The Chicago Association of REALTORS® is hiring a Communication Specialist to join their team. 

Summary: Under the direction of the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist will work on department projects which will assist in the launching and implementation of greater initiatives, including specific communications related to association strategies, goals, and accomplishments.

I. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: These essential duties and responsibilities are not intended to be and should not be construed, as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this position. While it is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties or to assign other duties as necessary.

• PUBLIC RELATIONS: Responsible for the creation, editing & distribution of press releases, newsletters, website content, presentations, speeches and relevant written Association materials.
• Work with VP, Communications & Communications Manager in increasing media & public understanding of organization as a brand & leadership as thought leaders via effective media pitches & placements.
• Track & report on media coverage.
• Write & edit marketing communications collateral; provide support in the planning and execution of marketing, advertising and promotional campaigns, and general member notifications including, but not limited to internal and external publications, e-blasts, direct mail, branding, internal and external communications, special projects, social media etc.
• Assist in preparation of talking points for CEO & leadership, including speeches, scripts and other writing, including for video.
• Maintain compiling of relevant statistics, ensure organization and forwarding of data as required.
• Assist department with various communications vehicles, including writing & editing for CR Magazine (print & online) and social media.
• Work with department to develop relevant PR calendar and follow the communications editorial calendar.
• Research projects, as assigned, on various marketing communication initiatives throughout the association, presenting multiple options for consideration, as requested
• Provide assistance in the staffing of signature events and follow up as required.
• Other duties as assigned/required.

II. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Journalism, English, or Public Relations, Marketing or Communications is required. A documented internship is preferred. Must possess a minimum of two to three (2-3) years of professional experience in the same.

Language Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as industry briefings, contracts, letters of agreement, and procedures manuals. Ability to write in-depth reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of members or employees of the organization.

Math Ability: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages, and analyze them.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Computer Skills: Proficient and functional knowledge of Microsoft Office including; Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, required. Strong acumen for Internet research required. Web creation and content management experience preferred.

Leadership Skills: Although the list of a leader’s desirable qualities is virtually endless, the following leadership characteristics are expected of an employee to successfully perform their job: loyalty, integrity, enthusiasm, flexibility, knowledge, curiosity and communication.

Individual must be able to manage and execute multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

III. Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

IV. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may be required to frequently lift a maximum of 25 pounds. The vision requirements include: close vision. The vision requirements include: close and far vision and depth perception.