Communications and Marketing Manager

Chicago Area Runners Association

Since 1978 the Chicago Area Runners Association -- CARA, a not-for-profit has been dedicated to running in Chicago and suburbs. Starting as an advocacy-based organization, CARA has grown into the nation’s third largest local running organization, and one that championed the running movement across Chicagoland. Our mission is to help runners run better, farther, faster for life – through a wealth of social, training, racing, outreach and advocacy programs, while promoting friendships and personal fulfillment.

https://cararuns.org


Position Details

Communications and Marketing Manager
Job
Full-time
7/17/2018
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

The Communications and Marketing Manager will be a key person in the organization’s efforts to communicate our mission and impact, as well as opportunities available to our membership and the community. This person should have a personal passion and experience in running, as well as be creative, outgoing, organized, and be skilled and experienced in marketing, communications and public relations.

The position’s responsibilities are as follows:

  • Manage marketing, advertising, social media, and communications efforts, including planning, creation, execution, and success tracking 
  • Regularly represent the organization locally at races, expos, programs, and events 
  • Manage organization’s volunteer Ambassador program 
  • Create marketing collateral for digital and print use 
  • Create, and work with freelancers to create, written and video content that features the organization 
  • Website content management 
  • Assist the Director of Partnerships with sponsorship recognition activations 
  • Coordinate public speaking opportunities for staff and leadership 
  • Serve as the organization’s primary media contact

Other:

  • Be responsible for budgets for assigned areas 
  • Provide support as needed for CARA general operations, programs and events 
  • Participate as a staff lead on assigned member committees

The ideal candidate:

  • Passion and commitment to the Chicago Area Runners Association’s mission and the running community 
  • Has career experience in marketing, communications, and/or public relations, or a related field 
  • Professional experience with function and best practices for social media methods 
  • High energy ‘people person’ with a demonstrated success in grassroots marketing 
  • Attention to detail, organized, punctual, appetite for learning 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 
  • Understanding of web site content management platforms, html knowledge a plus 
  • Able to complete basic video editing and graphic design work 
  • Experience organizing and promoting events, preferably in the running industry 
  • Good team player, leadership skills 
  • Willingness to support load-in and load-out process for events including lifting items up to 40 pounds 
  • Access to reliable transportation and possess a valid driver’s license and have a clean driving record over the past 10 years with no history of DUI conviction 
  • History participating in running events 
  • Strong understanding and experience in the Chicago running community a plus 
  • Relationships with Chicago media contacts a plus 
  • Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience

This role reports directly to the Executive Director. The position will be based out of our Chicago West Loop office. The position is salaried (entry to mid-level range, based on experience) with benefits. Due to the nature and timing of running events this person should expect to regularly work outside of standard business hours, including mornings, evenings and weekends. Relocation expenses not provided.



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