What are the responsibilities and job description for the Content Specialist & Social Media Coordinator position at Chicago Parks Foundation?
The Chicago Parks Foundation (CPF) seeks a Content Specialist to support our communications with high-quality content creation and a focus on coordinating social media. This is a hybrid, part-time position at 20 hours per week. The role reports to the Director of Communications and will work collectively with the entire CPF team.
Chicago’s parks are full of incredible stories, and we want you to help us tell them! The CPF Content Specialist is a high energy, collaborative individual with a passion for making unique and engaging creative work that advances our nonprofit mission and expands our reach.
To Apply: Please send a resume, cover letter, and examples of your creative work to Michaele Strauch at info@chicagoparksfoundation.org. Interviewing will begin after the holidays for a January 2026 start date.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Director of Communications to generate high-quality multimedia assets for posts and campaigns across social media platforms, blog, website and email communications
- Plan, coordinate and schedule both delegated and original content utilizing a shared editorial calendar
- Assist with developing CPF social media strategy in alignment with our larger communications plan
- Analyze performance metrics to provide insights on growth opportunities
- Document CPF programming/events and work with other CPF team members to collect content
- Assist with managing contacts/subscribers within CPF platforms
- Monitor community interactions and respond to comments/messages
- Ensure brand consistency across platforms to build awareness and advance CPF mission
- Actively stay informed of industry trends to optimize content and maximize engagement
- Assist at CPF events and programs and with other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Must be based in the Chicago area and have flexible in-person availability
- Graphic design experience required; photography/videography and photo/video editing skills preferred
- Familiarity working with nonprofit organizations preferred
- Proficiency in social media platforms management and engagement
- Familiarity with content creation tools and a passion for concepting and producing engaging original content; not afraid to jump in front of the camera or mic when needed!
- Excellent writing, editing and communication skills with the ability to adapt content across different platforms and audiences for strong storytelling
- Experience with Squarespace, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite preferred
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and to manage time effectively
- Availability during Monday-Friday 9am-5pm working hours for meetings (hybrid) as well as occasional nights/weekends for in-person events support
- You’re creative, self-motivated, proactive, open to feedback, detail-oriented and energetic!
About the Chicago Parks Foundation
Our public parks need private support. In 2013, CPF was established as the nonprofit fundraising and community-building partner of the Chicago parks. The Foundation supports and expands the important work of the Chicago Park District. In addition to creating the first citywide volunteer park cleanup initiative, CPF also serves as fiscal agent to 75 Park Advisory Councils, leads legacy park improvement projects, organizes community events and programming, and has managed over $34 million in funds to date for our incredible parks.