Communications Manager

Organizational Information

Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC), a national nonprofit organization based in Chicago, is seeking a communications manager to help further its mission to make schools healthier places for children. HSC focuses on issues affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students, and those from under-invested communities, and makes equity part of the public dialogue about education, health, and sustainability. HSC advocates for policies and practices that support health and learning, including comprehensive health services, nutritious school food, strong physical activity programs, green schoolyards, and clean air at school. HSC has a staff of 14 and an annual budget of $2.7 million.

HSC’s key strategies are to:

• Support members of the school community to become agents of change at the school and district levels.
• Advocate for district, state, and federal policies.
• Build the capacity of schools, school districts, and other public agencies to better support student health.

HSC works with a broad representation of the school community, including parents, students, teachers, principals, school nurses, and building engineers. Lessons learned are used to advocate for policy and practice changes nationally, as well as at the state and local levels. This work takes place at the intersection of health, education, equity, and sustainability.

Position Opportunity and Description

HSC is seeking a full-time communications manager to lead the development and implementation of an effective and creative communications plan that builds the organization and supports HSC’s programs, advocacy, fundraising, and brand recognition.

The successful candidate will bring:

• A commitment to HSC’s mission.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Very strong design skills.
• Demonstrated skills in managing complex projects and workflows.
• Significant experience developing and implementing social media strategies.
• Experience advancing a nonprofit’s mission and goals.
• A commitment to racial equity.
• A hands-on, collaborative approach.

The communications manager will work closely with communications colleagues, senior leadership, and program leads. This position reports to the senior vice president.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Developing and successfully implementing an annual communications plan, as well as tailored plans for individual programs, in collaboration with colleagues.
• Writing, editing, and designing program materials, reports, marketing materials, and other communications.
• Managing HSC’s social media channels and creating content.
• Creating dynamic content for HSC’s websites, blogs, and newsletters.
• Conducting regular reviews and updates of HSC’s four websites and working with outside vendors on website development and troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• A commitment to HSC’s mission, vision, values, and equity priorities.
• A bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of professional communications experience (nonprofit advocacy experience preferred).
• Highly organized, team-oriented individual with demonstrated success in managing complex projects across multiple teams.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with experience writing for diverse audiences and styles.
• Advanced design and technology skills, including:
  • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
  • WordPress.
  • Social media platforms and management tools (Hootsuite preferred).
  • Project management tools (Trello preferred).
  • Email marketing software (Mailchimp preferred).
  • Google Workspace.

Additional preferences:

• Experience with data management systems (Salesforce preferred).

Additional requirements:

• Must have a functioning home office and be able to regularly travel to the Chicago Loop and other Chicago sites.
• Occasional out-of-state travel is required.
• Must be comfortable working some nights and weekends.
• Requires the ability to lift at least 25 pounds (accommodations can be made if needed).
• Must be willing to submit to background checks.
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (accommodations provided case-by-case per state/local law).

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is $60,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience. Benefits include:

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and disability insurance.
• 6% employer matching contribution to a retirement plan after one year.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Additional benefits:
  • Individual health insurance premiums are fully covered on the standard plan.
  • Contribution to family coverage begins in year two, with 100% paid coverage after five years.
  • A home office stipend.
  • Additional days off during the office closure at the end of the year.

Working at Healthy Schools Campaign

HSC emphasizes:

• A commitment to team building and organizational culture.
• A focus on equity and anti-racist work.
• A flexible schedule that supports work-life balance, including accommodations for new parents/caregivers.

To Apply

HSC is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. HSC strongly encourages BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and members of other marginalized communities to apply.

Application process:
Send a resume, cover letter, two writing samples, and two design samples as one PDF to [email protected]. Include your full name in the subject line.

• Samples must represent original work without external assistance (e.g., co-authors, co-designers, editors, or AI).
• Finalists will complete timed, in-person writing and design exercises (compensated for time).

No phone calls, please. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.