Obama Foundation Hiring for Communications Associate at Chicago, IL Full Time

We have ambitious plans, and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms, in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of Role

The Communications Associate will support the Foundation’s efforts to leverage media engagement and communications strategies that advance our work to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders. The Communications Associate will be responsible for writing press materials, managing incoming press requests, monitoring news clips, and offering additional support towards communications priorities. The Communications Associate will work closely with internal teams to advance the priorities of the organization and shape a narrative in service of the Obamas’ legacy and the Foundation’s mission.

As the Communications Associate, you’ll be reporting directly to the Communications Director.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Writing: Write press releases and media materials for the web; develop talking points for Foundation staff on key programs and initiatives. Support message development for interviews and speaking appearances.
• Media Relations: Manage the Foundation’s press inbox by reviewing, responding to, and escalating incoming on a timely-basis. Support the communications team in building and maintaining relationships with regional and national media outlets to advance goals. Leverage Salesforce to build and distribute press releases to various lists.
• Media Monitoring: Lead media monitoring, including the distribution of press clip reports, to ensure internal teams are tracking relevant news, related breaking news, and have visibility into coverage of the Foundation, leaders, and initiatives.
• Communications Support: Assist the communications team in the development and execution of proactive outreach, messaging strategy, and talking points for specific projects.
• Internal Communications: Support the communications team in the development of materials for internal communications, including writing talking points for the Executive Leadership team, all staff email correspondence, and presentations.
• Reporting and Analytics: Develop systems for tracking the impact of communications strategies and execute internal reporting to communicate advancement towards goals, including the reach and engagement of press and social media coverage.
• Administrative Support: Support the communications team with administrative tasks, scheduling cross-department meetings, and ensuring team members have what they need to effectively execute communications strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Design and execute a media management strategy that is accurate, up-to-date, and expanded to include Chicago, national, US regional, global, and non-traditional/digital media lists.
• Design and execute media monitoring to ensure internal teams are up to date and coverage is shared to key internal stakeholders, including daily clips, breaking news, and relevant conversations on social media.
• Lead internal reporting and metrics of media coverage, developed in coordination with MarCom and Product and Tech, to ensure it is distributed rapidly, consistently, and offers insights into the efficacy of communications strategies (press clips, social coverage, reach, audience, sentiment, etc.)
• Effective and timely management of the press inbox, including managing Salesforce, to ensure timely responses, escalation to key internal stakeholders (as necessary), and responding to inquiries. Additionally, all press releases are accurate, correctly set up, and sent on schedule.
• The Communications Team leaders are supported with administrative needs, including the scheduling of cross-department meetings, and have what they need to effectively execute communications strategies.
• Effective and timely development of internal communications that effectively engage staff.

Required Qualifications

• 2-3 years experience working on a communications team for a similar organization or government official
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills
• Highly organized and detail oriented with a track record of meeting short- and long-term responsibilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, high volume organization
• Collaborative team player who is able to work effectively on a cross-functional team
• Ability to work flexible hours, including long hours, nights, and weekends, as needed

The salary range for this role is between $59,755 and $74,670.

This is a hybrid position based at our Chicago office in Hyde Park.

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities – such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color – are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at [email protected] if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.