Full-time | $50–$60K | Chicago, IL 60645

About The Ark

The Ark is a vital resource in Chicago, providing a safety net for the Chicagoland Jewish community and anyone in need. Guided by the principles of dignity and compassion, The Ark offers free, comprehensive human services to help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. With a deep commitment to restoring hope and self-reliance, The Ark integrates social services, medical care, and financial assistance in a welcoming, respectful environment.

About The Role

The Marketing and Communications Associate is the hands-on writer and coordinator behind The Ark’s day-to-day communications. In a typical week, you might draft the staff update, prepare a client mailing, build an email campaign, and keep our editorial calendar on track — work that spans client communications, internal communications, and marketing. 

This full-time, salaried role requires strong writing, coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines. Reporting to the Digital Marketing Manager, this position is ideal for someone with a passion for The Ark’s mission and organizational culture, which is rooted in kindness, professionalism, agility, curiosity, and accountability.

What You’ll Do

Client Communications 

• Implement and maintain a client communications calendar, drafting periodic outreach that supports Case Management and Client Services priorities. 

• Collaborate with the Benefits Navigation Specialist to identify community-wide resources and opportunities and work with Client Services Program Lead to formulate messages for upcoming client programs. 

• Develop and distribute written client communications in digital and print formats. 

Internal Communications 

• Draft and distribute internal communications – including the weekly staff update, announcements, and leadership messages – in digital and print formats, following the internal communications plan. 

• Partner with HR and leadership on communications, policy updates, and employee engagement. 

• Maintain the editorial calendar and align content with organizational priorities and initiatives. 

• Update the master calendar of events, campaigns, deadlines, and key milestones; coordinate across departments to ensure accuracy and support planning. 

• Support communications for Ark Academy training sessions and select internal events.

Marketing and Communications Support 

• Create and edit content for email, social media, website updates, presentations, and collateral. 

• Assist with email campaigns, audience segmentation, and performance tracking. 

• Support fundraising and partner outreach through donor communications, impact stories, and proposals. 

• Prepare event materials as needed. 

Project Coordination and Operations 

• Manage communications requests, timelines, approvals, and project trackers. 

• Coordinate with internal teams, designers, and vendors to deliver on-time materials. 

• Maintain brand standards, editorial guidelines, and accessibility best practices. 
• Monitor and report on communication and campaign performance; recommend improvements to effectiveness and engagement. 

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience. 

• 1-3 years of experience in communications, marketing, or a related field; nonprofit or mission-aligned experience preferred. 

• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences. 

• Experience managing calendars, projects, and multi-stakeholder workflows. 

• Proficiency with an email or CRM platform such as Constant Contact or Salesforce. 

• Experience with Microsoft 365, project-management tools such as Monday.com, and design tools such as Canva and video editing experience preferred.  

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines. 

• Collaborative, proactive, and service-oriented approach. 

• Familiarity with the Jewish community or Jewish customs preferred

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• No-Cost HMO Health Insurance with PPO plan options through BlueCross BlueShield. 

• 100% employer-paid vision and dental coverage. 

• PTO, sick leave, and generous Jewish and secular holiday time-off. 

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with matching. 

• Option to remote work 1 day each week. 

• A supportive, collaborative workplace rooted in compassion, integrity, and impact. 

To Apply: 

Submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line: Marketing and Communications Associate 

The Ark is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. The Ark celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.