Director, Marketing at Aspire Chicago

Aspire Strategic Brand Leader • Mission Storyteller • Impact AmplifierAre you a brand visionary who believes marketing can change lives? Do you thrive at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and mission-driven impact? Aspire is seeking a Director of Marketing to serve as our senior brand steward-leading the way in elevating our mission, deepening donor and partner engagement, and connecting individuals and families to life-changing programs.This is more than a marketing role. It's an opportunity to shape the organization's public story, drive philanthropic and program growth, and ensure a consistent, inspiring, mission-centered voice across every channel.Join us, and help build a future where inclusion isn't just a value-it's a movement.What You'll Do: Bring Aspire's Story to LifeStrategic Leadership & VisionServe as Aspire's senior marketing leader, translating vision into bold, actionable strategies.Lead marketing, PR, and external communications that advance philanthropy, outreach, enrollment, and brand reputation.Partner across departments to identify marketing opportunities and align efforts with organizational goals.Build scalable systems-workflows, calendars, processes, vendor networks-that keep marketing efforts organized and optimized.Brand, Storytelling & Public RelationsShape and steward Aspire's brand voice, visual identity, and narrative across all channels.Create and oversee compelling content-copy, video, photography, design-that connects emotionally and drives action.Craft executive-level communications including speeches, op-eds, and messaging for the CEO and senior leaders.Pitch media with newsworthy, mission-centered stories that elevate Aspire's visibility.Philanthropy & Mission StorytellingPartner closely with Philanthropy to engage donors through powerful storytelling, campaigns, and events.Ensure accurate, consistent donor-facing materials and digital communications.Highlight Aspire's impact, inclusion work, and future vision through mission-aligned content.Outreach, Enrollment & Customer JourneyBuild and refine lead-generation systems, nurture pathways, and enrollment funnels.Develop targeted messaging for each stage of the customer journey-from awareness to intake.Create materials for families, caregivers, referral partners, employers, and community audiences.Use analytics and insights to continuously improve outreach and conversion strategies.Cross-Organizational Marketing SupportServe as an internal marketing partner to HR, Programs, Aspire CoffeeWorks, and other teams.Produce recruitment, internal communications, hiring, and training materials.Implement a prioritization process for internal requests ensuring alignment with organizational strategy.Analytics, Reporting & Budget LeadershipSet, track, and report on marketing goals tied to fundraising, enrollment, and organizational growth.Present data on audience reach, campaign performance, and conversion metrics.Manage marketing budgets, vendor contracts, and grant-funded deliverables with financial responsibility.Team LeadershipManage and coach the Marketing Specialist to deliver high-impact content and community engagement.Build relationships with community leaders, families, business partners, and board members.Contribute to Philanthropy team goals and help maintain a positive, values-aligned culture.Engage in ongoing professional development to sharpen expertise.What You BringBachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, business, or related field required5+ years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, or PR (7+ preferred)Excellence in content creation, storytelling, digital communications, and social mediaExperience managing campaigns, content workflows, and customer journeysExperience managing staff, vendors, and cross-functional relationshipsStrong writing, editing, and creative skillsExperience with CRM, marketing automation, pipelines (preferred)PR/agency experience and fundraising communications experience (preferred)Budget management and contract negotiation experience (preferred)Valid driver's license requiredCertifications in digital marketing, SEO, social media, or nonprofit administration (preferred) Your Core CompetenciesExceptional communication across all audiencesRelationship builder with diverse stakeholdersStrong project management and prioritization skillsLeadership that inspires and retains talentStrategic, critical thinker who navigates ambiguity with confidence Aspire Leadership CompetenciesAchieves Results - delivers outcomes even in tough circumstancesBuilds Effective Teams - embraces diversity of perspective and skillCultivates Innovation - pursues new and better ways to succeedMakes Quality Decisions - moves the organization forward with clarityTackles Tough Issues - speaks up and steps up Be Part of Something BiggerAt Aspire, marketing is more than messaging-it's movement-building. It's helping families find life-changing services. It's inspiring donors to fuel meaningful inclusion. It's amplifying a brand that stands for community, empowerment, and possibility.If you are a strategic, creative, purpose-driven marketer ready to lead with heart and boldness, we want to meet you.Apply today and help shape the future of inclusion at Aspire. (Resume and cover letter required)Compensation details: 0 Yearly SalaryPIed5f0d57d13c-3964