JOB TITLE: Director of Marketing

EMPLOYEE TYPE: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Chief Development Officer

COLLABORATES WITH: Development & Marketing Manager, Managing Director of Enrollment & Compliance, Chief Development Officer

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

Job Overview

The Director of Marketing facilitates and manages communication projects and marketing efforts across the CICS network with the primary intent of attracting students and families to CICS and elevating the CICS Brand. The Director will plan and facilitate internal and external communication strategies and design high-quality content that engages with various stakeholders to support and enhance CICS’ brand and reputation.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized and strategic with tremendous attention to detail and excellent communication skills. They will interact with internal and external audiences including staff, board members, school operators and leaders, parents, community members, and donors.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy & Brand Development

Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that aligns with organizational goals, advances the CICS brand, and increases enrollment across schools. Collaborate with school management organizations to ensure strategy alignment.
Identify key audiences and create targeted campaigns to reach and engage them effectively.

Recruitment Strategy & Enrollment Management

Create and implement recruitment strategies aimed at attracting prospective families and students.
Support the enrollment funnel from lead generation to conversion, ensuring seamless communication and follow-up at each stage.
Collaborate with the enrollment team to set and achieve recruitment goals, continuously analyzing and adjusting tactics based on data insights.

Content Creation

Create compelling content, including blog posts, newsletters, social media posts, and press releases.
Maintain an editorial calendar that supports timely and relevant messaging.
Coordinates with communications leaders across the network to ensure proper sequencing and message alignment when needed.
Manage website content updates.

Social Media & Digital Marketing

Develop and implement an effective social media strategy that expands the organization’s presence on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Design and execute digital ad campaigns, including Google Ads and paid social media, to drive awareness, reach prospective families, and increase conversions.
Analyze and report on social media performance and engagement metrics, making data-driven adjustments to improve reach and effectiveness.

Public Relations & Media Outreach

Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, pitching stories and managing media requests.
Draft and distribute press releases and maintain a media contact list.

Branding

Ensure consistency in brand messaging across all communications materials.
Create high-quality visuals that enhance storytelling.
Create promotional materials for fundraising events and campaigns.
Review and support departments with written and marketing material for brand consistency and clarity.

Analytics & Reporting

Track and report on marketing and communications metrics, using analytics to refine strategies and improve outcomes.
Provide regular reports to leadership and contribute to board presentations as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
7+ years experience in a communications role.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Google equivalents).
Proficiency in social media platforms and analytic software (i.e. Meltwater, Sprout Social)
Proficiency in digital ad creation and execution (i.e. Google Ads, Facebook)
Experience writing content for media platforms.

Competencies And Skills

Service orientation: You are committed to providing high levels of service to various internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborative problem-solver: You have experience solving complicated and multi-faceted problems and generating a variety of innovative, effective solutions.
Excellent communication skills: You can translate complex content to key decision-makers and stakeholders, adapting framing and messaging based upon the audience.
Independent: You thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, able to strategically prioritize time and competing initiatives, focusing on those that will have the greatest impact on students.
Strong project manager: You can balance the big picture with the necessary attention to detail while maintaining a high bar for quality and productivity.

TRAVEL

This position is based out of Chicago International Charter School’s office location in the heart of downtown Chicago. Employees are expected to be in person at the CICS offices at least 3 days a week and may work remotely on other days. Local travel to various campuses and community organizations is required.

Compensation

Salary Range is $70,000 to $85,000, based on skills and experience.

Statement of Non Discrimination

CICS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic or classification protected by law.

Chicago International Charter School

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Director of Marketing