Who We Are

The Academy Group (AG) is a unique social enterprise that leverages earned revenue from ﬁnancial investments to create world-class opportunities for young people from the nation’s most resilient communities. The Academy Group demonstrates the promise of a new model for identifying, developing, and sustaining a diverse national pipeline of future leaders, employers, and change agents. We were founded based on a unique model. One that creates pathways for black and brown students, if they demonstrate relentless pertinacity, to build wealth and become socially just change agents, ideally through careers and leadership positions in our portfolio companies. No other organization in the world is built to do this.

The Role

The Academy Group Communications Manager (CM) will support internal and external communication, brand execution, media relations, social media strategy, and public relations, in addition to capturing content at select Academy Group (AG) events. The CM will operate as a project manager, they will build and maintain relationships, find joy in executing communications related projects, tell captivating stories about AG’s work and impact, and create processes and partnerships that can scale with a growth stage company. This role requires strong project management and writing skills along with media acumen. This position will be responsible for communications for all entities under the Academy Group umbrella, including the Academy model in Chicago, Amplify, and all expansion efforts across the country.

Primary Responsibilities

Develop Communications Strategy and Process for AG and Amplify (e.g. continued work on branding and communications materials as needed, establish clear process to ensure exceptional communications with students, families and partners)
Create / refine AG and Amplify 1 pager, branding decks, pitch decks, etc.
Increase social media following (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok) by posting minimally 3-5x per week for AG and Amplify
Design and distribute monthly newsletter, collaborating with program team to amplify positive Academy Group member, talent, and partnership stories
Own relationship with website vendor to ensure design and content is updated and aligned to AG and Amplify strategy
Draft content (e.g. press releases, collaborative events, partnership luncheons, etc.) for mass media and Academy Group and Amplify websites; as needed
Develop “Executive Positioning” strategy, aimed to elevate voices of executive team on social media platforms; related, research and stay abreast of industry-related topics and news highlights related to the Academy Group mission to accurately provide guidance on topics to cover
Identify opportunities and stories to highlight how the mission and vision of The Academy Group applies to all its initiatives (e.g. Amplify, the AG incubator, etc.)
Identify opportunities for Amplify to position and build awareness within the local and national workforce and community violence intervention (CVI) spaces
Create, maintain and share communications calendar with key stakeholders
Create and maintain a PR calendar of events nationally and across AG regional hubs that span the education, tech, entrepreneurship, career-development, and wealth-building gamut
Secure opportunities for panels and events based on aforementioned calendar that represent narrative alignment
Edit and proofread written pieces before publication
Assist in communication of strategies or messages from senior leadership
Create process that informs Academy Group executive team of up-to-date information on social media and communications wins, highlights, and upcoming priorities
Field inbound media and partnership inquiries and facilitate appropriate, timely responses
Capture content from AG and Amplify programming and events that can be used on media platforms
Create communication strategy for protocols between the program team and key stakeholders to ensure we have consistency in how we communicate to others, including:
Members/Talent
Families
Alumni
Corporate partners

Qualifications And Experience

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience working in a fast-paced, news-driven environment within a large company or PR agency with progressive responsibilities
Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
Passion, integrity, zest, mission-focus, and autonomous nature
Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization
Ability to work under dynamic, evolving conditions
Outstanding understanding of the social media climate
Strong communicator who is comfortable working with and supporting C-suite executives
Ability to prioritize and multitask
A strong appetite for current events and how they impact business
An understanding of social media and the changing media landscape
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take ownership of special projects
Embraces change with creativity and innovation

Location

This position will be based in Chicago (900 N. North Branch Street). The role is hybrid and work from the office is required Tuesday through Thursday.

Compensation And Benefits

The Academy Group offers a competitive salary range of $85k – 95k and a comprehensive medical, vision, dental, and 401 (k) package with employer match. In addition, our team is awarded 80 hours of Wellness Days and can accrue up to 120 hours of vacation per year. We encourage all employees to use Paid Time Off to promote work-life balance and support their mental and social well-being.

To Apply

Please send your resume to careers@theacademy.group

The Academy Group, Inc.

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Communications Manager