Elgin Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a candidate who is passionate about accomplishing our mission and strives to enhance our visibility throughout the community and the Fox Valley region. The ideal candidate is creative, motivated, enthusiastic, and works well with others.

Under the direction of the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, this position is responsible for creating the department’s brand and voice. The creator should specialize in graphic design, content writing and be a storyteller by nature. The creator will ideate, capture and post visual content which includes photos, videos and graphics. The creator must have a deep understanding of social media platforms, website development, performance reporting, brochure creation and the ability to stay on top of marketing trends.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW: The Elgin Parks and Recreation Department strives to be the heart of the community by creating community through people, parks and programs. In doing so, the department operates the Elgin Sports Complex, The Edward Schock Centre of Elgin, Wing and Lords Park Aquatic Centers, The Pavilion at Lords Park, the Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Wing Park Golf Course, Highlands of Elgin Golf Course, Bowes Creek Golf Course, 76 parks, 47 playgrounds, Festival Park Splash Pad and a variety of community recreation programs and activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Ability to work 40-50 hours average per week  Ability to work weekends and extended hours when necessary  Ability to work independently or in a team based environment  Ability to maintain a positive image and relationships with the community, staff and third party partners.  Possess strong writing skills with the ability to edit documents, develop press releases and create engaging social media messages and campaigns  Possess strong communication, organizational and customer service skills  Ability to multitask, meet deadlines and problem solve.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing or related field  Two – three years of marketing experience preferred  Proficiency in Adobe Suite, Canva, Word Press, social media platforms and video production.

BENEFITS:  25% off Parks and Recreation Classes & Rentals (some restrictions may apply)  25% off Parks and Recreation Classes for Immediate Family Members (some restrictions may apply)  Free Employee Fitness Silver Membership  IMRF and Health Benefits  City of Elgin has a step increase model. Currently, step increases are at an annual 5% for 7 steps along with an annual cost of living increase (typically 3% but can vary) approved by the City Council. Step 1 for this position is $64,682.

Full-Time Position Location: Libertyville, IL Application deadline: Open until Filled

SUMMARY - The Social Media Specialist is responsible for managing the District’s social media networks and strategy in order to describe and promote the various functions and facilities of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Responsible for collaborating with news media and marketing efforts to develop successful social media content and campaigns. Manages all of the District’s social media content and networks. Implements strategies to grow followers, engage and retain them. Researches and applies changing technologies, processes and best practices used in social media. Works with staff to provide public information and promotion for the District’s various facilities, events, capital improvement plan projects, special exhibitions, campaigns, educational and recreational opportunities, and the preserves and trail systems. Streamlines the process of organizing content and posting through multiple online platforms. Tracks the performance and community engagement of social media campaigns and analyzes success to improve campaign content. Performs lifting tasks up to 25 pounds. Drives a motorized vehicle to travel to different locations. Performs tasks that will require walking, bending, stooping, standing, kneeling, climbing, reaching and sitting.

EXPERIENCE - Associates degree in Communications, Marketing, Digital Arts/Technology or related field. One year of social media experience. Familiarity with a variety of marketing, public relations, and website concepts, best practices, and procedures. Strong visual design skills. Experience with graphic design and video software, including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, or other visual design tools. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in writing, proofreading, digital files, and in use of content management systems. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge in the use of audiovisual and photography equipment. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

HOW TO APPLY AND APPLICATION DEADLINES - Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Interest in employment with the Forest Preserve can be expressed by submitting an application online at www.LCFPD.org. Positions are open until filled.

ABOUT LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES - The Lake County Forest Preserves offers an excellent work environment as well as a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and life insurance, IMRF pension plan, and paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.

As principal guardian of Lake County’s open spaces and natural areas since 1958, we manage more than 31,000 acres of land and offer innovative educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for all people. Visitors of all ages can enjoy over 206 miles of trail for a variety of outdoor recreation uses, ponds and lakes for fishing, public golf courses, historical and cultural venues, public access to the Fox River and Lake Michigan, and award-winning nature and history education programs and events.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

This position is responsible for developing, organizing, communicating and implementing the District’s marketing action plans, public relations campaigns, print publications and image enhancements. The Creative Development and Community Engagement Department is comprised of three full-time and one intern staff. The individual is responsible for the implementation of the District’s sponsorship and advertising programs. The Creative Development and Community Engagement Department provides a variety of strategic and integrated marketing and communications programs that promote/support each area: recreation, parks, administration, Hall Quarry Beach and the Batavia Depot Museum.  

Essential Functions: 

Responsible for planning, developing, and launching comprehensive marketing plans for programming and special events to support the District's departments and facilities.

Develop and implement market research objectives via focus groups, needs analyses, attitude surveys and other methods to determine community needs and desires.

Establish, implement and monitor strategic positioning, branding and marketing strategies for the District. Webmaster for the District which includes overseeing the technical aspects of the District website and Windmill City Festival website, such as construction and maintenance and also managing website content.

Overall responsibility for two full-time and one intern which includes the hiring, training, coaching, evaluating and discipline of employees.

Designated Spokesperson

Assist with recruitment and disseminate information for vendor/exhibitor opportunities for special events across the District.

Represent the District on the Board of one community organization.

Serve as staff liaison to the Batavia Parks Foundation, which includes attending Foundation meetings and events as well as assisting with marketing needs.

Co-chairman of the District's Customer Service Committee. 

Assist with coordination of special recognition events and activities for both staff and volunteers.  Source and recruit volunteers through various techniques, disseminate information about upcoming opportunities and events while keeping detailed records of volunteers' contact information and interests.

