Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 117,000 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment.
We are now hiring for a full-time Communications Assistant - Writer (MPI) to join our Team!
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide general communications support to the MPI/CP4P Communications Team for both internal/external print and digital communications
• Write and prepare compelling internal/external copy and communications on behalf of MPI/CP4P organization and leadership, including but not limited to speeches, briefings, talking points, newsletters, pre-read materials, memoranda, letters, emails, brochures, flyers and presentations
• Create/write/edit copy and content for the organization's websites and digital communications
• Assist with all stages of production of general communications as assigned including researching, writing, editing, design, and printing
• Assist entire Communications team with ensuring cohesiveness in messaging and strategy
• Assist Communications Manager in writing and creating compelling and effective internal/external print and digital communications
• Assist Public Relations Manager in writing and creating compelling and effective media relations copy and materials
• Assist Social Media Manager in writing and creating digital content for organization's social media outlets, such as regular posts, blogs, tweets, etc.
• Assist the Senior Graphic Designer with developing copy for graphic designs for online and print communications (website, digital communications, print materials/signage, etc.)
• Build relationships with staff across MPI/CP4P programs and disciplines to conduct interviews and develop high-quality, high-impact written and digital communications pieces (impact stories, reports, summaries, social posts, descriptors, fact sheets, etc.)
• Provide communications support for MPI/CP4P program and initiatives, including insights/recommendations and developing/executing online content
• Provide communications support for events, programs/collaborations/initiatives
• Website & Digital Communications:
• Use organization's content management system (i.e. WordPress) to add/edit/optimize/cross-promote content, including developing events promotions and registrations
• Assist with maintaining the email database and contact management/segmentation (i.e. Mail Chimp, Constant Contact)
• Work with web host and other third-party vendors to resolve technical or performance issues and ensure they are identified and resolved
• Assist with managing the organization's multimedia archive
• Design/Photography:
• Assist with creating graphic designs for online and print communications (website, digital communications, print materials/signage, etc.)
• Shoot and edit photography/short video footage (people, events, etc.) for online and print communications needs

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree with coursework in digital communications, communications, journalism or related field required
• Minimum 3 year's experience in communications (including digital communications, website management and social media) required
• Must have access to own transportation and/or public transportation for off-site projects/events
• Must be able to periodically work evenings/weekends, special events, as well as handle unexpected deadlines and emergency communications required
• Excellent writing and editing skills and the ability to write compelling copy are a must
• Must be deadline-driven and possess the ability to meet important timelines in a fast-paced environment, a project management expert
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with great attention to detail
• Ability to use good judgment, work well under pressure, adapt to change, and work collaboratively with individuals from all culturally diverse backgrounds
• Strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including but not limited to Premiere, Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator preferred
• Solid knowledge of HTML/CSS, digital communications platforms and social media dashboards
• Video production experience preferred

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• MFS staff are required to provide proof of vaccination or have an approved Medical exemption prior to starting employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch.
• The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing and viewing a computer terminal.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

SALARY:

• Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $50,000

Metropolitan Family Services offers a very generous benefits packet to our professionals:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage: HMO, Traditional PPO, or PPO w/ HSA contributions.
• Dental and Vision Insurance Options
• 12 paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Bereavement Leave
• 401K Plan
• Training and Professional Development Plan with E- Learning
• Wellness Initiative Program
• Employee Assistance Network

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)