Communications Coordinator, IL Coalition for Higher Education in Prison

About IL-CHEP

The Illinois Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (IL-CHEP) is a coalition of educators, students, activists, universities, and others committed to bringing quality higher education to Illinois prisons and jails and working toward a safer, more just society. Founded in 2016, we operate with the knowledge that higher education programs are among the best ways to offer opportunities to individuals who are incarcerated as well as fostering a community for people once they are free. Equally important, we encourage public dialogue and action to decarcerate and reduce our state's and country's reliance on punishment as a solution to social inequities. IL-CHEP is a project of Adler University's Institute of Public Safety and Social Justice.

Job Overview:

Under the general guidance of the Administrative Director, the Communications Coordinator for the Illinois Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (IL-CHEP) leverages skills and best practices to promote the mission and vision of IL-CHEP and of Adler University's Institute of Public Safety and Social Justice and the institution. Supports culture, development and management efforts. The Communications Coordinator  will collaborate with IL-CHEP to produce research reports, educational materials and press releases for the coalition. The Communications Coordinator will work to strengthen public relations between IL-CHEP and media outlets including educational organizations.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, preferred or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Minimum two (2) years of progressive communication, marketing and/or public relations or related field

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to build and sustain relationships with new community partners
• Strong group facilitation skills
• Ability to consistently identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations based on observations
• Strong demonstration of alignment with both IL-CHEP and Adler's social justice mission and vision
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving and visioning skills
• Ability to proactively identify challenges and barriers to stated objective and employ assistance in addressing these
• Strong collaboration abilities
• Demonstration of professional maturity
• Proficient knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Power point, and Outlook)
• Strong leadership and research abilities
• Strong written, oral, and listening skills

Principal Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and update all IL-CHEP social media sites on an ongoing basis
• Attend meetings with IL-CHEP committees including the Steering Committee and Institute for Public Safety and Social Justice.
• Maintain IL-CHEP's email communications, ensuring appropriate and timely response to all inquiries
• Develop and maintain IL-CHEP's factsheets, flyers, other publicity materials,
• Collaborates with IL-CHEP members to meet the Coalition's communications objectives
• Other duties as assigned

This is a part-time contractual role, working at least 20 hours a week. A two year-grant funded position with possibility of renewal.  

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applicants should electronically submit a complete application including a cover letter addressing qualifications and interests, as well as a resume. In addition please send in examples of past communication work (i.e. visuals, copy, etc). Formerly incarcerated and/or people directly impacted by the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of Adler University that all persons are entitled to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) protection. The University does not discriminate against any individual for employment because of age, religion, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status (including unfavorable discharge from the military), or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of the Adler's equal employment opportunity policy, Adler will also take affirmative action to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.

View/Apply this job and others from Adler University Here: Adler University Employment Website

When inquiring or applying for this job opening, please also reference AcademicCareers.com

Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs such as professor jobs, dean jobs, chair / department head jobs, and other faculty jobs and employment opportunities at Adler University and at other institutions of higher education in the region on www.AcademicCareers.com