Manager, Marketing and Communications in Chicago, Illinois at START EARLY

Start Early is a champion for early learning and care from a child’s very first moments, so every child has the opportunity to thrive in school and life. Our desire to close the opportunity gap and create more inclusive experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy, and research through partnerships nationwide.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication. Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do.

The Manager of Marketing and Communications supports the execution of Start Early’s integrated storytelling and external communications strategy through compelling content development, earned media coordination and cross-channel amplification. This role works with cross-functional teams to translate organizational impact, policy priorities and thought leadership into audience-centered stories and communications that strengthen Start Early’s leadership, public engagement and voice. By managing storytelling workflows, media coordination and communications execution, this role helps ensure Start Early’s external communications reflect the organization’s mission, impact and leadership in early childhood education and systems change. This is a Chicago-based, hybrid position at our 1 N. Dearborn headquarters.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, you will be responsible for:

• Integrated Communications & Storytelling Amplification - Support the execution of Start Early’s integrated storytelling strategy through cross-channel communications planning, amplification and editorial coordination. Partner across MarCom and organizational teams to adapt organizational narratives, thought leadership, impact stories and earned media into audience-centered content that strengthens brand visibility and engagement across earned, owned and social channels.
• Content Development & Storytelling - Lead the development of compelling, mission-driven content and storytelling assets that elevate Start Early’s programs, policy priorities, research and organizational impact. Translate complex subject matter into clear, engaging communications that support key campaigns, donor engagement, executive visibility and external positioning efforts.
• Earned Media & Public Relations Execution - Support the implementation of Start Early’s earned media strategy through day-to-day coordination with the organization’s media agency, reporter engagement, media monitoring, pitching support and communications preparation. Help identify timely media opportunities that elevate organizational leadership, programs, policy priorities and impact narratives at the local and national levels.
• Communications Operations & Project Management - Support the development and maintenance of messaging tools, communications resources and editorial workflows that promote consistency across external communications efforts. Manage project timelines, communications coordination and cross-functional collaboration to ensure storytelling initiatives and campaigns are executed effectively and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Ambassador & Speaker Support - Coordinate and support the Ambassador Program and Speakers Bureau by developing message briefs, speaker preparation materials, media support tools and communications training resources that prepare internal leaders and subject matter experts to effectively represent Start Early externally.
• Vendor & Division Communications Support - Manage communications vendors and campaign execution support for key organizational initiatives, including the Year in Review, storytelling video projects, donated media campaigns and external communications partnerships. Serve as a communications partner to Development and other organizational teams to support donor engagement, amplification and visibility efforts.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field required.
• Minimum 4-7 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or storytelling-focused roles, preferably within a nonprofit, education, advocacy or mission-driven organization.
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex information into compelling audience-centered communications.
• Experience supporting earned media strategies, media outreach and public relations coordination.
• Experience supporting integrated communications campaigns, digital storytelling and cross-functional communications initiatives preferred.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, workflows and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience adapting content across digital, social, earned and owned communications channels.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining brand consistency and messaging alignment.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities and ambiguity.
• Experience coordinating vendors, agencies or external creative partners preferred.
• Familiarity with social media management, digital communications tools, media monitoring platforms and content management systems preferred.
• Must reside in Illinois and must be available for in-person meetings in the Chicagoland area

Base Annual Salary: $70,000-$76,000

As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes: Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.