Description

The Communications and Social Media Specialist is responsible for preparing content and written material for internal and external audiences, including writing, assisting with public relations (PR), updating the LBFE website, and posting on social media to support the programs of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Chicago (LBFE). Approximately 75% of the position involves writing, assisting with public relations (PR), updating the LBFE website, and an additional 25% involves posting on social media.

The goal is to build public awareness, understanding, and acceptance for the organization and to increase the support received through human and financial resources. The Communications and Social Media Specialist is the primary point person for a variety of e-communication, newsletter articles, reports, media communication, and other written material. This position also needs an understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and a commitment to reflecting DEI in LBFE communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS

The Specialist will develop first drafts of written materials for marketing, PR, fundraising, and program purposes. Conduct interviews with older adults, volunteers, and staff to support fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and marketing and develop “evergreen” stories and articles.

• Write PSAs, media alerts, press releases, and articles and disseminate them to traditional and online media sources.
• Create and distribute LBFE’s monthly e-newsletter (four one- to two-paragraph summaries of our latest events).
• Write and assist with the production of marketing materials, as needed, for media kits and marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and fact sheets.
• Collaborate with a consultant, designer and development team, interview and write articles for the LBFE print newsletters (two annually) and Annual Report. The Specialist is an integral part of the team that plans, ensures deadlines are met and reviews material for final print production.
• Review and provide input for written fundraising letters, emails, and draft acknowledgement letters.
• Follow all branding and standardization for LBFE.
• Attend events and programs to build understanding of our mission and work.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

WEBSITE
CONTENT MANAGEMENT:

• Update site content, pictures, and blog, using CMS platform WordPress.
• Update the LBFE website, at least weekly, to reflect latest activities.
• With input from our fundraising consultants, optimize website for SEO and AI.
• Removing older data and publications, as necessary.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Create content for LBFE social media platforms, attend year-round events and activities to capture quotes, photos, and video content to raise awareness about LBFE and promote fundraising campaigns.
• Monitor the effectiveness of posts via analytics and develop a strategy accordingly.
• Participate in planning and implementing the annual development department workplan, social media plan, and e-communications plan.

Experience/Skills:

• Demonstrated success in developing content for several types of media, audiences, and formats (social media, marketing, website, print, and public relations).
• Minimum of two years of experience with social media management and best practices.
• Minimum of two years of experience in marketing, public relations, or resource development writing.
• Preferred skills include interviewing, webpage editing, Constant Contact digital marketing and photography experience.

Requirements

• Required to work one of two main holiday celebrations (Thanksgiving or Christmas), and our Founder’s Day Celebration, Fête d’Armand Marquiset in the spring.
• Excellent verbal and written communication/editing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and phone skills.
• Excellent time management skills and experience meeting deadlines.
• A goal-oriented person with experience completing communications projects and ability to work independently as well as on a team.
• Creative critical thinking skills.
• Willingness to learn new software as needed.