Communications Manager jobs in Champaign, IL

Do you want to work where you can enrich the lives of the people in your community? The Urbana Free Library seeks a service-oriented, self-motivated individual to join the Library's Management Team. The Library's operating budget for FY24 is over $4.5M, and The Urbana Free Library Foundation has raised millions of dollars since its creation over 20 years ago.

The Library has been serving our community over 145 years. Urbana is a micro-urban community of over 38,000 people who represent a broad mix of cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds. If you are a friendly, energetic, and collaborative leader who would enjoy working in a community-centered environment, the Library invites you to apply. Full job description

Position Type:
Full-Time/Exempt

Location:
The Urbana Free Library

Pay Grade:
38 ($59,946 – $77,930 year in FY24) plus excellent benefits

Job Summary:
The Communications & Development Manager oversees all aspects of communication and development at the Library. The Manager supervises division staff and participates in the Management Team. Exemplifies the characteristics of a collaborative, innovative, and resilient work culture and models the appropriate behavior to create and maintain this work culture. Works closely with The Urbana Free Library Foundation's Board of Directors. The Communications & Development Manager reports to an Associate Director.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Serves as staff liaison to The Urbana Free Library Foundation, which includes, but is not limited to, establishing annual and long-range development goals and plans, cultivating donors, crafting an annual appeal, and maintaining accurate donor gift records.
• Leads creation and quality control of promotional materials for all facets of the Library in all formats, including print, video, social media, and website.
• Ensures stewardship of past, current, and prospective donors through personal contacts, articulate correspondence, timely gift acknowledgments, and strategic administration of acknowledgment opportunities.
• Has excellent writing, editing, proofreading, speaking, and presentation skills.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and three years directly related experience in development for a non-profit or publicly funded organization required; or an equivalent combination of experience and training that can be demonstrated to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position required.
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, speaking, and presentation skills required.
• Demonstrated success in designing and leading major fundraising efforts and developing and sustaining strong benefactor relationships required.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and understanding of desktop publishing skills required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with PatronPoint or other digital newsletter and contact management software preferred.
• One year of prior successful management and supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with development management databases preferred.
• Knowledge of HR laws and regulations desired.
• Bilingual skills (especially Spanish, French, or Chinese) desired.

Applications will not be considered without ALL of the following credentials:For first consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, January 21, 2024; After the date above, applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Selection Process:
Each application that meets the minimum requirements, that is complete, and that has been submitted using the online application and before the job posting fullest consideration date, will be considered. Complete applications that meet the minimum requirements and that are submitted after Sunday, January 21, 2024, will be considered only if necessary. Paper submissions will not be accepted.

Panel Interviews. At least two people will be present on the panels. Applicants will be asked a list of standard questions. In the interviews, we will want to learn about you, your experiences, and how you would function in a library setting. We expect to schedule these interviews in January/February 2024.

Contacting References. We will contact former employers of candidate finalists before making a decision.

Selection/Appointment. Although selection is based on the successful completion of all the above components, the nature of the selection process allows any single component to eliminate a candidate from further consideration. As a final step, the Library appoints a candidate from those who are available to accept the position.

Accommodations:
The Urbana Free Library provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you need information, please contact The Urbana Free Library at 217-367-4057.