Generate sponsorships and bartering opportunities for the District.

Develop and execute sponsorship proposals and letters of agreement.

Keep an accurate inventory of sponsorship agreements and fulfillment.

Develop a database of sales leads and maintain positive working relationships with current and prospective sponsors.

Measure return on investment of advertising and sponsorship initiatives.

Prepare, submit and oversee an annual budget for Creative Development and Community Engagement Department.

Oversee and incorporate social media development such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube/online videos to increase online visibility.

Plan and execute dedications, anniversaries and grand openings.

Produce content and ROI strategies for the District website by implementing tracking mechanisms to measure visibility and effectiveness.

Write, edit, proofread and disseminate news releases, feature stories and bylined articles for media, publications, Fun Guide, surveys, newsletters, annual reports, direct mail pieces, promotional collateral, and on hold messaging.

Responsible for all advertising placement and promotions.

Write copy and coordinate the design of direct mail campaigns, creative print ads, and persuasive promotions.

Perform all jobs and tasks within guidelines and rules of District’s safety program. Adhere to the District's CORE VALUES.   

Gurnee Park District is offering an internship to a student working towards a degree within the field of Marketing and Communications or related field. The opportunity will take place approximately June 1 August 13, 2023, 20-25 hours per week with a pay rate of $15.00 per hour. The hours will vary and will include occasional nights and weekends in support of programming events.

The Marketing Intern is a temporary position that reports to the Director of Marketing and Community Relations, with daily oversite from the Marketing and PR Specialist. During the internship, the Marketing Intern will have an opportunity to work in all aspects of the department, including but not limited to: social media, design, public relations, digital advertising, event management and community relations. This position will interact with all areas of the Gurnee Park District including FitNation, Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center, Summer Camps, and other Park District programs. Students will have the opportunity to plan design, produce, distribute, and evaluate marketing collateral including but not limited to flyers, press releases, e-newsletters, social media, and photography & videography of events and programs. The main responsibility of this position will involve content development, and marketing for the Park Districts new Cops and Bobbers Event. This internship is meant to provide a college student experience within the fields of marketing, public relations/communications and design all while working for a government agency in the field of parks and recreation.

To apply for this opportunity, please visit our website at: www.gurneeparkdistrict.com.

Inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Gilbert, Director of Marketing and Community Relations at jgilbert@gurneeparkdistrict.com. 

The mission of the Gurnee Park District is to Promote Fun. Preserve Nature. Gurnee Park District is an Illinois Distinguished Accredited agency, governed by an elected board, and staffed with 450+ dedicated employees. The District is a past winner of the National Gold Medal award from the National Recreation and Park Association.

Gurnee Park District is an equal opportunity employer.

Are you an experienced marketer with an eye for design and a heart of gold? Would you love to have the benefits of a government job with the feel-good work of a nonprofit? Are you looking for a place to grow with a great team by your side? Then SEASPAR is the place for you!

SEASPAR (the South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation) is a special recreation association providing year-round recreational programs and services to residents with disabilities in the following communities in Illinois: Brookfield, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Indian Head Park, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lemont, Lisle, Western Springs, Westmont, and Woodridge. SEASPAR offers year-round programming for all ages and all disabilities, including: weekly social, artistic, cultural, and fitness programs; special events and trips; Special Olympics training; adapted sports; multi-sensory rooms; and much more!

SEASPAR is currently seeking an energetic, creative, and flexible candidate for our Marketing Coordinator position, which is responsible for developing and overseeing all activities related to the promotion and awareness of SEASPAR programs and services.

(Please note: As this is a position that requires design skills and attention to detail, resumés and cover letters that are poorly designed or contain errors will not be considered. Be sure to include any volunteer work in your submission. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 27.)

Duties Overview
The Marketing Coordinator will conceptualize, plan, and implement all marketing, advertising, and public relations initiatives for SEASPAR.

Day-to-day duties primarily include design work, content development, website management, social media management, print project management, media relations, and photography.

A full list of duties is available in the position’s job description on the SEASPAR website.

Required Education and Experience
The Marketing Coordinator should be graduated from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, marketing, communications, or other related field. The Marketing Coordinator must have a minimum of two years of successful full-time experience in public relations or marketing.

Essential Functions
Must be able to sit 70% of the workday. Must be able to carry supplies up to 35 lbs. for up to 100 feet. Must have the ability to use telephone, computer, and office equipment and access files in cabinets. Must have mobility to move from one facility to another during the workday. Must have regular and predictable on-site attendance.

Condition of Employment
The Marketing Coordinator must be a licensed driver, provide and insure their own car and use their own car for SEASPAR business, and pass the pre-placement physical and background check.

Work Schedule and Location
The typical hours for the Marketing Coordinator are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. However, attendance at evening and weekend programs and events is frequent and required. This position’s primary workplace is located at SEASPAR’s remote site at the Darien Sportsplex; however, work-from-home options are negotiable. Frequent travel between the primary workplace and the main SEASPAR office in Downers Grove is required.

Compensation
In exchange for your time and talent, this position offers competitive compensation with a starting salary of $60,000-$72,000 based on experience and qualifications, in addition to medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan, medical and dependent flexible spending account, paid time off (including holiday, vacation, personal, and sick), and tuition reimbursement.

Our Promise
Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at SEASPAR, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by applicable law.

To Apply
Interested professionals should complete an application for the Marketing Coordinator position on the SEASPAR website.