Communications Specialist

Lutheran-School-of-Theology-At-Chicag; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement contribution

Hybrid work schedule

Summer four-day workweeks

Year-end break

Worship and spiritual enrichment

Job summary

Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) seeks a proactive Communications Specialist to support marketing and digital initiatives for Admissions and Advancement. You will own social media, email marketing, and campaign execution while amplifying our voice for creation care, racial equity, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, this role requires enthusiasm for multi-project ownership, collaboration across departments, and a detail-oriented

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 3–5 years of professional experience in communications, digital media, or marketing.
• Experience managing professional social media accounts; proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and WordPress; Mailchimp familiarity; CRM-based engagement (Slate).
• Experience with DSLR photography and creating short-form video content.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an editorial and social media calendar with strategic storytelling across platforms.
• Manage LSTC’s social media channels, including content planning and audience engagement.
• Lead email newsletters production using Mailchimp and manage audience segmentation.
• Capture on-site content with DSLR and create short-form video content (Instagram Reels, TikTok-style clips).
• Execute social media and email campaigns supporting student recruitment and fundraising.
• Manage paid social advertising campaigns with targeting and performance reporting.
• Collaborate with internal departments to translate complex information into clear messaging; meet deadlines.
• Monitor and report on digital KPIs to optimize outreach.

Skills

Social media management

Adobe Creative Cloud

WordPress

Mailchimp

Slate CRM

DSLR photography

Video content creation

Strong writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or Journalism

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

WordPress

Mailchimp

Slate

Job description

Description

LSTC is seeking a proactive and creative Communications Specialist to support our core marketing and digital initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, this role is ideal for a detail-oriented communicator who enjoys managing multiple projects and is ready to take ownership of key workflows, including social media management, email marketing, and campaign execution for our Admissions and Advancement departments. This role will directly amplify LSTC’s voice in the movement for creation care, racial equity, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the church and the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Content & Social Media Management: Develop and maintain a comprehensive editorial and social media calendar. Ensure consistent, strategic, and timely storytelling across all platforms.
• Digital Engagement: Manage LSTC’s social media channels, including content planning, publishing, and fostering active community engagement.
• Email Marketing: Lead the production of LSTC’s email newsletters using Mailchimp. Responsibilities include drafting content, formatting layouts, and managing audience segmentation to improve engagement.
• Visual Storytelling: Capture on-site content at institutional events using our dedicated DSLR camera. Create basic photography and short-form video (e.g., Instagram Reels, TikTok-style clips) to highlight the LSTC experience.
• Campaign Support: Execute social media and email campaigns that support student recruitment through Slate and various fundraising initiatives.
• Paid Social Advertising: Manage and monitor paid social media ads, including audience targeting and performance reporting to help us reach new audiences.
• Collaboration: Partner with internal departments to gather stories, translate complex institutional information into clear messaging, and ensure projects are completed on time.
• Impact Tracking: Monitor and report on key performance metrics across digital channels, using analytics tools to measure performance and optimize future outreach.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Experience: 3–5 years of professional experience in communications, digital media, or marketing.
• Technical Skills:
  • Demonstrated experience managing professional social media accounts.
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (design, video, and storytelling) and WordPress (web management).
  • Proficiency in email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp) and familiarity with CRM-based engagement (e.g., Slate).
  • Comfort with DSLR photography and creating short-form video content.
• Communication: Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt tone for diverse audiences.
• Organization: Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Values Alignment: We welcome candidates of all faith traditions—and those of no faith tradition—who are committed to our mission of justice and inclusion.

Total Rewards & Benefits

LSTC is committed to the well-being and future of our employees. This position offers an industry-leading benefits package, including:

• Retirement: A 10% non-elective employer contribution to your 403(b) retirement plan (LSTC contributes 10% of your salary even if you contribute 0%).
• Health: Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Hybrid Flexibility: Our current model requires in-person presence on Wednesdays and at least one additional day per week, with the option to work remotely as the workflow allows.
• Quality of Life: Enjoy six four-day workweeks during the summer, a full week off at the end of the calendar year, and regular access to worship and spiritual enrichment events on campus.
• Culture: A community-focused environment that values justice, equity, and inclusion.

LSTC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.