Communications & Community Outreach Manager

Organization Description

The mission of Foster Progress is to empower youth from foster care to become successful adults through mentoring, advocacy, and educational opportunities. Foster Progress is located in the Ravenswood neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois.

Job Summary

The Communications and Outreach Manager will lead organization-wide communications and recruitment efforts for Foster Progress. This new position will strengthen our visibility, ensure consistent storytelling, and help both of our growing programs reach more eligible youth, mentors, and community supporters.

The Manager will work closely with program managers, development, and leadership to manage social media, email communications, outreach materials, and partnerships that drive awareness and engagement.

This position is mostly remote, with one day a week in the Chicago office required. You must live in Illinois; preferably in or near Chicago. Having a car is beneficial for this role. The position will start at 20 hours per week but we hope to increase it to full time. Some weekend and evening events are required.

Key Responsibilities

Communications

• Develop and implement a consistent communications calendar (social media, email, website updates, print materials).
• Create compelling stories, graphics, and posts that highlight Foster Progress’ impact and mission.
• Manage and grow social media channels, ensuring a strong and authentic brand presence.
• Support fundraising campaigns and events with communications materials (emails, flyers, press releases, etc.)
• Maintain a photo and story bank of scholars, alumni, and partners for use across platforms.

Outreach and Recruitment

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies to increase participation in Foster Progress programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, schools, and child welfare agencies.
• Represent Foster Progress at community events, conferences, and information sessions.
• Coordinate outreach communications such as recruitment emails, referral forms, and informational sessions.
• Track and report on recruitment data and outreach activities.

Collaboration and Administration

• Work with program staff to align messaging with program needs and goals.
• Support creation of outreach and program materials (flyers, handouts, videos, etc.).
• Manage communications tools (Mailchimp, Canva, website CMS, etc.).
• Contribute to a collaborative, youth-centered team culture.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in communications, marketing, community outreach, or related fields (nonprofit experience preferred).
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience managing social media and digital communications platforms.
• Comfortable representing Foster Progress in public and building community partnerships.
• Organized, creative, and motivated by mission-driven work.
• Lived experience with foster care or proximity to the child welfare community a plus.

Note: Research shows us that some candidates, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, apply for positions only when they feel like they meet 100% of the desired qualifications. At Foster Progress, we know that very few people truly meet every single qualification for open positions. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse work experiences and backgrounds. If you feel like you have valuable skills and experience to be successful in this position, we encourage you to apply and mention your strengths and plans for professional growth in a role like this.

Organizational Values

EXCELLENT

Foster Progress students deserve the same high quality services that we would want for our own loved ones. Non-profit doesn’t have to mean watered down. We maintain the highest standards for everything that has our name on it.

DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, INCLUSIVE

We take the time to examine our own biases and privileges and listen to voices different from our own. We are intentional about deconstructing systems of inequity at every level - with our students, board, staff, partners, and funders.

INNOVATIVE

We stay at the forefront of the current learning in our field. We strategize, evaluate, and iterate to get to the best possible solutions. We advocate for change not only at the individual level, but also at the systemic and policy level of postsecondary institutions and government.

RESOURCEFUL

We cut through red tape and navigate bureaucracies so we can access and leverage every resource available to our youth. We stay nimble so we can do whatever it takes for our youth to succeed. We are generous with what we have.

CONNECTED

No one succeeds alone. We keep our finger on the pulse of the youth at the center of our work. Connecting these youth to a caring, reliable adult remains central to our solutions. We connect resources, people, and ideas to further our mission.

ACCOUNTABLE

Foster youth have been let down by too many people. We will consistently be there for youth even when others have given up or they don't realize they need us. As a non-profit organization entrusted with donations from our supporters, we will uphold the highest ethical standards and transparency.

Learn more at www.foster-progress.org

Paid vacation and holidays.

Hybrid work schedule.