<div>Job Type</div><div>Full-time</div> The Assistant Director of Communications is a key member of the External Affairs team at Openlands, responsible for managing and executing Openlands’ communications strategies. This individual ensures that all external communications consistently reflect and amplify the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. This person is also a trainer and amplifier of internal audiences to help guide every Openlander into a storytelling and communicator on behalf of the organization. This role will manage the organization’s communications and engagement efforts, including media relations, digital and social media outreach, and website. This role requires a proactive communicator with expertise in developing strategic messaging, brand management, and relationship-building.  The is a full-time exempt position that reports to the VP of External Affairs and works to build and steward meaningful relationships with programmatic and development teams. This role directly supervises the PR &amp; Content Specialist and the Communications Coordinator.    Essential Job Functions:  Strategic Communication &amp; Brand Leadership  <ul><li>Lead communications strategy using data-driven insights to advance Openlands’ mission and strategic plan. </li><li>Advise VP of External Affairs, turning priorities into clear actions. </li><li>Direct digital strategy for web, SEO (search engine optimization), social, email, and advertising. </li><li>Use analytics to measure performance, track reach, and guide improvements. </li><li>Manage external vendors on website UX/UI and content improvements. </li><li>Report communications results to leadership and board committees. </li><li>Draft responses and guide strategy for news and reputational issues. </li><li>Integrate emerging tech, including AI, to improve engagement and reach. </li><li>Develop toolkits and train staff on brand, messaging, and processes. </li></ul>Content Development &amp; Storytelling  <ul><li>Create compelling stories that highlight Openlands’ impact and stories from the land. </li><li>Oversee production of digital and print materials, including reports, videos, and digital content. </li><li>Maintain consistent brand voice and visual identity. </li><li>Approve and manage the annual content calendar. </li><li>Center diverse voices to reflect Openlands’ commitment to nature for all </li></ul>Administrative &amp; Team Management  <ul><li>Supervise and mentor the communications team. </li><li>Set priorities, delegate work, and ensure high-quality, on-brand deliverables. </li><li>Manage vendors and consultants to deliver strong campaigns on time and budget. </li><li>Oversee communications budget and resource allocation. </li></ul>Development &amp; Fundraising <ul><li>Partner with Development staff to align donor communications with Openlands’ brand and voice. </li><li>Provide writing and editorial support for campaigns, appeals, and stewardship materials. </li><li>Strengthen corporate engagement through tailored messaging, presentations, and events. </li><li>Report on communications performance and metrics to guide future fundraising strategies. </li><li>Representant the organization at key events, conferences, and donor meetings. </li></ul>Other duties as assigned. Requirements<ul><li> Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field  </li><li>Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or external affairs. </li><li>Nonprofit and/or environmental sector experience  </li><li>Strategic communications expertise with an understanding of conservation. </li><li>Demonstrated success integrating communications with fundraising strategies. </li><li>Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills. </li><li>Strong leadership experience with a track record of managing teams and cross-departmental projects. </li><li>Strong project management skills with attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple priorities. </li><li>Proficiency with communications platforms, including Google Analytics, Ads, Constant Contact, WordPress, Hootsuite, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite. </li></ul>Preferred: <ul><li>Master’s degree in a relevant field  </li><li>Salesforce experience  </li><li>Written and oral Spanish language proficiency</li></ul>Compensation:  Salary range: $65,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including: Health, life, and disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer contribution. Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. Note: Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2025. We will contact qualified candidates for interviews shortly after the deadline.   Cover letter, resume and applicable writing samples required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Anticipated Hire Date: January 2026 <div>Salary Description</div><div>$65,000–$75,000 annually</div>

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<div id="ember55" class="ember-view organization-about-module__content-consistant-cards-description">As innovative protectors and stewards of the land since 1963, Openlands exists to create access to nature for all. Through local alliances, forward vision, and persistent action, Openlands connects and leads conservation work, serving as a guiding voice for communities, organizations, and more effective policy in northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region.</div>
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Assistant Director of Communications

