At NSSRA, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to play. Formed in 1970 with that goal in mind, we were the first Special Recreation Association in the country, offering programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities. We are similar to a park district, however we only serve residents in our partner communities with special needs.

Fifty years later, we serve approximately 1,800 individuals throughout the year in the northern suburbs of Chicago. We’re all about creating an environment of belonging through play, and we want you to be a part of our team!

ABOUT THE JOB

At the direction of the Manager of Marketing & Communications, the Graphic Design & Marketing Coordinator implements and supports NSSRA’s brand image through digital, electronic and print media. The Graphic Design & Marketing Coordinator will assist in the creation of graphics and promotion of all aspects of NSSRA programming and services. The Graphic Design & Marketing Coordinator will assist with photography.

The ideal candidate will possess outstanding graphic design skills, the ability to multitask and meet deadlines, excellent oral and written communication skills, experience in photography and videography, considerable skill in analyzing issues and problem-solving, a proven ability to build relationships and the ability to portray a professional image of NSSRA. The Graphic Design & Marketing Coordinator is responsible for the following tasks:

• Design and manage promotional materials for NSSRA programs and special events, as well as NSSRA Foundation campaigns and events.

• Design graphics for social media/website and draft social media posts to coordinate with NSSRA’s brand and marketing strategy.

• Become familiar with the brand standards of NSSRA and NSSRA Foundation and maintain brand consistency.

• In coordination with the Manager of Marketing & Communications, execute social media strategy through competitive research, platform determination, benchmarking, and messaging and audience identification.

• Assist with seasonal program guide production (inputting, design, etc) and internal proofs.

• Assist with photography/videography of NSSRA events and programs for use in program guide, on social media and in other promotional materials.

• Assist with managing marketing calendars for email marketing, social media, program guide, press releases, event campaigns and more.

• Coordinates with NSSRA’s 13 partner agency marketing contacts to maintain NSSRA’s brand and image on partner agency websites and in partner agency program guides.

• Conduct regular audits of www.nssra.org and www.nssrafoundation.org to ensure all information is up to date and accurate. Regularly add/update website page content, photos and events.

• Write or edit copy for publications as needed.

• Attends meetings as needed and serve on 1-2 event committees.

• Work with outside vendors, providing specifications for outside print projects.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

ABOUT YOU

• A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, graphic design or a related field is preferred.

• Must have a minimum of two years of experience in digital media, design or marketing with demonstrated experience in graphic design.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Dropbox and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Vimeo) is required.

• Knowledge of or ability and willingness to learn the following platforms is required: Black Pearl (email signature management), Bloomerang (donor database system), Buffer (social media scheduling), Clickx (social media analytics), Constant Contact (email marketing), Magisto (video), Wordpress and Squarespace (web).

• Knowledge of or ability and willingness to learn to use Canon products.

• Strong writing, proofreading and photography skills are preferred.

• Proficiency in planning, organizing, as well as knowledge of marketing strategies, is preferred.

• A valid Illinois Driver's License is required.

SCHEDULING & PAY

The Graphic Design and Marketing Coordinator is a part-time position working 20 - 25 hours per week. This position is eligible for IMRF. Schedule will be determined by the Marketing & Communications Manager. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. Target hiring range is approximately $20 per hour, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

JOIN THE TEAM

Complete an online application at www.nssra.org/jobs. Please email a digital portfolio with a minimum of five graphic design/social media samples to Rebekah Lee at rlee@nssra.org.

Position is open until filled. Please apply early as recruiting and interviewing will begin immediately.

NSSRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sports Market Manager

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau (a non-profit organization) is seeking an individual to promote and sell the Chicago Southland Region (Chicago’s 63 South/Southwest Suburbs) as a destination for the sports market segment.

Key responsibilities of this position are marketing and promotional work to enhance the Chicago Southland as a destination for sports groups and other business visitors. This work is intended to bring in sporting groups to the area’s sporting venues and generate additional hotel occupancy in the region. The employee must work closely with local hospitality industries, hotels, and other sports venues to coordinate the groups and ensure arrangements for attendees. This position conducts research to identify potential clients; prepares and presents bids for sporting groups or other group business; attends conferences of professional sports rights holders and exhibit show associations to generate leads; handles computerized database bookings; and manages sports budget and processes invoices for payment.

This position reports directly to the Director of Sales and does not have managerial responsibilities.

Priorities: Ability to achieve sales and marketing goals as well as develop/maintain industry and client relationships on a daily basis.

Must maintain proficiency with the sales CRM including monitoring all accounts, tracing all accounts for at least an annual review, screening new accounts and entering new account prospects, reviewing dated accounts for potential, and eliminating (purging) non-productive accounts. Provide appropriate follow-up for all sales accounts, including "tracing" accounts for review. Communicate with sales accounts (clients/prospective clients) keeping informed as to their needs and providing them with useful information on and about the Chicago Southland.

