Director, Marketing and Communications in Chicago, Illinois at Illinois CPA Society

Are you a strategic marketing and communications leader who knows how to connect with audiences, strengthen engagement, and turn organizational priorities into effective marketing strategies?

The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) is seeking a Director, Marketing and Communications to lead our integrated marketing and communications function in support of member engagement, revenue growth, organizational priorities, and the accounting and finance profession. In this role, you will help shape how ICPAS communicates its value, reaches key audiences, and supports membership, education, advocacy, partnerships, workforce initiatives, publications, and other strategic priorities.

What You'll Do

Lead Marketing Strategy

• Develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies that support organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Partner with departments across ICPAS to align marketing efforts with audience needs and business objectives.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen awareness, engagement, and organizational impact.

Guide Brand and Communications

• Lead ICPAS brand strategy, messaging, and organizational voice.
• Oversee communications, content, digital channels, public relations, publications, and executive communications support.
• Ensure consistent messaging and alignment with organizational priorities across all communications.

Drive Audience Growth and Performance

• Oversee marketing campaigns that build awareness, engagement, participation, and revenue.
• Guide audience segmentation, customer journey, and engagement strategies.
• Use data, analytics, and technology to evaluate performance and inform decisions.

Lead the Team

• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to the Marketing and Communications team.
• Establish priorities, manage resources, and oversee departmental budgets and operations.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing culture.

What You'll Need to Succeed

We recognize that people develop skills and capabilities through many paths, including professional experience, education, certifications, volunteer leadership, military service, entrepreneurial experience, and other opportunities. If your background aligns with the needs of this role, we encourage you to apply. Successful candidates will demonstrate strengths in the following areas:

• Strategic Marketing Leadership – Develops and executes integrated marketing and communications strategies that align with organizational priorities and deliver measurable results.
• Business Partnership & Influence – Builds trusted relationships, provides strategic counsel, and collaborates effectively with stakeholders to align priorities, navigate competing needs, and advance organizational goals.
• Audience & Member Focus – Understands audience needs, behaviors, and motivations and translates those insights into effective communication strategies that strengthen engagement, participation, and long-term value.
• Data-Driven Decision Making – Uses research, analytics, performance metrics, and sound judgment to evaluate effectiveness, identify opportunities, and guide decisions.
• Leadership & Team Development – Builds, develops, and inspires a collaborative, high-performing team through coaching, accountability, delegation, and professional development.
• Strategic Prioritization & Operational Excellence – Balances competing priorities, allocates resources effectively, establishes efficient processes, and continuously improves workflows to maximize organizational impact.
• Communication & Brand Stewardship – Communicates clearly across audiences and channels while maintaining a consistent organizational voice and brand.
• Innovation & Adaptability – Demonstrates curiosity, embraces change, and uses emerging technologies and evolving marketing practices thoughtfully.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of progressive marketing and communications experience, including at least three years leading professional staff.
• Experience developing and leading integrated marketing and communications strategies across multiple audiences, products, programs, or service lines.
• Experience leveraging marketing technologies, including CRM and/or association management systems, digital marketing tools, marketing automation platforms, and analytics.
• Experience establishing departmental priorities, managing budgets and resources, and improving marketing operations, processes, and workflows.
• Association, nonprofit, professional services, or education marketing experience required. Certified Association Executive designation preferred.

Why Work for ICPAS?

We offer a flexible, supportive environment focused on professional growth:

• Hybrid schedule with the opportunity to work remotely up to three days per week.
• Convenient downtown Chicago office.
• 35-hour workweek with half-day Fridays during the summer.
• Casual dress code.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with up to a 6% company contribution.
• Unlimited vacation time, paid sick time, and paid holidays.