Communications Specialist

La Rabida Children’s Hospital Communications Specialist La Rabida Children’s Hospital is hiring a full-time Communications Specialist for our Fund Development and External Affairs department in Chicago, IL. La Rabida Children’s Hospital is dedicated to serving children with complex conditions, disabilities, and chronic illnesses. We are committed to providing compassionate care that empowers children and their families to live life to its fullest. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Jackson Park, La Rabida has been caring for kids for more than 125 years. Join our team and contribute to our mission of making a lasting difference in the lives of the children we serve. Job Summary: The Communications Specialist will play a key role in supporting La Rabida’s marketing and communication efforts. This entry-level position is ideal for a creative and detail-oriented individual with strong writing skills and a passion for storytelling. The role involves content development, social media management, and project coordination, all aimed at enhancing the hospital’s brand and increasing engagement with our patients, stakeholders, community, and employees. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Content Development and Writing Create, edit, and proofread a variety of written materials, including press releases, social posts, newsletters, brochures, and web content. Assist in developing compelling stories that highlight the impact of La Rabida’s services for patients and families. Collaborate with clinical staff and other departments to gather information and craft clear, accurate, and engaging content. Social Media Management Manage La Rabida’s social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Develop and schedule engaging posts, monitor interactions, and respond to comments and messages in a timely manner. Track social media analytics and provide regular reports to help refine strategies and increase engagement. Project Management Coordinate marketing and communication projects, ensuring deadlines are met and deliverables are completed. Work closely with internal teams and external vendors to manage timelines, approvals, and project logistics. Assist in supporting and promoting hospital events, including community outreach programs, fundraisers, and special campaigns. Brand Management Ensure that all communications adhere to La Rabida’s brand guidelines and voice. Assist in maintaining a consistent visual and messaging style across all marketing materials. Support the development and implementation of brand campaigns to increase visibility and awareness. Media Relations Assist with media outreach, including drafting press releases, pitch letters, and media alerts. Help build and maintain relationships with local media outlets, journalists, and influencers. Track media coverage and maintain an organized media database. What we need from you: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Previous internship or work experience in marketing communications. Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences. Experience with social media platforms and content management. Basic knowledge of digital marketing and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Hootsuite). Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Passion for the mission of La Rabida Children’s Hospital and a desire to make a difference. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS: Supports other department programs, including volunteer, event, and fund development initiatives. Proactively consume traditional and digital media relevant to La Rabida, identifying opportunities, trends, and targets. Work effectively with various departments and foster interdepartmental collaboration, striving to maintain successful working relationships with mutual trust, respect, confidentiality, and commitment. Show initiative, bringing new ideas and opportunities to the table regularly. Demonstrate time management skills, successfully manage deadlines and expectations. Approach unfamiliar issues with a desire to solve problems independently and/or provide smart, strategic recommendations. Clarify or seek clarity on assignments. Actively participate in meetings and presentations. Performs other duties as assigned. Application Process: Interested candidates should apply online at larabida.org/careers and submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to publicrelationslarabida.org. What you will receive: Competitive Salary Medical, Dental, and Vision Pet Insurance Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Life & Disability Insurance Retirement Savings Plans & Matching Tuition Reimbursement Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays Free Parking Free breakfast and lunch on the last Friday of every month Who we are: La Rabida is a place unlike any other. We understand the needs of families with children dealing with the most serious or complicated of conditions. With teams of the best healthcare providers in Chicago, we give continuous, comprehensive care, education and support, helping families face their unique obstacles head on. La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Conditions of Employment: Required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; OR Qualify for a reasonable accommodation for an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided on request at the time of selection. J-18808-Ljbffr