plans, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan, generous paid vacation and sick leave, flexible spending account, short- and long- term disability, life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.

How to Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to careers@mikvachallenge.org with “Director of Communications” in the subject line. Preference will be given to applications received by December 15th, but the position will remain posted until filled. Documents should use the following naming convention: First Name_LastName – Document Name.

Equity Statement

Mikva Challenge is an equal opportunity employer and we highly value diversity in our workplace. Mikva Challenge provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. Applicants from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized communities, including people of color, are strongly encouraged to apply.