The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) is a member-driven non-profit, nonpartisan organization that cultivates technology-based economic development throughout Illinois. Our mission is to measure, connect, and enrich the Illinois innovation economy. This work is implemented across four pillars that support our motto of “idea to impact”: Innovation, Data, Education and Advocacy.

ISTC is currently hiring a Communications Associate to support the organization’s outreach and engagement efforts. This role will play a large part in ISTC’s ability to promote our current programs and attract new partnerships across startups, nonprofits, corporates, academics, and others involved embedded in Illinois’ innovation community.

To be successful in this role, candidates should be excited to grow their career on a small team that leads impactful work. The Communications Associate will have a unique opportunity to help shape the organization’s public persona while contributing to new internal processes that boost the team’s efficiency and outcomes. This position will report directly to the Interim CEO and work closely with multiple team members to bring projects to fruition.

To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and two samples from your portfolio to operations@istcoalition.org.

See below for details on skills required for the role and expectations for day-to-day responsibilities.

Qualifications & Skills

An interest in the innovation economy, including emerging technologies and policies
Experience developing creative and engaging multi-media campaigns to promote programs and events
Ability to plan and execute long-term content calendars
Strong copywriting and copy editing skills, including writing e-newsletters and social media
Proficiency with video and photo editing tools, digital media formats, and HTML
Experience with website management and website builders such as Squarespace or WordPress
Familiarity with adhering to brand guidelines
Proficiency with GSuite
Proficiency with design platforms such as Canva
Proficiency in HubSpot, MailChimp, or similar platforms is a plus

In addition, to be successful as a member of the ISTC Education team in this role, you will be:

Proactive and highly organized with the ability to be a self-starter within a small team
Creative with a strong sense of mission-based branding
Up-to-date on emerging social media and outreach trends
A strategic thinker with the ability to visualize the organization’s long-term goals and outcomes
Collaborative and enthusiastic to work with internal team members and external stakeholders
Able to ask for help clearly and quickly when needed
Comfortable giving and receiving honest, constructive feedback / able to successfully implement feedback
Possess high-level strategic thinking skills and flexibility; as part of a small team, you will be responsible for understanding organizational context and wearing many hats!

Core Responsibilities

Below is a list of core responsibilities that fall within the scope of the Communications Associate role. This list is not exhaustive but captures a majority of the expectations for this position.

Communications (50%)

Curate content and campaigns that exemplifies ISTC’s mission, vision, values, and programs
Create and distribute the ISTC weekly newsletter (Spark), quarterly feature (Catalyst), and annual review
Support website maintenance and new content development
Update and maintain ISTC’s contact database, including dedicated outreach lists
Support relationships with media and ecosystem partners to coordinate press releases and other announcements as needed

Program Marketing and Events (40%)

Assist with the planning and implementation of ISTC’s virtual and in-person events for innovation, data, and policy efforts.
Maintain the ISTC’s internal and external events calendar(s)
Create and maintain templates for program applications, event invites, and registration pages

Reports and Analytics (10%)

Help identify key performance metrics for outreach and communications efforts
Develop monthly and quarterly reports on key performance metrics

Benefits & Salary

Salary starts at $60,000/yr and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits include:

Hybrid office schedule
4 weeks paid vacation
Additional sick leave and two floating holidays
401(k) with match
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with options for transit benefits
Seat at TeamWorking by TechNexus with an option for gym access

To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and two samples from your portfolio to operations@istcoalition.org.

Illinois Science and Technology Coalition

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Communications Associate