Communications and Administration Coordinator

Location: Hybrid (West Loop)
Reports to: Co-directors of Practice & Education
Status: Part-time (20-25 hrs/wk), hourly contractor ($18/hour)

Start date: Immediate / by January 2024
Benefits: Unlimited program credit at Shambhala Chicago

About Shambhala Chicago: Established in 1971, the Shambhala Chicago Meditation Center is part of an international community of urban meditation and rural retreat centers. Our center, located in Chicago’s West Loop, offers daily public meditation, a core curriculum of Buddhist and Shambhala teachings, as well as training in advanced contemplative practices. The Center is home to a vibrant, diverse community of members and friends who provide ongoing volunteer and financial support, creating a warm, genuine basis for realizing the full potential of our authentic wisdom traditions.

About the position: The Shambhala Chicago Center is seeking to hire a Communications & Administration Coordinator on a part-time, contractor basis. The Coordinator plays a key role in the life of the center by publicizing programs, events and practice sessions, and by communicating with the Chicago sangha through newsletters, social media, and other means. The role is approximately 60% Communications, Marketing & Publicity and 40% Administrative. This is a pivotal position in a volunteer-run organization. This announcement will remain open until the position is filled.

Responsibilities:

COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING, and PUBLICITY

• Create weekly newsletters, curating and writing content to publicize programs, events, and center happenings via Mailchimp
• Create social media and newsletter graphics, flyers, and all other print and digital materials and visual communications
• Post regularly on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Meetup, Sangha Announce) to publicize programs and connect with community members and global network
• Create paid social campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, and Google Ads
• Write copy for program descriptions, newsletters, and for website
• Maintain Wordpress website appearance and functionality
• Use Google Analytics to track website traffic and inform marketing efforts

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Respond to emails and voicemails directed to center email account
• Process program registrations
• Track program participation and data
• List upcoming events and programs in the Shambhala Database to appear on website
• Answer inquiries and monitor the rental of the center by members or outside groups;
• Maintain internal master calendar and external public calendar through Google Calendar
• Work with Membership Coordinator and finance team to monitor membership status

Required qualifications:

• Experience with social media with a group or organization
• Experience with Canva, InDesign, or other graphic design software
• Experience with the Google Suite (Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets)
• Experience with CRM or database management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work independently; proactive self-starter who takes initiative to problem-solve and improve processes
• Flexible and willing to learn new technologies and software

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with Wordpress or other web editing software preferred
• Interest in mindfulness, meditation, or Buddhism
• Experience working or volunteering in a non-profit setting or community-lead organization

To apply: Resume, cover letter, two writing samples, and two graphic design samples are required for consideration. Send all materials to info@chicagoshambhala.org, with “Communications & Administration Coordinator” in the subject line.