Manager of Communications
The story of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 isn’t really about the fire. It’s about what happened next: A remarkable moment when the most brilliant engineers, architects and inventors came together to build a new city. Their innovations – born of passion and practical ingenuity – shaped not just Chicago, but the modern world. What started 140 years ago continues to this day. Chicago’s brightest digital designers, engineers and entrepreneurs are shaping new technologies, disrupting old business models, and resetting the boundaries of what’s possible.
1871 is the hub for technology and entrepreneurship in Chicago. Ranked as the number one university-affiliated incubator in the United States, 1871 is the home of more than 400 early-stage, high-growth digital startups. Located in Chicago’s historic Merchandise Mart, this 120,000 square foot facility is also the headquarters of nationally recognized accelerators Techstars Chicago and the Good Food Business Accelerator; impact investing fund Impact Engine; half a dozen area and industry-specific incubators; several emerging tech training schools; and the state's leading technology advocate, the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition. It provides a second home to many Chicago-based VCs, as well as satellite offices for Northwestern University, University of Illinois, University of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, and DeVry.
Come to a place where you can share ideas, take initiative, work hard, grow professionally and, with a little luck, change the world. If that sounds like you, come join us.The Role:
1871 is seeking a Manager of Communications to oversee the organization’s aggressive and far-reaching communications strategy. The ideal candidate will be an experienced, articulate leader with a strong set of relationships in the Chicago area. He/she will also be a top-level writer with an evolved understanding of the relationship between earned media, social media, internal and external communications, and public relations.
Responsibilities:
- Publicizing the activities of 1871, a technology community with thousands of members and a 130,000 square foot facility
- Managing media relations, including building relationships with reporters, pitching stories, and answering inbound inquiries
- Writing press releases, blog posts, and other promotional materials
- Overseeing the marketing efforts of 1871
- Overseeing an expansive social media presence which includes nearly 100,000 followers across all networks
- Creatively expanding the purview of 1871’s communications operation, including development of new methods and approaches to reach directly to the community
- Publicizing events and other activities taking place at 1871
- Promoting the member companies of 1871 and working to advise and train them on media relations and communications
- BA/BS degree in communications, marketing, PR, or related field.
- Excellent writing and editing skills.
- Extremely organized and fast-moving.
- 3-5 years of experience in communications field.
- Experience working directly with reporters, editors, and other media contacts.
- Understanding of the workings of major social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Medium, Snapchat, and more.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Confidence, good judgement, and the ability to exercise discretion.
- Friendly demeanor.
- Must be reliable and dependable.
1871/CEC is an equal employment opportunity employer with a strong focus on crafting an inclusive and diverse environment. We encourage individuals of all ethnic and racial backgrounds to apply for this position.