About the Position

The Communications Associate is responsible for implementing the communications and marketing objectives of the Active Transportation Alliance. This position writes and edits content for websites, e -newsletters, social media, and various publications and resources. The Communications Associate is integral in organizational branding with a keen focus on communicating equitable and anti-racist best practices internally and externally.

This is a full-time, Chicago-based position under the direct supervision of the Communications Director. The work environment and schedule will balance working from home and our downtown office. There will be a bit of travel around the city and region and occasional weekend events to attend. This role is salaried and exempt from overtime; it averages 40 hours/week.

Learn more about our work at www.activetrans.org.

About You

You are a key part of spreading our message to the general public, as well as cultivating and maintaining the relationship between the Active Transportation Allice and our supporters. You’re adept at creating content from scratch as well as repurposing it from other environments, and you care a great deal about ensuring our messages are driven by the needs of the platform, the audience, the brand voice, and overall communications strategy.

You enjoy a collaborative work environment and thrive on helping colleagues achieve their communications goals. The ideal candidate will have strong aesthetic instincts for digital and print layouts and an exceptional eye for detail. You want to see the organization putting its best foot forward by ensuring that our materials are compelling, professional, and error free. Your keen understanding of major social media platforms’ tools is combined with a passion for digital strategy, results, and analytics.

About the Organization

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization. Our vision is a Chicago region abundant with walking, bicycling, and public transit options to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities. In partnership with thousands of members, hundreds of volunteers, and a wide spectrum of community partners, our dedicated team has been working for several decades to create more opportunities for people to travel safely, actively, and enjoyably.

Active Transportation Alliance is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds,

perspectives and skills and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy status, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We work to practice the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in all we do.

Active Transportation Alliance is a small organization doing big work and that means team members take on projects outside department or role-specific expectations from time to time; we go all in to support each other and our success.

About the Role — Key Accountabilities

General communications: Write, edit, and format print and digital content that is driven by organizational goals and audience needs. Develop and update anything from single-page factsheets to in-depth reports while adhering to the organizational voice and style. Help staff on the development, advocacy, and events teams develop their print and digital content.

Website administration: Assist with updating organization’s Wordpress website, including landing pages, blog posts, and resources. Provide support to other staff in posting on the website.

Content strategy: Contribute to overall content strategy and help inform calendar of upcoming topics and communications opportunities. Work with other staff to develop content ideas based on departmental goals.

Social media: Create, implement, and manage an overarching social media strategy that includes regular monitoring, tracking against goals, scheduling, content creation, posting, and community management.

Email communications: Assist different departments within the organization in creating, formatting, and sending bulk email messages from Salesforce. Use A-B testing, standard list management practices, and compelling content to ensure reader engagement.

Design and production: Help source visual content to support the written copy. Execute simple design projects and work with graphic designer on print and digital projects. Help maintain the organization’s online photo database. Work with vendors when needed.

Events: Work closely with the events team to ensure effective messaging around our flagship fundraising event, Fifth Third Bike the Drive. Support will include creating a communications plan, writing and sending bulk emails, and managing social media, among other tasks.

Advocacy: Work with the advocacy team to write blog posts, generate social media content, and produce various types of collateral. Assist in reporting on advocacy-related events and initiatives as well as sending out phone and email messages asking people to take action around various issues.

Metrics: Assist with measuring the effectiveness of communications efforts by analyzing data related to website traffic, social media, and email campaigns. Use the metrics to inform editorial and design decisions.

Media: Assist in writing press releases, contacting media, and responding to press inquiries when needed.

The Must-Haves

We understand that people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. If you believe you have the skills to succeed in this role, regardless of your professional or educational background, we encourage you to apply.

2+ years of organizational communications experience, including writing blog posts/newsletter copy for a general audience, generating social media content, and creating and sending bulk email.
Ability to juggle multiple projects/priorities at one time.
Able to work well in a team environment, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
Experience preferred in website content management systems and email marketing platforms.
A passion for the transformational nature of walking, bicycling, and transit on social and racial equity, community livability, and sustainability; or willingness to learn and embrace the same.
Authentic interest in developing anti-racist perspectives and actions, both personally and professionally.
Physical Requirements: Have the ability to:
lift and carry items up to 25 pounds.
operate a computer.
sit at a desk for extended periods.
stand, walk and be on your feet outdoors for extended periods.
communicate and exchange information.

Position Details

Start Date: This position is available immediately with a start date as soon as possible.
Term: This is a permanent, full-time position based at Active Transportation Alliance’s office in Chicago.
Salary: The salary range for this position is $50,000 – 55,000 annually commensurate with experience.
Benefits include:
15 days paid vacation
10 days paid personal/sick time
15 paid holidays
Employer-supported HMO, PPO, and HSA health insurance plan options
Vision insurance
Dental reimbursement plan
Life and long-term disability insurance
Short-term disability/medical/family leave
Pre-tax transit benefit
401k retirement plan
Flexible work environment with hybrid in-office and remote workplace options

To Apply Use this link https://activetrans.applicantstack.com/x/apply/a2di6lla8opj to upload your resume, enter a cover letter, and answer some basic questions.
No emails or phone calls, please.
The position will remain open and available until filled.

Active Transportation Alliance

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