Status: Full-time, Exempt Schedule: M-F, 8.30a.m. 4.30p.m, including occasional evening and weekend work and/or travel Reports to: Director of Communications & Outreach Direct Reports: None Start date: ASAP Location: Chicago, IL, USA (Hybrid) About us: Everything we do is about the IES Abroad student. Our profoundly passionate team of study abroad professionals believe in creating once-in-a-lifetime educational adventures that transcend expectations. Our goal is to rock the world of some 9,500 study abroad students every year. From our headquarters in Chicago to our 400+ study abroad programs in 85 global locations worldwide, we create authentic global education and life-affirming cultural experiences. We work at IES Abroad because we believe that every student should have the opportunity to go abroad - especially in a fun, safe, and superior academic and cultural environment. We believe so strongly in the power of our program, that we actively recruit students from underrepresented populations and provide millions in scholarships and aid year after year. We are proud that our students are as diverse and exciting as the countries we study. We're not ashamed to admit, we're a little bit obsessed with study abroad. When you join IES Abroad, you are a part of a diverse community of global leaders who know that our differences in skills and backgrounds are just as important as our shared passions and mission. Our work to educate students to become global leaders is grounded in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We are a global organization made up of colleagues with a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, and we are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all employees, surrounded by a mix of talented professionals. You'll want to come to work and, more importantly, want to stay and advance our mission together. Summary of Position: A member of the Marketing Department, the Communications Specialist is an integral part of IES Abroad internal and external communications function who works cross-departmentally within the organization. This role will focus on writing, editing, and developing marketing-related and organization-wide communications and content, both for internal and external audiences. A skilled communicator and storyteller, this position will assist the Director of Communications & Outreach with crafting internal and external communications, writing content and executing marketing and communications campaigns, drafting press releases, and writing web content, as needed. This role is also critical to contributing to communications plans that help promote IES Abroad as a mission-driven not-for-profit committed to championing meaningful academic and cultural education; providing millions in scholarships and aid; representing and integrating diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas; prioritizing and setting the standard for health and safety in study abroad; and practicing living more sustainably through our Global Good Commitment. Essential Job Responsibilities & Duties: Support the writing, editing, and/or creation of a range of internal and external communications and content for IES Abroad, such as drafting, coordinating, formatting, and disseminating communications to IES Abroad staff worldwide, students, parents, study abroad office partners that IES Abroad works with, and the international education field at large. EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS Assist in the development of communications plans and campaigns with the Director of Communications & Outreach and the Senior Associate Vice President of Marketing Assist with major marketing and communications campaigns for events such as the IES Abroad Annual Conference and Study Abroad Film Festival, or the launch of new programs/locations Develop, draft, edit, and manage Guidebook app content for Annual Conference program Develop news stories and original content for the IES Abroad website Draft and develop the What's New monthly newsletter sent to IES Abroad Consortium member schools with oversight from Marketing and College Relations & Advising; design embedded graphics as needed Collaborate across departments to help develop and maintain consistency of message across all IES Abroad communications INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS Assist with developing, drafting, and sending monthly employee newsletter; track statistics and develop strategies for increasing readership; design embedded graphics as needed In conjunction with senior managers, help develop and execute internal communications strategy that meets institutional objectives Manage the organization-wide communication and rollout of key projects and initiatives. Maintain awareness of best practices for internal communications and participate on relevant cross-departmental teams related to employee engagement Regularly work with senior managers and HR to determine best practice for internal HR announcements and updates MARKETING CONTENT Write, format, and publish web copy on , while implementing SEO strategy to create important, useful, and relevant content Write video scripts for marketing campaigns, as needed Provide writing and/or editing support for marketing content on our website, in printed materials, and advertising, as needed Provide advertising content creation support, as needed Collaborate with the digital marketing and graphic designers to curate compelling content that gets noticed. In this role as a storyteller, you will collaborate with the design team for integration of photography, graphics, and video PUBLIC RELATIONS & OUTREACH Initiate or support and measure public relations efforts, as needed Support IES Abroad's thought leadership by identifying relevant opportunities in earned media (print, web, broadcast, podcast) Help identify opportunities for digital marketing and PR efforts highlighting editorial, product, and brand stories. Assist with content marketing initiatives to gain editorial placement through press, blogger outreach, and strategic alliances Maintain media coverage file including clippings and coverage database Distribute press releases on the wire when needed Commit to and demonstrate values and promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism. Other duties as assigned Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position Experience & Qualifications/Skills: 5+ years of experience writing, editing, and developing targeted communications and marketing content Desire to work in a mission-driven organization committed to equity, inclusion, and anti-racism Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to meet deadlines Experience writing internal and external communications (email, newsletter, press releases, bylines, articles, etc.) Proven exceptional writing and editing skills across multiple platforms and audiences Experience writing press releases and pitches a plus Excellent organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a marketing team and others Knowledge of local, regional, national, and international media a plus Ability to manage time effectively Enjoy brainstorming independently and with colleagues Ability to think outside the box Ability to write toward multiple target audiences Web content development experience a plus Strong research skills for story ideation Study, living, or travel abroad experience a plus Interest in study abroad/travel Education Licenses and/or Certifications etc: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or related field or relevant work experience How to Apply: All applicants should submit an application including cover letter, resume, and salary requirements by clicking 'Apply Now' at the right side of this page. Please visit for more information about working at IES Abroad. If you require an accommodation with the application process, please email . Equal Opportunity Employment: IES Abroad is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We strive to treat people with respect; fully utilizing employee's abilities and promoting workforce diversity. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, citizenship, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable laws. Job Posted by ApplicantPro