Executive Director, Marketing and Communications

Position Summary

One Million Degrees seeks an experienced, mission-driven, creative, and detail-oriented Executive Director of Marketing & Communications to lead the organization's brand strategy, storytelling, and communication efforts during a pivotal moment of growth and national expansion. This role drives awareness, engagement, and support for OMD’s mission, ensuring consistent and compelling communication across all platforms.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead OMD’s content strategy & creative production
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets and secure strategic press coverage, in Chicago and nationally
• Navigate the unique dynamics of Chicago's community college system and higher education policy environment, with demonstrated ability to build productive partnerships with public institutions
• Build and manage the marketing and communications team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence
• Develop and manage OMD’s Marketing and Communications budget
• Source and manage all vendor relationships including copywriters, designers, video production, and strategic communications

Mission Alignment

• Passionate about OMD’s mission to advance economic mobility
• Leads with empathy, respect, integrity, and authenticity
• Motivated to address systemic inequities and support student success

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field
• At least 10 years of progressive marketing and communications experience, with at least 5 years in leadership roles
• Deep familiarity with Chicago's higher education landscape, particularly institutions serving underrepresented students

Skills & Traits

• Demonstrated success as a people manager, including leading teams through periods of growth, change, or organizational transformation
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, social media strategy, and content management systems
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and working with diverse communities
• A builder: Highly motivated by the notion of building a marketing and communications operation to support a young and growing organization
• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
• Exceptional people manager who develops talent, builds cohesive teams, and leads effectively through change
• Collaborative leadership style with ability to influence across organizational levels and build coalitions with peer organizations internally and externally
• Data-informed decision maker who balances analytics with creative intuition
• Systems builder who leverages technology to improve efficiency and impact
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Proficient and knowledgeable with technological tools like Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Outlook, graphic design software, and/or content management systems (CMS)
• Relentless commitment to centering scholar stories and voices in all work
• Proven experience navigating partnerships with public systems or institutions

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $116,000-$145,000.
• Full Health Benefits – Provided for all full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision. OMD pays 100% of individual’s basic monthly health premium and 80% dependent coverage.
• Employee assistance program, which offers confidential emotional support, work-life solutions, legal guidance, financial resources, and more.
• Retirement Benefits – For full-time employees, OMD offers a 401(k) plan and matches retirement contributions up to 4% of total salary.
• Generous Paid Time Off Policy – OMD has 12 paid holidays and offers up to 15 days PTO in year one; in addition to two weeks paid time off for winter break.
• Compensatory time for designated duties performed outside of normal work hours