Communications Specialist Jobs in Evanston, IL

Builders Vision is a team of investors and philanthropists that deploys flexible capital and pursues innovative solutions to expedite the transition of the Oceans, Food and Agriculture, and Energy sectors. We aim to build stronger, more resilient systems within these three sectors while remaining nimble and innovating within emerging solutions and community initiatives. Our coordinated solutions span market development, incentivizing innovation, and delivering market-rate investments. We help investors, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and frontline changemakers access the resources, insights, and expertise they need to succeed. Notable accomplishments include helping mitigate, sequester, or avoid over 4 million metric tons of CO2e, generating 42,000 jobs, and supporting the development of more than 170 sustainable products, technologies, or solutions. Who We Are With more than 80 people driving our work forward, our teams include diverse and impassioned experts across investment, philanthropy, strategic communications, legal, and general operations. Builders Vision's commitment to people and the planet is rooted in our workplace and culture. We have best-in-class total rewards and benefits programs, including competitive compensation, a generous 401k program, and an industry-leading long-term incentive program that rewards our team for their performance, financial returns, and the impact we achieve in the world. We also offer generous health, wellness, employee training and development opportunities, and charitable match programs. We know how to have fun! We host enriching and inclusive team events and retreats to help our staff feel connected to nature, each other, and our mission. We were named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2023 and voted one of Chicago's Best Places to Work by Crain's Chicago Business in both 2023 and 2024. The company headquarters, located in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, achieved Gold-level certifications from both the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the International WELL Building Institute. A long-term and deep commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) is core to our mission and values. We recognize that a diverse workforce drives innovation, enhances collaboration, and strengthens the leadership needed to achieve meaningful impact. That's why we are dedicated to proactively recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent from a broad and dynamic candidate pool, ensuring our team reflects the diverse communities we serve. Position Summary Builders Vision is seeking a Communications Manager to join our dynamic and growing organization. Reporting to the Director of Communications, you will help develop and execute communications strategies to enhance Builders Vision's reputation across its key focus areas-oceans, food & agriculture, and energy. You will collaborate with internal teams to craft compelling stories that resonate with key stakeholders, elevate thought leadership, promote Builders Vision's initiatives, and support executive visibility. Additionally, you will work closely with a cross-functional communications team to ensure alignment and consistency across all messaging and platforms. This role offers an exciting opportunity to share the stories of transformative work in sustainability and innovation, helping to amplify Builders Vision's leadership and showcase its global impact. Primary Responsibilities: Works with the Director of Communications to craft, develop, and execute communications strategies to enhance Builders Vision's reputation across its focus areas-oceans, food & agriculture, and energy. Partners with internal teams to identify storytelling opportunities that resonate with key audiences. Leverages data, industry insights, and best practices to inform communication strategies. Assists the Director of Communications in supporting executive visibility for key Builders Vision leaders, including conducting research to inform platform development, identifying relevant speaking opportunities, and helping with the preparation of materials to promote leadership visibility across key platforms. Provides tailored communications support to select partners, including grantees and portfolio companies, that amplifies their work and aligns with Builders Vision's communications goals. Writes and edits a wide range of communications materials-including media materials, website articles, social media posts, internal messaging documents and plans, research, and other collateral-to effectively communicate the firm's mission and impact, highlight the work of various teams, and showcase thought leadership in key focus areas. Partners with the broader communications team to measure, track, and report on the success of communications efforts. Collaborates with external communications agencies to amplify key initiatives, ensuring alignment with the firm's goals and messaging. Keeps track of communication projects to make sure tasks are completed on time. Tracks media and social media stories and conversations, sharing updates and identifying opportunities. Organizes the details and schedules for communication activities like events, media outreach, and leadership appearances, including preparing briefing documents and backgrounders. Pursues continuous professional development to enhance leadership, strategic counsel, and the ability to strengthen the firm's reputation through impactful communications. Promotes the organization's culture and work with key stakeholders to ensure our commitment to Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and our values are reflected in all aspects of our work. Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the associate in this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may evolve or change over time. Preferred Qualifications 5-8 years of in-house or agency public relations experience, with an emphasis on corporate reputation, crisis work, issues management, executive positioning and message development. Experience within financial services, investment, family offices, philanthropy, or sector expertise in oceans, food & agriculture, and energy is plus. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or related field. Proven ability to develop strategic media relations plans, craft compelling pitch angles, and lead media outreach efforts. Established relationships with business reporters and a track record of securing media coverage. Strong understanding of media trends, issues, and the media environment. Exceptional writing and editing skills. Expertise in multichannel editorial content creation, development, and distribution to manage content and campaigns effectively. Energetic self-starter and problem solver, able to keep projects on track and adapt when necessary. Strong presentation and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior leadership and external stakeholders. Analytical thinker with the ability to quickly grasp complex industries and business concepts. Keen attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in all communications materials. Creative thinker with a strategic mindset, experienced in bringing ideas from concept to execution. Personal Attributes that Support your Success You are a caring and conscientious team player who develops strong relationships and loves to collaborate; You adapt your behaviors to work effectively with a range of people and situations You bring positive energy to your work and workplace; you care to show up as your authentic self and measure your personal success as the success of those around you. You are results and detail oriented and take pride in striving for excellence; you design and execute with the “why” and what success looks like in mind; you also understand when “perfect” can be the enemy of “good enough” A lifelong learner, you are inquisitive and like to solve problems with bold thinking and innovation; you view “feedback” as an opportunity for growth You display flexibility and openness in daily work and encourage others to stay open to change and improvement; You accept and readily adapt to changing priorities, new ideas, strategies and methods. Builders Vision is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply, including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status under applicable laws and regulations.