Communications Specialist

ACL Digital; Illinois; Remote; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Communications Specialist to support various chapters in Illinois. This remote position involves media relations, content creation, and executing social media strategies. The role requires strong writing skills and collaboration with local executives.

Qualifications

• Strong writing skills required, familiarity with AP Style.

Responsibilities

• Pitch media and act as spokesperson for local chapters.
• Execute social media strategy reflecting local priorities.
• Produce local content for web, blog, and social platforms.

Skills

Public Affairs

Media Relations

Social Media Strategy

Writing Skills

Job description

Job Title - Communications Specialist

Location - Illinois (Remote)

Duration - 2+ months

As needed, may need to travel to various chapters in Central and Southern Illinois to cover events and content.

This position reports to the Communications Director for the IL Red Cross region and primarily supports the Illinois Red Cross chapters in the Quad Cities, Central Illinois/Peoria/Bloomington, South Central Illinois (Springfield/Decatur/Champaign), and Quincy. It works closely with the Red Cross lines of service to provide communications support for fundraising, disaster cycle, SAF, biomedical services, and volunteer management staff. This is a temporary position lasting approximately 8 weeks.

Responsibilities:

• Public Affairs: Pitch media and act as an on-the-record spokesperson in central Illinois chapters with local media when appropriate. Collaborate with local Executive Directors and participate in the distribution and preparation of press materials.
• Lead and support Disaster Public Affairs activities for the central and southern Illinois chapters.
• Execute the social media strategy for the region, reflecting local priorities.
• Maintain positive relationships with members of the media across the region, working with executives and staff to manage media efforts and relationships across multiple media markets.
• Produce relevant local content for regional web, blog, and social platforms, including written and photographic content.
• Support internal and external communications initiatives in conjunction with the Communications Director.
• Prepare and distribute press releases with the Communications Director.
• Write blogs and articles, demonstrating strong writing skills. (Note: The American Red Cross uses AP Style for writing.)