Communications & Membership Director

About Us

America’s Stories Live Here. Since 1973, Historic Pullman Foundation has preserved Pullman’s unique architecture, stories, documents, and artifacts, and educated the public on Pullman’s important place in American history.In 2020, HPF becamethe official Friends Group of Pullman National Monument, now Pullman National Historical Park (PNHP). Chicago’s only national park is significant for its connection to railroad innovation, two watershed moments in American labor history, its impact on urban planning, and its role in the economic empowerment of Black workers. HPF provides critical support to help the Park to continue to preserve Pullman’s significant historic structures, landscapes, and legacy.

About the Director of Communications & Membership Position

The Director of Communications & Membership is dedicated to HPF’s mission tocreate opportunities for all people to experience and understand the continuing American story that is Pullman and supporting the PNHP as the Park’s official philanthropic partner. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director oversees all communications involving the organization, including development and implementation of communication strategy and a broad and diverse range of communications.

Responsibilities

Strategy Development & Data

Works with HPF’s Communications and Membership Committee and PNHP to create an annual integrated marketing and communications plan to enhance public and community engagement, drive visitorship to Pullman, grow HPF membership, and generate financial support
Develops and manages annual Communications and Membership budget in collaboration with the Executive Director and Communications and Membership Committee
Coordinates communications with PNHP, partner organizations, and others
Develops and maintains e-mail database and contact management systems to ensure high-quality data is accessible for general outreach and to support targeted campaigns
Applies software analytics tools to capture and report on audience engagement, traffic, attendance for virtual and in-person programming, and donor/member activity

Branding

· Stewards HPF’s brand to ensure consistency of voice and visual identity; supports staff and Board in carrying out guidelines

Prepares, catalogs, and maintains image, branding assets, and video database for print, digital, and press needs

Storytelling

Creates core messaging that effectively communicates HPF’s mission and vision
Writes and edits original content for use in publications (annual report, newsletter, brochures, talking points, etc.) and across email and web platforms
Creates event recaps for HPF’s website and social media

Social Media

Maintains/oversees all HPF social media platforms
Implements and maintains a social media calendar to manage content and plan campaigns
Compiles and analyzes data to track performance against goals (engagement, traffic, growth, etc.); identifies and analyzes trends to improve performance
Develops and implements multi-channel membership campaigns and fundraising efforts in collaboration with HPF’s Development Committee

Website & e-Communications

Creates/edits content for HPF’s website and e-communications
Uses analytics to make site improvements, support growth initiatives, and measure effectiveness of web-based activities
Monitors and maintains website to ensure fresh and accurate content

Media Relations

Identifies and facilitates opportunities to further HPF’s and PNHP ‘s visibility
Grows relationships with news media that result in proactive news coverage
Partners with key HPF supporters, including board, staff, donors, and Pullman experts to develop a roster of sources for media interviews

Design/Photography

Designs online and print communications
Hires and oversees photographers and videographers to capture events, key people, and Pullman’s built environment

General Communications

Creates and/or reviews all external-facing communications, including event invitations, e-newsletters, social media posts, and press releases
Identifies and pursues cross promotional opportunities between HPF and partners

· Hires and manages external vendors such as photographers, designers, videographers, website developers, advertising agencies, and printers

· Staffs HPF’s Communications and Membership Committee

Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field

Experience and Preferred Competencies

· Passion for HPF’s mission

Minimum 5 years of proven success managing or supporting communications, public relations, and digital communications
Entrepreneurial leader who can take projects and run with them independently
Relationship builder with the ability to look at situations from various points of view and take a collaborative approach to problem-solving
Exceptional written, verbal, and digital communication skills
Excellent proofreading and copyediting skills, including proficiency with Associated Press style
Background developing brands, public relations, and building audiences
Creative and strategic application of digital and social media technologies
Experience planning, writing, editing, and production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other print publications
Strong digital skills, including knowledge of email distribution software, graphic design tools, website administration, and office applications
Knowledge of membership marketing strategies
Strong knowledge of Content Management Systems (i.e., WordPress) and email services required and CRM and donor/member data systems

Working Conditions

Full-time, 9-5 work hours
Must have access to own transportation for off-site projects/events
Must be able to periodically work evenings/weekends
Flexible hybrid office-remote schedule options

How to Apply

Interested applicants should email a cover letter articulating how their skills and experience meet the responsibilities noted above with a resume to jjackson@pullmanil.org The subject line should read: Your Name + Director of Communications & Membership. No phone calls, please.

HPF is an equal opportunity employer. HPF evaluates applicants based on qualifications, merit, and work-related criteria without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please note all offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Historic Pullman Foundation

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