Social Media and Volunteer Coordinator

Job Overview We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Social Media Coordinator/photographer to join our dynamic marketing team. Use your Professional Marketing Communications and Photo Journalism Experience, and natural gift of hospitality in forming and building relationships to bring glory to God’s kingdom. Serve as a catalyst in connecting with volunteers and supporters while expanding out ministry’s reach throughout the community. You must also be able to work with homeless, addicted and abused individuals who have experienced all levels of brokenness. Foster trust and witness your Christian faith when called upon. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing effective social media strategies, that enhance our ministry presence and engage our audience. This role requires a strong understanding of social media platforms, content creation, blogging, and public relations, as well as the ability to analyze trends and insights to optimize performance. Most importantly you will be helping connect volunteers, churches and businesses and develop special events in appropriate ways to support all areas of our ministry. Duties • Develop, curate, and manage published content across various social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. • Produce Professional level photography and videos, blogs and stories • Connect, organize and develop volunteer churches, businesses and individuals in meaningful ways that support and grow our six ministries and three service outlets. • Utilize tools such as Hootsuite for scheduling posts and monitoring engagement. • Conduct research to identify trends in the industry and audience preferences to inform content strategy. • Collaborate with the marketing team to create compelling advertising campaigns that align with brand objectives. • Implement social listening techniques to monitor brand sentiment and respond appropriately to audience feedback. • Create visually appealing graphics and multimedia content using Adobe Creative Suite. • Analyze social media metrics and prepare reports on performance, providing insights for continuous improvement. • Assist in public relations efforts by promoting events, initiatives, and partnerships through social media channels. Experience • Proven experience in social media management or a related field is preferred. • Experience in Hospitality to develop a posse of friends, supporters and volunteers • Strong skills in content creation with an emphasis on engaging storytelling. • Familiarity with advertising principles and strategies across digital platforms. • Proficiency in using Adobe software for graphic design is a plus. • Experience with social listening tools to gauge audience sentiment is desirable. • Excellent research skills to stay updated on industry trends and best practices. • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects simultaneously. We are a 96-year-old, faith-based, Christian, non-profit organization seeking an experienced and mature individual to assist our Director of Development in producing our direct marketing, volunteer development and fundraising activities. You are a mature and natural servant leader, who loves people, possess a gift for hospitality, and are ready to oversee story development, in addition to building relationships that play a vital role in the long term success of our shelter’s housing and recovery programs for the homeless, broken and hurting in our community. Experience in Photography, understanding of Public Relations and Creative Marketing experience will be very helpful in this role. This position reports directly to the Director or Development. We are seeking a mature individual with the following skills: • Professional level Photography and videography, blogging — Highly desirable • Possess the gift of Hospitality and welcoming spirit • Member of a local, Bible-believing church • Able to speak with large and small groups when called upon • Experience in Off-set printing, Direct Marketing and Publishing • Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple projects —Required • Strong English/writing skills —Required • Self-motivated /team player — Required • Capable of writing Press-releases — Highly Desirable • Must possess tremendous Social skills/Hospitality Skills —Required • Confident and Compassionate in meeting with broken and hurting men, women and children from all walks of life, gather their stories to share and inspire others. • Comfortable speaking at churches — Required • Comfortable working with and encouraging broken individuals in recovery — Required • Develop and Assist with programs and events – Required • 4-years professional experience in Business —Required • Public Relations Experience • Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint experience is a must • Assist with Events, Dinners and Golf outings • Social Media and Promotional Development, Video Blogging • Gift processing and Contact Management Software. Requirements: – Education: BA/BS Communications – Photography Experience — Required – Member of a local Bible-believing Church — Required – Must read and agree with our Statement of Faith — Required – Must be able to witness to others and share your testimony of faith – Must be able to work weekends as required – Willingness to help others — Necessary – Must be self-motivated, and able to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information about individuals and supporters – Must be able to commute to Auroa Illinois on a Daily basis, as well as Elgin IL when needed. Compensation: Full-time with benefits (Health/Dental/403b Retirement (with match), hours and schedule flexibility Salary: $30,000–$38,000 based on professional experience and desire to grow and exercise your Christian faith. About Us: Wayside Cross Ministries combines nearly 100 years of experience in Bible-based, Christ-centered life transformational recovery for the broken, addicted, and abused. Our comprehensive programs and recovery model provide transitional living and work development opportunities for hundreds of men, women, and women with children with a safe place and chance to rebuild their lives while gaining their GED’s, work certifications, and the necessary skills to earn and keep a job. We also assist Ex-offenders in achieving the same goal of rebuilding their lives while providing guidance and hope through the compassion of Christ. Our Urban Youth Ministry division works with under-resourced families by providing free after-school care and educational assistance, recreation, life skills, and sensory experiences within a supportive and nurturing Christian environment. Together, each of our six ministry divisions brings people of faith together with people in desperate situations to provide the hope and encouragement of Christ and experience the life and purpose God intended for them. If you are ready to fulfill a higher calling in life, join us and play a significant part in building strong Christian lives for the Kingdom and God’s glory. Join us and help transform lives! Applicants must submit Resume with Cover letter, agree with our statement of Faith, and express why you feel called to a life in ministry at this time. If you are passionate about social media, events a volunteer development and eager to make an impact through innovative digital strategies, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $30,000.00 - $38,000.00 per year Benefits: • 401(k) matching • Dental insurance • Health insurance • Life insurance • Paid time off • Occasional Weekends will be required Work Location: In person on site in Aurora, and Elgin IL Job Type: Full-time Pay: $30,000.00 - $38,500.00 per year Benefits: • Flexible schedule • Health insurance • Paid time off Schedule: • 8 hour shift • Monday to Friday • Weekends as needed Ability to Commute: • Aurora, IL 60505 (Required) Ability to Relocate: • Aurora, IL 60505: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person