Manager, Marketing and Communications at Start Early | Chicago, IL | $70K/yr – $76K/yr

Start Early

Manager, Marketing and Communications

Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

$70K/yr – $76K/yrManager4+ years expFull time

Posted 7 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Own cross-channel storytelling and editorial coordination to translate Start Early’s mission into audience-focused content across earned, owned, and social channels.

Integrated Communications & Storytelling Amplification: coordinate across MarCom and internal teams to turn narratives into consistent, audience-ready content.
Content Development & Storytelling: curateg and simplify complex program priorities for campaigns, donor engagement and external positioning.
Earned Media & Public Relations Execution: identify timely media opportunities and support reporter outreach and monitoring to elevate leadership and impact narratives.

Job Description

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 supporting integrated communications campaigns, digital storytelling and cross-functional communications initiatives preferred.
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

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

Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce of Prevention) is a nonprofit public-private partnership advancing quality early learning and care for families with children, before birth through their earliest years, to help close the opportunity gap. For nearly 40 years, Start Early has delivered best-in-class doula, home visiting and Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Bringing expertise in program delivery, research and evaluation, professional development and policy and advocacy, Start Early works in partnership with communities and other experts to drive systemic change so that millions more children, families and educators can thrive. Learn more at StartEarly.org.

Founded in 1982

Chicago, Illinois, USA

456 employees (35 in marketing)

www.startearly.org