Solicit by telephone, letter, email/internet and personal sales calls for state, regional, national and international accounts.

Assist with the planning, coordination and implementation of special cooperative sales programs (e.g., familiarization tours, sales blitzes, receptions, trade shows, etc) or other related activities as assigned, with CVB members, to creatively profile Chicago Southland as a sports destination. Attend selected trade shows and identify qualified prospects.

Encourage and promote a cooperative spirit among all CVB personnel that promotes quality, team-building, and continual improvement.

Perform such other assigned duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Director of Sales, the President/CEO, and/or the Executive Vice President.

Requirements:
Strong prospecting and communication skills.

Computer Proficiency: Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel; Simpleview, a CVB CRM Preferred

Ability to travel to industry tradeshows, networking events, and client meetings.

Excellent oral and written skills - must be such that one can make presentations before individuals or groups in potentially high stress environments, such as trade shows or client presentations.

Ideal characteristics for this job include people-oriented skills, high degree of stamina, organizational skills, creativity, willingness to travel, strong work ethic, quality reputation, and a sales assertive personality with personal integrity.

Qualifications / Education: A demonstrated experience in the sports industry with a proven service and/or sales record ideal.

The CVB prefers a college degree in sales, marketing, communications, or compatible field, or equivalent job experience in the aforementioned fields. Professional development training desirable beyond formal education; professional affiliations with industry associations desired. Prior CVB experience preferred.

All resumes, with cover letter, and salary range must be received VIA EMAIL ONLY by Friday, January 31, 2020 to be considered. Salaries are negotiable and there is no relocation offered.

Sports Market Manager

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau (a non-profit organization) is seeking an individual to promote and sell the Chicago Southland Region (Chicago’s 63 South/Southwest Suburbs) as a destination for the sports market segment.

Key responsibilities of this position are marketing and promotional work to enhance the Chicago Southland as a destination for sports groups and other business visitors. This work is intended to bring in sporting groups to the area’s sporting venues and generate additional hotel occupancy in the region. The employee must work closely with local hospitality industries, hotels, and other sports venues to coordinate the groups and ensure arrangements for attendees. This position conducts research to identify potential clients; prepares and presents bids for sporting groups or other group business; attends conferences of professional sports rights holders and exhibit show associations to generate leads; handles computerized database bookings; and manages sports budget and processes invoices for payment.

This position reports directly to the Director of Sales and does not have managerial responsibilities.

Priorities: Ability to achieve sales and marketing goals as well as develop/maintain industry and client relationships on a daily basis.

Must maintain proficiency with the sales CRM including monitoring all accounts, tracing all accounts for at least an annual review, screening new accounts and entering new account prospects, reviewing dated accounts for potential, and eliminating (purging) non-productive accounts. Provide appropriate follow-up for all sales accounts, including "tracing" accounts for review. Communicate with sales accounts (clients/prospective clients) keeping informed as to their needs and providing them with useful information on and about the Chicago Southland.

Solicit by telephone, letter, email/internet and personal sales calls for state, regional, national and international accounts.

Assist with the planning, coordination and implementation of special cooperative sales programs (e.g., familiarization tours, sales blitzes, receptions, trade shows, etc) or other related activities as assigned, with CVB members, to creatively profile Chicago Southland as a sports destination. Attend selected trade shows and identify qualified prospects.

Encourage and promote a cooperative spirit among all CVB personnel that promotes quality, team-building, and continual improvement.

Perform such other assigned duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Director of Sales, the President/CEO, and/or the Executive Vice President.

Requirements:
Strong prospecting and communication skills.

Computer Proficiency: Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel; Simpleview, a CVB CRM Preferred

Ability to travel to industry tradeshows, networking events, and client meetings.

Excellent oral and written skills - must be such that one can make presentations before individuals or groups in potentially high stress environments, such as trade shows or client presentations.

Ideal characteristics for this job include people-oriented skills, high degree of stamina, organizational skills, creativity, willingness to travel, strong work ethic, quality reputation, and a sales assertive personality with personal integrity.

Qualifications / Education: A demonstrated experience in the sports industry with a proven service and/or sales record ideal.

The CVB prefers a college degree in sales, marketing, communications, or compatible field, or equivalent job experience in the aforementioned fields. Professional development training desirable beyond formal education; professional affiliations with industry associations desired. Prior CVB experience preferred.

All resumes, with cover letter, and salary range must be received VIA EMAIL ONLY by Friday, January 31, 2020 to be considered. Salaries are negotiable and there is no relocation offered.