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Description

Title: Communications Associate

Employee Status: Full time - Exempt

Salary: Grade 2

Starting range of $55,000 - $69,000

Reports to: Senior Manager, Outreach and Events

Department: External Affairs

Location: Chicago

Hybrid: In office: T/W | WFH: M/Th/F

Department Function: External Affairs engages with the stakeholders that make IFF’s community development work possible. It oversees grant fundraising efforts through philanthropic, corporate, and government sources; leads a communications and marketing program directed to our clients, partners, funders, and investors; and connects with government decision-makers on public policy that impact IFF’s work.

The Organization

IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.

Basic Job Function

The Communications Associate is a critical part of the success of the Marketing and Communications department and is responsible for a variety of administrative and coordination tasks to ensure efficient operations. The ideal candidate has exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a keen attention to detail, a commitment to and talent for solving problems collaboratively, strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Requirements

Core Responsibilities:

1. Ordering and Inventory: Coordinate ordering and distribution of essential materials, including business cards, name tags, signage, printed collateral, and promotional materials.

2. Media and Event Coordination: Schedule and coordinate employee headshots with external vendors, manage internal asset library including photos and brand materials to ensure items are up to date and consistent, and provide support for internal and external events.

3. Partnership and Conferences: Maintain and update comprehensive lists of organizational memberships, sponsorships, partnerships, and conferences. Assist in coordinating benefits fulfillment, tracking deadlines, and managing project calendar.

4. Database Management: Ensure communications and marketing-related contact lists in various databases, such as Mailchimp and Dynamics365, are current and accurate; update as needed.

5. Financial Administration: Process and track department expenses by accurately preparing and submittinginvoices for approval and payment.

6. Monitoring and Reporting. Assist in the gathering of metrics related to reporting outcomes and in the development, preparation, and distribution of reports.

7. Other. Contribute creative ideas and approaches to department projects and provide general administrative support as needed. Develop and complete an annual professional development plan, in consultation with supervisor. Maintain required job knowledge, skills, and core professional competencies.

8. Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.

9. Perform other projects as assigned.

Performance Measures:

1. Successful delivery of high-quality projects including communications that are written well, crafted strategically, and aligned with IFF’s goals and branding.

2. Execute assigned projects within the timeframe and goals established.

3. Engagement with colleagues, clients, and partners embodies value of lifelong learning and professional development.

4. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge.

5. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.

6. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.

7. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.

8. High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.

Position Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Previous Experience: 0-2 years of professional experience. Experience in and knowledge of nonprofit sector, community development, finance, or real estate development is preferred.

Additional Requirements: Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Dynamics365, and SharePoint, and Monday.com. Regional travel may be required. Occasional evening and weekend work. Must be able to move 20 pounds. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for periods of time.

Standard Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution

Life Insurance

Short and long term disability

Work-Life Balance Benefits:

Hybrid workplace

Summer Fridays

Employee Development Benefits:

Professional development stipend

Mentorship program

Miscellaneous:

Wellness programs

Employee assistance

Referral Bonuses

IFF does not offer the following:

• relocation package
• 100% remote
• sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit.

Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above. Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Application Instructions: Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online.

IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.