Communications Manager – Ignatian Solidarity Network

Communications Manager | Ignatian Solidarity Network

The role of the full-time communications manager requires a dynamic personality that can effectively manage the voice of a growing organization.  Reporting to the executive director, the communications manager will also work in collaboration with ISN’s program director, administrative assistant, other staff, as well as ISN’s board of directors, national advisory council, consultants, volunteers, etc. They will develop and guide strategy for online and print communications to consistently articulate ISN’s faith and justice mission.  

A successful candidate will have thorough knowledge and understanding of nonprofit marketing and communications, the ability to wear many hats, and demonstrated effectiveness in a small office environment. This is an opportunity for an emerging leader to create, inspire, enhance, and execute innovative yet thoughtful storytelling that leads members of the Ignatian network to deeper and more profound engagement in faith-based work for social justice.

Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) is a national social justice education and advocacy organization inspired by the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. ISN was founded in 2004 and is a lay-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working in partnership with Jesuit universities, high schools, and parishes, along with many other Catholic institutions and social justice partners across the U.S. With over 80 member institutions in 34 states, ISN engages students, faculty, staff, parishioners, alumni, current and former Jesuit volunteers, etc. through in-person programs and online outreach.  

The ISN national office is located in University Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. Ideal candidates for this position will possess at least two years of experience in nonprofit communications or a related field, as well as a passion for the faith-based Catholic social justice mission of the Ignatian Solidarity Network.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Content Management

• Coordinate ISN’s communications calendar to strategically align daily print, social media, e-mail, and web communications
• Serve as ISN’s manager of photography and videography associated content libraries

Social Media

• Serve as the main administrator and manager of all ISN social media accounts
• Cultivate engaging, meaningful, mission-oriented content for major social media networks including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram on a daily basis
• Facilitate dialogue via social media with constituents as appropriate (e.g. Facebook messages, replying to tweets, etc.)
• Analyze social media data and insights to inform content and promotion decisions

Website

• Serve as the primary manager of ISN’s website content, overseeing the content population and editing of blogs, event board, job board, online resources, resource portals, etc.
• Facilitate the ongoing publication of news content and blog posts that reflect the breadth of the Jesuit/Ignatian social justice network
• Analyze and manage website Google Analytics, SEO, Google Adwords advertising, and website advertising

E-mail Marketing

• Write copy and edit ISN’s major email streams such as ISN Updates, Issue Updates, and Action Alerts
• Manage ISN’s Mailchimp e-mail database

Media Outreach

• Develop and maintain an effective strategy for obtaining media coverage of ISN events, programs, initiatives, and issue positions
• Write and distribute press releases to grow public awareness of ISN initiatives

Development and Fundraising

• Assist the executive director in developing print and electronic communications for fundraising and development campaigns and events, including fundraising emails, letters, and event materials

Education, Advocacy, and Leadership Programs & Initiatives

• Assist the executive director and program director in developing print and electronic communications for ISN’s in-person and online programs

Outreach

• Represent ISN at its portfolio of events and programs as well as those sponsored by partners and affiliate organizations
• Actively engage with Ignatian network members and member institutions to enhance online and print communication offerings

Additional Responsibilities:

• Supervise interns or office associates as appropriate
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the executive director

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 or more years of work experience in nonprofit communications or a related field
• Knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching, social justice issues, Ignatian spirituality, and a familiarity with Ignatian/Jesuit institutions in the U.S.
• B.A. or B.S. required

SKILLS

• Professional writing and editing skills, including the flexibility to write in different styles for various audiences
• Effective oral communication and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work in a multi-level context
• Ability to communicate and work with a wide range of constituencies
• Attention to detail, commitment to accuracy, and ability to produce high-quality work
• Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to self-direct and prioritize among competing goals
• Experience with WordPress or similar website content management systems
• Experience with MailChimp or other email marketing tools
• Experience managing social media accounts

ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Passion for ISN’s faith-based social justice mission
• Articulate and professional demeanor with strong work ethic, self-confidence, and initiative
• Committed to collaboration with both fellow staff members and other constituencies
• Comfort with working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Interest in continuing to develop skills and learning from others
• Flexibility and willingness to contribute when necessary on projects outside of own responsibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and build relationships
• Sense of humor

TRAVEL

• 5-10% of the year to support ISN programs, in addition to representing ISN at related partner and affiliate events or programs

SALARY AND BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Competitive salary for a religiously affiliated non-profit organization
• Health insurance
• 403(b) defined contribution retirement savings plan
• Tuition waiver and exchange program at John Carroll University

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter here.

Ignatian Solidarity Network is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices.  In order to build the strongest organization possible ISN actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and strongly encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation) to apply.