Communications Manager

The Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) seeks a full-time Communications Manager to plan, create, and implement all aspects of the Society’s communications strategy including its website, email and print marketing, and social media. This position also manages the communications for SAH’s historic headquarters located in the Charnley-Persky House (CPH), a National Historic Landmark and City of Chicago Landmark.

About the Organization:

Founded in 1940 and based in Chicago, SAH is an international nonprofit membership organization that promotes the study, interpretation and conservation of architecture, design, landscapes, and urbanism worldwide. SAH serves a network of local, national, and international institutions and individuals who, by profession or interest, focus on the built environment and its role in shaping contemporary life. SAH promotes meaningful public engagement with the history of the built environment through advocacy efforts, print and online publications, and local, national, and international programs.

About the Role:

The Communications Manager supports with written and visual materials the organization’s goals for member recruitment, member engagement and retention, promoting programming and events, producing special events (including two conferences annually), and institutional fundraising and advancement. They have a thorough understanding of best practices for business correspondence, public relations, advertising, marketing, and social media and are capable of independently preparing and launching communications campaigns.

Successful candidates need not have any formal background in architecture but should have a healthy curiosity about the field and be excited to immerse themselves in new topics.

Responsibilities:

The SAH Communications Manager will:

• Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement a communications strategy and plan for fundraising, including 2-3 appeal campaigns per year
• Work with the Director of Programs to publicize and market SAH and CPH programs — such as events, fellowships, and awards — each with its own timeline and publicity needs.
• Work with the Director of Engagement and Outreach on issues of membership development and retention.
• Update news and content on SAH and CPH websites, managed through WordPress.
• Create and edit content for the SAH Blog.
• Produce content and manage relationships for the Society’s seven social media accounts.
• Edit two kinds of newsletters: A twice-monthly content-focused email and a weekly digest list of upcoming opportunities.
• Design and brand all print materials and digital communications, including an Annual Report.
• Manage advertising and/or sponsorship opportunities in select SAH publications and events.
• Handle media requests and partnerships.

Skills Sought:

• 5-7 years of experience in a similar strategic communications role including managing all electronic and print communications, publicizing and marketing programs, managing social media accounts, and maintaining brand integrity and consistency across all communications.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to master new technical systems with minimal training.
• Ability to effectively engage with team members across departments.
• Excellent project management skills, including time management, goal setting, multitasking and prioritization.
• Sophisticated graphic design sensibility and practical compositional skill.
• Leadership abilities, including training and mentorship.
• Good data analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Proficient in a variety of software applications including Adobe Creative Suite (particularly Photoshop and InDesign), WordPress (website), Informz (email marketing), Hootsuite (social media), and Microsoft Office.
• Experience working in nonprofit settings, small teams, or as the sole communications expert, a plus.
• Bilingual written and verbal communication (any language), a plus.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $50,000+ (commensurate with experience) plus full benefits package

Schedule: Employees can maintain hybrid work schedules but are expected to be in the office (1365 N. Astor St., Chicago, IL 60610) for a portion of the work week. The Communications Manager may be required to work some weekends and should be willing to travel.

To apply:

The SAH Communications Manager will report to the Executive Director. Applicants should email a cover letter outlining interest and pertinent experience, resume, and writing sample by Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to the SAH Executive Director, Ben Thomas, at bthomas@sah.org. Please write “Communications Manager Search” in the subject line. No phone inquiries. Select interviews will take place in late August and the candidate will start in September.

The Society of Architectural Historians is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitable qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.