Audience Development Associate

About The Chicago Reporter The Chicago Reporter is a nonprofit investigative news organization that focuses on race, poverty and social justice. The Reporter was founded by civil rights activist John McDermott in 1972 to measure the city's progress toward racial equality. The Reporter serves a critical role in the city and nation by focusing the power of investigative reporting on issues of racial inequality that rarely receive thorough and regular examination by mainstream media organizations. Our core areas of coverage are criminal justice, affordable housing, education, economic development, jobs and transportation. The Reporter is a publication of the Community Renewal Society. About Community Renewal Society We are a faith-based organization that strives to achieve its vision of a just community in which racism and poverty no longer limit people's full participation in society through working with a powerful organizing and policy advocacy network and by publishing a highly-regarded investigative journal on matters of social justice. Founded in 1882, the organization, organizes and trains both communities and individuals to advocate for social and economic justice. We envision a community where all God's children flourish and live in dignity. Visit our YouTube channel and view the 2024 Membership Assembly to learn what we're currently working on. About the Audience Development Associate Position The Audience Development Associate plays a vital role in advancing The Chicago Reporter's reach and impact through strategic audience growth and engagement initiatives. This position supports the sustainability and growth of our investigative reporting focused on race, poverty, and social justice in Chicago by developing and executing comprehensive strategies for audience attraction, retention, diversification, and conversion across all digital and community platforms. Reporting Relationships Reports to the Editor of TCR Works collaboratively with the Investigative Editor and Development Associate to guide conversion of readers and institutions to subscribers, donors, and sponsors. Maintains close working relationships with the newsroom team to ensure aligned audience development strategies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1.

Audience Growth and Community Engagement Develop strategies and campaigns to distribute quality content across all platforms and establish meaningful and engaging content delivery methods, including third-party platforms such as Apple News. Work closely with team to develop a pipeline for increasing loyal readership Design and lead quantitative and qualitative data gathering, create a feedback loop strategy, and develop strategies for content that resonates with underrepresented communities including people of color, LGBTQ people, and persons with disabilities, both virtually and at live events. Establish and execute a social media strategy that aligns with organizational goals in executing organic and paid marketing of content, products (website, newsletter, app), fundraisers, and organizational announcements to grow our audience on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Report on KPIs that strengthen audience loyalty and market reach 2. Technology and Site Management Ensure optimal site performance by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, administering regular site updates, and creating the best user experience through our CMS (WordPress) and theme (Newspack) Ensure site optimization and train team on SEO best practices to ensure staff continues to prioritize search engine optimization Maintain technical infrastructure that supports reader engagement and content accessibility 3. Newsletter and Story Presentation Create weekly newsletter and strategy for content curation and distribution Analyze metrics to inform design and delivery decisions Develop strategies for testing calls-to-action to increase newsletter signups and grow loyal readership Assist reporters and Editor on how to present stories using multimedia and design elements following best practices Create workflows for increasing on-page reader engagement and recirculation to improve reader loyalty Implement content presentation strategies that enhance storytelling impact and reader retention 4. Internal Staff Engagement Curate and deliver reports to staff and create awareness of audience engagement projects and share best practices Create space for audience-focused conversations across platforms Attend weekly office meetings and hold one-on-one meetings with colleagues Create processes for accomplishing goals to allow organization to reach more diverse audiences Build internal capacity for audience-centered content development and distribution 5. Partnerships and Network Building Establish and maintain partnerships as a means of expanding our brand and growing our audience to better reflect the demographics of our city Create and engage with a network of news organizations to share best practices and processes for sharing our stories and content Establish process for tracking stories shared by other organizations Create products and content that can be monetized and used to enhance news landscape and provide accessibility through reader resources Develop strategic relationships that amplify The Chicago Reporter's reach and community impact

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS

Qualifications Required:

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related field Minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience with 3+ years hands-on experience in audience development, digital marketing, and audience retention, with a focus on journalism, policy, or related content areas Experience in digital publishing and content delivery Proficient in WordPress, MailChimp, social media platforms, and file sharing systems Diverse background in journalism, publishing, marketing, print and web design, including hosting and domain platforms, payment system integration, and ecommerce Passionate about journalism and committed to reaching diverse audiences through a variety of platforms Self-motivated and determined to create change Excellent communicator, demonstrating high-level communication skills, both in person and in writing Commitment to racial equity and social justice journalism

Preferred:

Experience with journalism organizations or media nonprofits Knowledge of Chicago's media landscape and diverse communities Familiarity with audience engagement metrics and digital journalism best practices Experience developing strategies for underrepresented audiences Understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive content delivery

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

None

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Must be able to speak, read and write English with high proficiency.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Basic mathematical skills required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. These physical requirements are generally minimal and consistent with a standard office-based role, with a primary focus on computer use and communication.

Key physical demands typically involve:

Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods, as the job involves significant computer work and data analysis. Operating a computer and other office machinery like printers and copy machines. Communicating with others to exchange accurate information, both in-person and remotely (e.g., via phone or virtual meetings). Seeing details clearly at close range for computer work and reading documents. Occasionally moving about inside the office to access files or office equipment. Light physical effort, with lifting or carrying generally limited to small items like office supplies or presentation materials. Mobility to attend meetings and potentially external events or conferences.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The position is a hybrid or remote work structure with occasional in-person attendance for meetings and/or events. Work environment includes occasional exposure to weather. Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment supporting newsroom operations. Collaborative setting focused on maximizing journalism's community impact.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This a part-time position working twenty-eight hours a week with occasional evening and weekend hours to participate in events. Core organizational hours are 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday. Flexibility in scheduling is possible with advance agreement of your supervisor. TRAVEL Travel within the Chicagoland area may be required for occasional in-person meetings and/or events.

EEO STATEMENT TCR

of CRS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CRS/TCR complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. TCR of CRS expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CRS's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employees for this job. Duties and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Incumbent must live in the Chicagoland area. Salary range is $45 - $55k

Part-Time Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Flexible schedule People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Application Question(s): Describe your knowledge of audience engagement metrics and digital journalism best practices

Experience:

audience development and audience retention: 3 years (Preferred) journalism, policy, or related content areas : 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60637