Title:  Director of Marketing & Communication

Reports to:  Executive Director

FLSA Classification:  Exempt

Job Status:  Full Time

 

Who We Are:

Bernie’s Book Bank works hard to provide free quality books to local children so they can build personal libraries. Our purpose is simple: Enable positive life experiences through children’s book ownership.

Reading is the single most important skill a child needs to succeed in life. Yet many children lack access to books, and especially books of their own. We envision a future where every child has equal access to books and the opportunities they inspire. In order to accomplish this, we source, processes, and distribute eight books annually to children, ages birth through sixth grade.

Bernie’s Book Bank focuses on communities where children are the least likely to have access to books of their own and delivers age-appropriate, high-interest, and culturally relevant books children deserve. We believe that books and book ownership create pathways to success, and empower children to explore new ideas, gain knowledge, and strengthen reading skills.

With the support of generous volunteers, partners and donors each year, Bernie’s Book Bank is transforming children’s stories. Since our inception in 2009 we have distributed more that 26 MILLION books to children throughout the greater Chicago area!

We are looking for our next Director of Marking and Communications, come be part of our team!

We offer:

• A great work culture that’s making a difference in the lives of children daily
• Hybrid work environment (2-3 days onsite at our Lake Bluff, IL location)
• 21 days of PTO and personal holidays, 9 paid holidays, and Summer Fridays
• A strong suite of benefits including: Medical (BCBS), Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability starting day 1
• 401k w. match

 

Primary Function:

Bernie’s Book Bank seeks a proven marketing professional who is passionate about our mission to serve as our next Director of Marketing & Communication. As a member of the organization’s leadership team, this person will work with the Executive Director, CEO, peers, and committees of the Board of Directors to create the annual marketing and messaging plans to support the organization’s goals and operations.

 

Candidates must demonstrate passion about our mission to enable positive life experiences through books and book ownership and inspire others to embrace our mission. While fulfilling responsibilities, the Director will be expected to maintain the integrity of Bernie’s Book Bank’s mission, culture, brand standards, core values and goals.

 

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Candidate will be responsible for completing a broad variety of marketing, communication, and development functions.

In order to carry out this role effectively, the Director must have a clear grasp of the Bernie’s Book Bank mission, vision, and values; be able to deliver a consistent message about all Bernie’s Book Bank initiatives; maintain up-to-date knowledge of partners and services; and be able to establish rapport with a diverse range of stakeholders to increase connectivity and collaboration.

Marketing and Communications

• Execute the overall marketing strategy and brand management to connect, elevate, and positively promote Bernie’s Book Bank.
• Manage all communications on behalf of the organization, which includes multimedia, events, donor messaging, and special projects.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and CEO to develop an innovative voice for the organization, creating a consistent and strong narrative around opportunities for growth.
• In collaboration within all Departments, design marketing and communication content and strategies for all Bernie’s Book Bank initiatives, including but not limited to events, presentations, proposals, press releases, social media, website, monthly enewsletters, etc.
• Responsible for designing, ordering, and administration of Bernie’s Book Bank promotional and Team Member clothing/promotional items, as well as overseeing the “Vault” store within the facility.
• Develop metrics to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and communication efforts.

Development

• In partnership with Development team, create compelling annual fund campaigns and initiatives (including Annual Report) in support of Bernie’s Book Bank’s ambitious vision to serve all Chicagoland children who qualify.
• Working with both Development and Volunteer Services teams, help create and implement plans to cultivate and steward volunteers into the donor cycle.

 

Public Relations

• Plan publicity strategies that build on Bernie’s Book Banks brand recognition and image.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, press, and communication partners.
• Participate in presentations to business, social and civic groups.
• Attend special events and strategic partner activities that support and elevate the organization.

 

Events

• Serve as an accelerator for Development and organization initiatives, including creation of event-specific marketing plans.
• Assist with the creation of promotional materials needed, specific to each event.
• Ensure marketing needs are produced, printed, and distributed at the appropriate time determined for each event.
• Development of promotional plans and social media marketing elements specific to each event.

 

Supervision

• Responsible for overseeing the goals, performance, and workload of the Marketing Lead position.

The Director of Marketing and Communication works on multiple tasks simultaneously, focuses and performs well under pressure, effectively prioritizes, and meets deadlines. The successful candidate will be well-organized, detail-oriented, and have the ability to interact effectively with internal and external audiences.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 6+ years working as part of a Marketing team with a progressive increase in roles and responsibilities, including supervision of 1 or more direct reports.
• Excellent writing and verbal communications skills, experience in digital marketing, social media, fundraising initiatives, and graphic design.
• Experience collaborating with Board Committees and other high-level volunteer leadership.
• Ability to learn computer systems and databases, including design and event-related software.
• MUST have and exude an exceptionally positive, “I CAN/I WILL” attitude.
• MUST understand the value of relationships as the lifeblood of Bernie’s Book Bank.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

The duties of this job will typically be performed in an office environment and the role may require lifting of up to 25 lbs. Individuals must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand in a variety of environments. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential job duties.

Bernie’s Book Bank is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.