Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator

Position Overview:
The Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator is responsible for promoting Chamber businesses by aligning marketing efforts with the organization's mission, events, and initiatives. This role focuses on increasing the Chamber's reach through social media, enhancing its visibility in the community, and maintaining effective communication with members, media, and the public. This position also plays a key role in direct business engagement, ensuring consistent outreach and participation across Chamber programs and events. Strong project management skills are essential to effectively coordinate communications, outreach, and event execution.

1. Small Business Spotlights:
Conduct interviews and gather information to create engaging spotlight content.
Work with our partners to ensure spotlights are co posted with the business and the Chamber.
Manage timelines, approvals, and deliverables to ensure consistent and timely publication of spotlights.

2. Monthly Newsletter (Mailchimp):
Design and distribute a digital monthly newsletter that highlights Chamber updates, community events, and small business spotlights.
Ensure content curation and brand consistency throughout the newsletter.
Track engagement metrics and suggest improvements for future editions.
Manage the production schedule and coordinate inputs from staff and partners.

3. Press Releases & Media Relations:
Draft and distribute press releases for chamber announcements, events, and promotions.
Build and maintain relationships with local media outlets, reporters, and influencers.
Track media coverage and assess the effectiveness of press release campaigns.
The Chamber has a list of media outlets and potential partners, thanks to our sponsored content with the Reader.
Coordinate timelines and manage communications projects from draft through distribution.

4. Community Engagement & Outreach:
Conduct consistent weekly outreach to local businesses, including a minimum of 12 in person business visits per month.
Serve as a relationship manager by regularly checking in with businesses to understand their needs, share opportunities, and increase engagement with Chamber programs and services.
Actively connect businesses to relevant initiatives, events, and resources offered by the Chamber.
Maintain outreach records and provide regular updates on engagement progress.
Plan and manage outreach activities to ensure consistent engagement across priority corridors.

5. Event Coordination & Calendar Management:
Manage and maintain the Chamber’s master calendar, ensuring alignment across programs, outreach, and events.
Coordinate Chamber attendance at community, partner, and stakeholder events, including scheduling staff participation and ensuring proper representation.
Support event planning and logistics, including outreach, confirmations, and follow up.
Ensure businesses are informed of and encouraged to participate in upcoming events and activations.
Oversee event timelines and manage multiple projects simultaneously to ensure successful execution.

Core Skills & Competencies:
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Relationship building and community engagement experience.
Ability to work independently while coordinating across teams and partners.
Detail oriented with strong follow through.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15,000.00 - $30,000.00 per year

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Project Management Occupations: 2 years (Preferred)
• Community Relations Coordinators: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60617