Communications Manager

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 350,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. To fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Sports Administration, the Communications Manager will serve as the digital storyteller owning the production of written and multimedia content highlighting current and former student athletes, coaches, school communities and CPS' broader athletics programming.. This person will play an integral role in the development of digital content strategies that expand awareness of the Office of Sports Administration (OSA) by engaging key audiences such as school communities, families, external partners, and the media.

The Communications Manager will be held accountable for key responsibilities including, but not limited to the following:

• Serve as the principal communications liaison Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and the general public as applicable;
  
  
• In partnership with the Communications Office, design and pitch stories to media outlets and manage the OSA's social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), blogs, and other digital channels;
  
  
• Manage the design, content, and update of the OSA website in partnership with IT and other applicable departments;
  
  
• Digitally capture and record content CPS' elementary and high school interscholastic city championships and regular season competitions which may include evening and weekend coverage requirements;
  
  
• Leverage the Athletic Program Administrators, principals, and other OSA staff to obtain content and information related to athletics events and programming;
  
  
• Partner with senior leaders to communicate and schedule key events and appearances;
  
  
• Manage OSA messaging, branding, imagery, marketing, etc ensuring alignment with all internal policies and procedures;
  
  
• Conduct comprehensive research, gather information, and perform various complex analyses to create technical and creative content and brand strategies;
  
  
• Develop metrics,track and evaluate the effectiveness of communications, marketing and branding campaigns and strategies to ensure maximum effectiveness;
  
  
• Produce sports stories (written and digital) and special programs both live and pre-recorded for broadcast and digital platforms;
  
  
• Draft and edit key communications documents such as news releases and talking points for Executive Director and other staff in partnership with the Communications Office;
  
  
• Attend meetings with the various CPS departments to advance OSA messaging and to communicate key strategic initiatives;
  
  
• Develop messaging to ensure it is consistent, accurate, and aligned with CPS mission and goals;
  
  
• Coordinate and guide cross-functional projects related to short-term assignments and campaigns;
  
  
• Collaborate with the Communications Department on strategic CPS initiatives;
  
  
• Performs additional ad hoc duties as assigned;
  
  

Type of Education Required :

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required;
  
  

Type and Years of Experience Required :

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the Communications field including marketing and branding
  
  
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing an organization's social media platforms increasing engagement and followership
  
  
• Adobe Creative Suite and digital media creation experience required
  
  
• Experience with website management, content creation, and graphic design tools
  
  
• Experience managing and executing a cross-channel editorial calendar, from conception to publication and promotion
  
  
• Experience with Video Image Editing Systems preferred
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required :

• Exceptional knowledge of social media, website, and other mediums to share information
  
  
• Knowledge of building and/or maintaining website programs
  
  
• Team player who possesses the ability to collaborate with broad diverse stakeholder groups
  
  
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills
  
  
• Motivated self-starter able to work independently requiring minimal oversight
  
  
• Excellent organizational skills
  
  

Other Requirements:

• Flexible hours during evenings and weekends
  
  

Residency Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and must maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.