Marketing and Communications Specialist

Park District Of Lagrange

La Grange (IL)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 65,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

IMRF retirement

Paid time off

Wellness program

Job summary

The Park District of La Grange is seeking a Marketing & Communications Specialist to plan, develop, coordinate and implement the district's marketing and communications initiatives across programs, facilities, events and community engagement.

You will manage the district's digital presence, branding, public relations, sponsorships and content development, collaborating with departments to boost participation and awareness while upholding budget and quality standards.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree required or closely related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, digital marketing, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate the District's annual marketing and communications plan.
Coordinate marketing efforts for all departments, programs, facilities, events, and services.
Manage all Park District social media platforms and digital content.
Prepare and distribute press releases and serve as a liaison with local media.
Attend community meetings and events as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Advertising, Graphic Design, Journalism, or a closely related field

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: LA GRANGE, IL 60525Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 Salary/yearJob Category: MarketingJOB TITLE: Marketing & Communications Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Recreation

SUPERVISION: Reports directly to the Director of Recreation.

SALARY: $55,000 - $65,000/DOQ

FLSA: Exempt

General Purpose

The Marketing & Communications Specialist is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing the Park District's marketing and communications initiatives. This position promotes Park District programs, facilities, events, services, and community engagement through strategic marketing, digital communications, public relations, sponsorship development, and brand management.

The Marketing & Communications Specialist develops comprehensive marketing campaigns, manages the District's digital presence, oversees website content, coordinates public information efforts, and ensures consistent branding across all communication platforms. This position works collaboratively with all departments to develop marketing strategies that increase participation, enhance community awareness, and support the District's mission and strategic goals.

The employee exercises considerable independent judgment while working within established policies and procedures and is evaluated based on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, communication strategies, customer engagement, project management, fiscal responsibility, and overall quality of work.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Advertising, Graphic Design, Journalism, or a closely related field is preferred.
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, digital marketing, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Must possess or obtain CPR/AED and First Aid certification within ninety (90) days of hire.

Must possess a valid Illinois Driver's License.

Essential Duties

Marketing & Communications

Develop, implement, and evaluate the District's annual marketing and communications plan.
Coordinate marketing efforts for all departments, programs, facilities, events, and services.
Develop marketing strategies that increase participation and community engagement.
Collaborate with department staff to identify promotional opportunities and marketing priorities.
Maintain the District's brand identity and ensure consistency across all communication platforms.
Coordinate production schedules for marketing materials.
Manage marketing calendars and promotional timelines.
Measure campaign effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Digital Communications

Manage all Park District social media platforms.
Create and schedule engaging digital content.
Manage the District website including content updates, news releases, calendars, and program information.
Coordinate email marketing campaigns.
Monitor website and social media analytics.
Ensure digital communications meet accessibility standards whenever practical.
Stay current on emerging marketing trends and communication technologies.

Public Relations

Prepare and distribute press releases.
Serve as a communications liaison with local media.
Coordinate public announcements and community messaging.
Assist with communication during emergencies or service interruptions.
Promote positive public awareness of District programs and initiatives.
Attend community meetings and events as assigned.

Sponsorships & Partnerships

Develop and maintain sponsorship opportunities for District programs and events.
Assist Recreation staff with sponsorship recruitment and recognition.
Maintain relationships with community partners and sponsors.
Assist with advertising sales for District publications and promotional materials.
Coordinate sponsor recognition in marketing materials.

Website & Brand Management

Ensure website content remains accurate and current.
Coordinate updates with department staff.
Maintain District branding standards.
Review marketing materials for consistency and accuracy.
Coordinate with the Graphic Design Specialist on creative projects.

Photography & Content Development

Coordinate photography for programs, parks, facilities, and special events.
Maintain the District photo and digital asset library.
Develop written content for publications, newsletters, brochures, website articles, and social media.
Assist departments in developing promotional copy.

Personnel Management

Coordinate marketing requests from all District departments.
Establish project priorities and production schedules.
Provide guidance and direction for marketing and graphic design projects.
Maintain positive working relationships with District staff.
Assist with onboarding staff regarding District branding and communication standards.

Fiscal Management

Assist in developing the annual marketing budget.
Monitor expenditures related to marketing and advertising.
Process invoices and maintain marketing records.
Evaluate marketing expenditures for effectiveness.
Recommend cost-effective marketing solutions.

Customer Service

Maintain exceptional customer service.
Respond to public inquiries related to marketing and communications.
Promote positive public relations.
Support District staff with communication needs.
Represent the District professionally.

Other Duties And Responsibilities

Attend professional development opportunities.
Participate on committees as assigned.
Assist with emergency communications.
Work occasional evenings and weekends for District events.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Join Our Team at the Park District of La Grange!

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a real impact in a vibrant, community-focused organization? The Park District of La Grange is the perfect place to grow your career while serving a welcoming and active community!

We proudly serve a three-square-mile area within the beautiful west suburban Village of La Grange, maintaining 67 acres of parkland across 11 locations. With over 1,500 recreation programs annually for more than 16,000 residents, our team is at the heart of creating memorable experiences. As a thriving organization with an operating budget of $7 million, we are supported by 18 full-time and 80 part-time/seasonal employees who bring passion and dedication to everything we do.

Why Join Us?

Comprehensive Insurance Options

Defined contribution medical insurance plan (2 plan options, Employee 100% Paid)
Dental and vision insurance
District-paid life insurance

Retirement & Financial Security

Participation in IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund)
Deferred compensation programs (Nationwide)
Voluntary supplemental insurance (AFLAC) for short-term disability, accident, and hospitalization

Work-Life Balance & Paid Time Off