Communications Manager

Role: Manager, Communications

Location: Glenview, IL

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Communications

Salary Range: $70,000 – 85,000 annually

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Communications Manager will help assist with and oversee communications projects for the Western Golf Association, the Evans Scholars Foundation and related initiatives, including youth caddie programs and the Caddie Academy.

This person will work on scholarship and fundraising projects, including creating, editing, updating and designing communication and collateral pieces, assisting with WGA and Evans Scholar media outreach efforts, writing news releases, overseeing organization printing needs, supporting special events requests and working with our Evans Scholars students for PR needs. This person would assist with communications activities and efforts during WGA tournaments season as needed.

This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, organized, a quick learner, and an effective multitasker. Candidates must demonstrate a strong work ethic, exceptional copy-editing skills, and flexibility to travel as needed. Occasional special events may require multi-day travel, including some weeknights and weekends. The Communications Manager will report to the Senior Vice President of Communications.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Copy editing communications materials, including annual organization pieces, emails, publications, fundraising materials and news releases.
• Producing brochures, emails, digital newsletters, invitations, programs, forms and donation cards, and other pieces to promote and inform about the WGA, Evans Scholarship, and caddie programs.
• Reviewing and editing Scholar speeches for events.
• Being the “expert” on Evans Scholars and their stories – attending most selection meetings, being proactive about learning their stories, serving as the liaison between them and the comms team and at Scholar events, forming positive relationships with them.
• Assist with brand activation - stewarding and execution – for certain sponsored events. Create pieces for use before, at, and after events we host or that benefit us.
• Update and circulate annual communications updates.
• Make content updates to the organization’s websites, helping keep information current.
• Attend top Program events and assist with taking photos, creating and sharing slideshows and working on speeches and Run of Shows.
• Assist with departmental duties including overseeing print needs, uploading, organizing and editing photos, overseeing photo shoots, and managing photo galleries.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal Manager, Communications will bring most of the following qualifications and skill sets:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in journalism, communications or PR fields. Must have writing, editing and page layout skills at a minimum. Two to five years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience in editing for spelling, grammar and AP style.
• Technology skills. Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, InDesign and Photoshop at a minimum.
• Experience with websites, design, social media and cameras preferred, as well as an interest in technology.
• Ability and willingness to travel, sometimes independently (some special events could require multi-day travel and include some weeknights and weekends).
• Strong collaboration skills with an understanding of organizational dynamics and a team-oriented approach. Ability to manage cross-departmental projects and work effectively with teams across our nonprofit.
• Project management and implementation skills. Have an ability to develop project plans, work with vendors and coordinate schedules so projects can be done on time. High attention to detail and fact-checking ability is a must.
• Self-motivated, positive personality, ability to initiate and complete projects independently, and prioritize work appropriately.
• Ideal for someone who has a passion for and experience with education, golf and/or the Evans Scholars Program.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• • Base salary plus bonus (commensurate with experience)
  • Comprehensive insurance package (medical, dental, vision, etc.)
  • 403(b) retirement plan with a very competitive contribution program
  • Paid time off
  • Walking distance to Glenview North Metra train station

APPLICATION:

Please submit your resume, writing samples/portfolio, and cover letter to HR@wgaesf.org

About the Evans Scholars Foundation | Western Golf Association:

Since 1930, the Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) has provided full tuition and housing scholarships to deserving caddies. More than 12,575 Alumni have graduated as Evans Scholars, representing more than $435 million in tuition and housing costs. There are currently 1,260 Evans Scholars attending 27 universities across the country. The Western Golf Association (WGA) has conducted championships for professional and amateur golfers since 1899. Today, it is a driving force in the game of golf, raises funds and awareness for the Evans Scholars Program and promotes youth caddie opportunities.

Additionally, At the Western Golf Association and Evans Scholars Foundation, we are committed to creating and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment among our caddies, Evans Scholars and championship communities. In doing so, we strive to improve the experiences of our scholarship recipients, championship participants and organization staff, leaders and partners, as well as positively impact the broader game of golf.