Director of Communications

Exodus World Service; Park Ridge (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Exodus World Service seeks a Director of Communications to lead strategy, content creation, and team management. You will drive engagement to mobilize Christians to serve refugees locally in Chicagoland and globally, overseeing campaigns across web, email, social, video, and print.

The role requires excellent writing and editing skills, a broad communications toolkit, and a collaborative approach to work with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in marketing communications, copy writing, or content production.
• Portfolio demonstrating capabilities in communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop communications plans and strategies with the executive team.
• Create and implement campaigns to meet program, fundraising, and event goals.
• Produce compelling content across web, email, social, video, and print with cross-platform integration.
• Direct others in content creation with strong editing and proofreading.
• Collaborate with fund development, mobilization, education, and program teams to produce support materials.
• Oversee the Communications Team and project timelines to meet deadlines.
• Ensure content aligns with brand, style, and graphic standards across channels.
• Provide direction and manage relationships with contractors (designers, photographers, videographers, printers).
• Monitor KPIs and industry trends to improve marketing communications.
• Generate ideas to increase engagement and grow audiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Content creation

Copy editing

Project management

Storytelling

AP Style

Social media

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

5-7 years of experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Position Title: Director of Communications

Job Purpose

Exodus World Service seeks an experienced, talented communications professional to join our energetic and supportive team. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, value excellence, and produce content that motivates others to take action. If this sounds like you, keep reading!

As Director of Communications, you’ll serve as a strategist, content creator, project manager, and team leader. Your goal is to drive deeper and wider engagement in our mission of mobilizing the Christian community to serve resettled refugees in Chicagoland and displaced refugees overseas.

If you are experienced in nonprofit communications, excel at driving multifaceted initiatives from concept to reality, and motivated by a mission that helps refugees locally and globally, this position may be for you.

About Exodus World Service

Founded in 1988, Exodus World Service mobilizes the Christian community to welcome, serve, and befriend refugees. Through education, church partnerships, and volunteer engagement, Exodus equips individuals and congregations to build meaningful relationships with refugees across Chicagoland and beyond, and empowers people to become champions for refugees.

In addition to its long-standing local ministry initiatives, the organization is expanding global partnerships, strengthening advocacy efforts, and developing new community-centered programs to meet evolving refugee needs in the United States and internationally.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop communications plans and strategies.

2.Create and implement campaigns that achieve specific program, fundraising, and event goals.

3.Conceive of and produce compelling content across mediums, including web, email, social, video, and print. Ensure integration across platforms.

4.Direct others in content creation, providing substantive editing and copyediting. Proofread materials with a high attention to detail.

5.Work closely with fund development, mobilization, education, and program teams to produce support materials on a regular basis.

6.Manage the Communications Team, supporting their continued professional growth and development.

7.Oversee all communications projects, set priorities, and ensure that deadlines are met.

8.Ensure that high-quality content (written and visual) is produced that aligns with the brand story, editorial, and graphic standards. Ensure consistent look, style, and feel for communications across the organization.

9.Provide creative direction and manage relationships with contractors, including graphic designers, photographers, videographers, printers, etc. Includes understanding print and mail house production needs and scheduling.

10.Oversee key performance indicator reports and keep up with industry trends to ensure effective marketing communications.

11.Generate new and innovative ideas to increase engagement and grow target audiences.

12.Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1.Commitment to Exodus World Service’s Christian mission and values.

2.Desire to inspire and empower the Christian community to serve refugees.

3.Exceptional ability to write compelling content and to edit others’ content.

4.Experience with a variety of communications channels, including email, web, social, video, print, and direct mail.

5.Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple workflows with numerous details in a fast-paced environment.

6.Strong copyediting and proofreading skills; familiarity with AP Style a plus.

7.Excellent relational and interpersonal skills, including a positive attitude and a customer service approach toward working with team members.

8.Ability to work well independently and as part of a highly collaborative team.

9.High level of organization, attention to detail, and time management skills.

10.Experience relating to diverse groups of people. Knowledge of refugee and cross-cultural concerns a plus.

11.Experience supervising staff and/or freelance creative individuals.

12.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite a plus.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or related field. At least 5-7 years’ experience in marketing communications, copy writing, or other content production. Must have portfolio to demonstrate capabilities.

Job Classification

Full-time exempt. Work generally conducted Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend availability required.

Compensation and Benefits

Annual salary of $75,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience. Eligible for paid time off; health, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance; and retirement benefits.

Location

Exodus World Service office in Park Ridge, IL, with ability for remote work on occasion as appropriate.

About Exodus World Service

Founded in 1988, Exodus World Service mobilizes the Christian community to welcome and befriend refugees. We do this by educating churches about the plight of refugees, connecting volunteers with refugees through practical service projects, and empowering people to be champions for resettled refugees in Chicagoland and refugees overseas.

How to Apply

Please submit cover letter and resume to [e-mail].