Marketing Communications Specialist

Job Summary

You Matter 2 is seeking a Marketing Communications Specialist to support our mission of empowering youth and strengthening community connections through engaging, inclusive, and impactful programming. This role will be instrumental in elevating the visibility of You Matter 2’s youth development programs, special events, and organizational milestones.

The Marketing Communications Specialist will lead efforts to grow public awareness and community engagement through strategic storytelling, content creation, and outreach. Responsibilities include developing and managing social media content, writing newsletters and press releases, representing the organization at community events, distributing print materials, and maintaining our brand presence across all platforms.

This position works closely with the Founder & CEO and Program Specialist to ensure consistent, timely, and mission-aligned messaging that promotes youth participation, family engagement, volunteer involvement, and donor visibility.

Program & Employment Requirements

This position is made possible through You Matter 2’s partnership with Metropolitan Family Services’ Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP).
Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18–24 years old.
• Reside in the South Suburbs of Chicago.
• Commit to completing the full employment program.
• Employment is capped at 180 hours (approximately 12 weeks).
• Must not have completed any other Illinois Work Net or IYIP site.
• Potential of continued employment with You Matter 2 after the program (not guaranteed).

Key Qualities & Skills

• Strong Writing Skills: Ability to craft clear, engaging, and mission-driven content for newsletters, press releases, donor updates, social media, website, and internal communications that reflect You Matter 2’s voice and values.
• Digital Marketing Expertise: Proficiency in social media strategy, content creation, basic SEO, and engagement tactics to increase youth, parent, and community reach across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and email newsletters.
• Brand Storytelling & Messaging: Ability to build and maintain consistent messaging across all communication channels, ensuring alignment with You Matter 2’s mission, tone, and visual identity.
• Graphic Design: Experience using Canva or similar tools to develop compelling visuals for program flyers, event promotions, impact highlights, and branded templates.
• Photo & Video Content Creation: Basic photography and videography skills (or willingness to learn) to capture high-quality program moments, testimonials, and short-form content (i.e., Reels, Stories) to drive engagement.
• Analytics & Data Use: Comfortable using tools like Instagram Insights, Facebook Analytics, and email metrics to assess content performance and inform future communication strategies.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with program staff, youth participants, volunteers, school partners, and community collaborators.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Draft and distribute press releases and event announcements to local media outlets to increase visibility of youth programs and community initiatives.
• Create and maintain a monthly social media content calendar, including graphics, captions, reels, and youth spotlights that promote events, highlight impact, and encourage participation.
• Capture and edit photos and videos from programs, field trips, and events to use in storytelling and marketing efforts.
• Manage and grow You Matter 2’s presence across digital platforms by engaging audiences, responding to messages, and optimizing post timing and content type.
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure accurate, up-to-date, and compelling promotion of upcoming events, registration opportunities, and community partnerships.
• Coordinate distribution of flyers and print materials to local schools, libraries, businesses, and event spaces.
• Assist in scheduling and supporting tabling events, school presentations, and speaking engagements to grow community presence and youth outreach.
• Design and send monthly email newsletters to families, stakeholders, and supporters.
• Maintain website content (as needed) to reflect current programming, impact updates, and news.
• Track engagement and performance across platforms to inform strategy adjustments and content planning.

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
• Minimum 1 year of experience in marketing, communications, or digital media—nonprofit or youth-focused experience strongly preferred.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt tone for youth, parent, and community audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to create content for social media (Instagram, Facebook), newsletters, and printed materials.
• Experience using Canva, Mailchimp (or similar platforms), and Google Workspace (Docs, Drive, Sheets, etc.).
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Preferred:

• Basic photography and video editing skills (or willingness to learn quickly).
• Experience using analytics tools (e.g., Instagram Insights, Meta Business Suite, Google Analytics) to inform content strategy.
• Familiarity with community outreach, tabling, or public-facing representation of a nonprofit.
• Knowledge of youth development, education, or community-based programming is a plus.
• Comfort interacting with youth, parents, partners, and community members from diverse backgrounds.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about You Matter 2’s mission and committed to uplifting youth voice and potential.
• Creative, curious, and willing to try new tools and strategies to grow engagement.
• Clear communicator with a collaborative spirit and strong sense of initiative.