Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Title: Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Location: Hybrid (West Loop)
Reports to: Co-directors of Practice & Education
Status: Part-time (20-25 hrs/wk), hourly contractor ($18/hour)
Date posted: 4/10
Start date: Immediate
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 realizing the full potential of our authentic wisdom traditions.
About the position: The Shambhala Chicago Center is seeking to hire a Communications & Marketing Coordinator on a part-time contractor basis. The Communications & Marketing 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. This is a pivotal position in a volunteer-run organization. This announcement will remain open until the position is filled.
Responsibilities:
COMMUNICATIONS
- Create weekly newsletters, curating and writing content to publicize programs, events, and center happenings via Mailchimp
- Post regularly on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Meetup, Sangha Announce) to publicize programs and connect with community members and global network
- Write copy for program descriptions, newsletters, and for website
- Communicate with staff, volunteers, and Shambhala Global Services via email and Zoom
MARKETING
- Create social media and newsletter graphics, flyers, and all other print and digital materials and visual communications
- Maintain Wordpress website appearance and functionality
- Create paid social campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, and Google Ads
- Use Google Analytics to track website traffic and inform marketing efforts
- Track program participation and data
- Optimize connection from Shambhala Database (SDB) to Wordpress site
- Segment audiences in SDB and Mailchimp
- Arrange reciprocal advertising with other Shambhala centers, related organizations and individuals where necessary
ADMINISTRATIVE
- Respond to emails and voicemails directed to center email account
- Process program registrations in the SDB
- List upcoming events and programs in the SDB to appear on website
- Monitor the rental of the center by members or outside groups; use rental sites to answer inquiries
- Maintain internal master calendar and external public calendar through Google Calendar
- Process new memberships; work with Membership Coordinator and finance team to monitor membership status
- Meet regularly with Co-directors of Practice & Education and Interim Director; attend Governing Council meetings and take notes
Required qualifications:
- Social media experience with a group or organization
- Experience with Canva, InDesign, or other graphic design software
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with the Google Suite (Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets)
- Experience with CRM or database management
- 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 softwares
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 & Marketing Coordinator” in the subject line.
