Job opportunities available with CIOGC

Communications Director Overview:

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) is the unifying federation and the leading advocate of Muslim community interests in greater Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois. Representing over fifty Muslim organizations and more than 400,000 Muslims, the CIOGC has been a driving force for more than 20 years.   The Council provides one voice which brings together our diverse communities, teaches our youth, and empowers activists while setting the standard to benefit Muslims across the nation.   Reaching out to the mainstream of American Society, the CIOGC serves as the first point of contact for organizations that wish to interact with Muslims.  The Council has developed a strong relationship with political leaders in all levels of government.   Networking with policy makers, social justice organizations, interfaith and civic partners, the CIOGC works tirelessly to establish better community relations through education, special events, support programs and serves as the catalyst for enriching our diverse communities and improving inclusion in modern America.

Position Summary:

CIOGC seeks a Communications Director to oversee all aspects of this growing organization’s internal and external communications. This staff member would be based in our Chicago, IL office and will coordinate communications activities across the organization and raise the visibility of its work with policy makers, the media, funders and the public. The Communications Manager will implement an integrated communications plan that includes leveraging the CIOGC website, social media, traditional media, and targeted outreach to policy makers and other stakeholders in order to make the CIOGC a top-of-mind resource.

The ability to thrive in a fast paced environment and remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient, with a high level of professionalism is crucial to this role. Expertise in written and verbal communication skills, strong decision making ability and attention to detail are equally important.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

• Implement communications strategy to reach diverse audiences for CIOGC. Work with staff to further develop and refine strategy as needed.
• Represent the CIOGC at meetings, briefings, and conferences
• Write or edit content for the CIOGC’s communications platforms, including blogs, social media, e-newsletters, website, donor communication and promotional materials. Manage the CIOGC website and social media tools to ensure regular fresh content
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive stakeholder database for dissemination and outreach purposes that includes policy makers, media, think tanks, academic centers, etc.
• Spearhead efforts to reach out to the media, including ghostwriting op-eds for CIOGC fellows, writing and sending press releases to key contacts via a media database, handling media-related inquiries and building relationships with key members of the industry
• Identify and pursue opportunities for CIOGC leaders and staff to present the CIOGC’s work to targeted audiences, including donors, community groups, academic settings and policy maker. Assist with presentations
• Interface regularly with CIOGC development, research, and operations teams and support special projects such as grant proposals and fundraising events
• Track results of communications outreach efforts, including website statistics, social media and press coverage.
• Develop and maintain collaborative internal communications tools, such as a shared calendar and workspace.
• Liaison with CIOGC Board of Directors including assisting Executive Director with regular reports to the Board and supporting Board outreach. Manage the development of the annual report
• Work with board and staff to refine internal communications policies and develop a crisis communications policy
• Support logistics for outreach events, briefings and conferences
• Serve as point of contact for website and technology vendors

Desired Qualifications:

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Communications, Public Policy or other related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of communications, public relations, journalism or related experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak in front of a large audience
• Detail oriented, self-starter who is able to work independently
• Experience with website content management systems required.  Familiarity with graphic design and industry tools such as Word Press and Constant Contact is a plus.
• Extensive experience leveraging social media tools and experience with diverse communications channels such as mobile apps
• Familiarity with issues related to Muslims in the US and abroad, including major institutions, grassroots organizations, policy issues, etc.
• Some travel required

Other Essential Skills

• Ability to work to deadlines and targets, and prioritize tasks under pressure
• The ability to work quickly, flexibly, effectively and positively in response to requests made at short notice
• Flexible and adaptable, comfortable with juggling a range of tasks in a fast-moving, dynamic start-up environment, with colleagues and team members in other cities
• Pro-active, ability to work under own initiative without direction
• Willing to take on additional tasks as required and to learn new skills
• Willingness and ability to undertake training as needed in order to fulfill the changing requirements of the job
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in multiple languages spoken in the Muslim community is preferred but not essential

Start-up Salary Range

Salary is commensurate based on experience.

Recruitment Process

Candidates are requested to send their detailed resumes (on a confidential basis) to:

Humaira Basith, Executive Director, Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, hbasith@ciogc.org

Please send a copy to Sana Ahmed at exec.assist@ciogc.org

Resumes should be received no later than January 30, 2013. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the Personnel Committee to begin the interview process. Resumes should include at least three references. No phone calls please.

RFP for Website Re-Design

CIOGC is seeking the services of an experienced website design firm to re-design, develop, and implement the organization’s website.  This project will involve utilizing posted information on the existing website as well as the implementation of new information, products, and features as suggested by the organization and the firm selected.  CIOGC’s existing internet website is http://www.ciogc.org which contains general information for the public and private information for our membership including specific events, rosters and functions.  CIOGC is committed to building a premiere website that is designed upon the ease of use from the visitor’s view.  The successful firm must have substantial experience in website design, development, implementation, and maintenance.  Click here for the full Request for Website Re-Design Proposal.  Final proposals submitted are to be emailed no later than February 14, 2013.