Communication and Marketing Associate

Job Summary: The Communication and Marketing Associate is responsible for increasing the awareness of the Frances Xavier Warde brand and deepening stakeholder engagement with the School. The primary areas of focus will include: oversight of all communication platforms including content, customized messaging for various School functions and events, creation of new and exciting partnership opportunities, and achieving the goals set for the communication and marketing initiatives. 

This is a great opportunity for an individual interested in using their creativity, communication skills and energy to create and enhance brand awareness for Chicago’s largest Pre-school through 8th grade Independent School.  

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Responsibilities:

• Development of communications materials working across departments and in coordination with Advancement Team

• Drafting, finalizing and sending In the Loop newsletter

• Management of Advancement Calendar

• Production of content for appeals—copy, videos, photos

• Responsible for social media, website, and parent portal content ensuring deadlines are met 

Communication and Marketing: 

• Responsible for creating and delivering marketing ideas and activities with Director and Associate Director of Advancement. This includes creating, editing and optimizing marketing and school communications pieces ensuring the timely production of communication and marketing materials including: brochures, event programs, both e-newsletter and print, videos, website, social media, event programs, and advertisements (other materials as needed). 

• Management of external graphic design consultant to ensure all materials are branded representing both of the FXW campus locations. 

• Maintain brand awareness by coordinating all signage within both campuses and at all special events. 

• Manage external vendor relationships with printers, and production companies which includes securing competitive bids.

• Working with Associate Director of Advancement and Director of Advancement ensure projects are completed within or under budget. 

• Participate with the Advancement team in the creation and execution of the overall Advancement plan and calendar of events.

Other Advancement Support:

• Develop relationships with outside community members and businesses to enhance the brand awareness of FXW. 

• Advance brand identity by reinforcing strategic messages and School values.

• Participate in and provide support to all fundraising and stewardship activities including the Annual Fund. 

• Provide customer service to donors and potential donors by responding to questions and requests within a 48-hour window. 

• Ensure marketing and communication efforts support the advancement goals of FXW.

Additional Job Requirements

• Employee must be able to support philosophy and mission of the Board of Trustees and Head of School.

• Ability to work with all levels of the FXW community from students to Board of Trustee’s

• Ability to manage and maintain sensitive and confidential school, student and parent information

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. 

• Proven ability to produce high-quality results in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to take initiative, work independently, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and handle multiple projects at once. 

• Attendance at all FXW Advancement events is mandatory. 

• Other duties as assigned by the DOA and Head of School.

Qualifications/Skills Needed 

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• 2-4 years of work experience in development or related field.

• Must be computer literate and proficient in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, InDesign preferred but not required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Hours of work may vary Sunday through Saturday and are structured in eight (8) hour blocks of time, but they may be subject to include evenings and weekends as required for the departments or School’s needs.