<div>Job Type</div><div>Full-time</div>&nbsp;The Assistant Director of Communications is a key member of the External Affairs team at Openlands, responsible for managing and executing Openlands’ communications strategies. This individual ensures that all external communications consistently reflect and amplify the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. This person is also a trainer and amplifier of internal audiences to help guide every Openlander into a storytelling and communicator on behalf of the organization. This role will manage the organization’s communications and engagement efforts, including media relations, digital and social media outreach, and website. This role requires a proactive communicator with expertise in developing strategic messaging, brand management, and relationship-building.&nbsp; The is a full-time exempt position that reports to the VP of External Affairs and works to build and steward meaningful relationships with programmatic and development teams. This role directly supervises the PR &amp; Content Specialist and the Communications Coordinator.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Essential Job Functions:&nbsp; Strategic Communication &amp; Brand Leadership&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Lead communications strategy using data-driven insights to advance Openlands’ mission and strategic plan.&nbsp;</li><li>Advise VP of External Affairs, turning priorities into clear actions.&nbsp;</li><li>Direct digital strategy for web, SEO (search engine optimization), social, email, and advertising.&nbsp;</li><li>Use analytics to measure performance, track reach, and guide improvements.&nbsp;</li><li>Manage external vendors on website UX/UI and content improvements.&nbsp;</li><li>Report communications results to leadership and board committees.&nbsp;</li><li>Draft responses and guide strategy for news and reputational issues.&nbsp;</li><li>Integrate emerging tech, including AI, to improve engagement and reach.&nbsp;</li><li>Develop toolkits and train staff on brand, messaging, and processes.&nbsp;</li></ul>Content Development &amp; Storytelling&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Create compelling stories that highlight Openlands’ impact and stories from the land.&nbsp;</li><li>Oversee production of digital and print materials, including reports, videos, and digital content.&nbsp;</li><li>Maintain consistent brand voice and visual identity.&nbsp;</li><li>Approve and manage the annual content calendar.&nbsp;</li><li>Center diverse voices to reflect Openlands’ commitment to nature for all&nbsp;</li></ul>Administrative &amp; Team Management&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Supervise and mentor the communications team.&nbsp;</li><li>Set priorities, delegate work, and ensure high-quality, on-brand deliverables.&nbsp;</li><li>Manage vendors and consultants to deliver strong campaigns on time and budget.&nbsp;</li><li>Oversee communications budget and resource allocation.&nbsp;</li></ul>Development &amp; Fundraising&nbsp;<ul><li>Partner with Development staff to align donor communications with Openlands’ brand and voice.&nbsp;</li><li>Provide writing and editorial support for campaigns, appeals, and stewardship materials.&nbsp;</li><li>Strengthen corporate engagement through tailored messaging, presentations, and events.&nbsp;</li><li>Report on communications performance and metrics to guide future fundraising strategies.&nbsp;</li><li>Representant the organization at key events, conferences, and donor meetings.&nbsp;</li></ul>Other duties as assigned.&nbsp;Requirements<ul><li>&nbsp;Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field &nbsp;</li><li>Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or external affairs.&nbsp;</li><li>Nonprofit and/or environmental sector experience&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Strategic communications expertise with an understanding of conservation.&nbsp;</li><li>Demonstrated success integrating communications with fundraising strategies.&nbsp;</li><li>Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills.&nbsp;</li><li>Strong leadership experience with a track record of managing teams and cross-departmental projects.&nbsp;</li><li>Strong project management skills with attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple priorities.&nbsp;</li><li>Proficiency with communications platforms, including Google Analytics, Ads, Constant Contact, WordPress, Hootsuite, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite.&nbsp;</li></ul>Preferred:&nbsp;<ul><li>Master’s degree in a relevant field&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Salesforce experience&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Written and oral Spanish&nbsp;language proficiency</li></ul>Compensation: &nbsp;Salary range: $65,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including: Health, life, and disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer contribution. Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. Note:&nbsp;Applications will be accepted through&nbsp;October 31, 2025. We will contact qualified candidates for interviews shortly after the deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp; Cover letter, resume and applicable writing samples required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Anticipated Hire Date:&nbsp;January 2026&nbsp;<div>Salary Description</div><div>$65,000–$75,000 annually</div>

Assistant Director of Communications

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Openlands