Join our team

Our work is enriched by the contributions of our dedicated team members, allowing us to expand our impact and provide free arts and cultural programming for our community.

JOB OPENINGS

Rebuild Foundation is seeking a Communications Director to lead and shape our communications strategy as we continue our archival processing of our four permanent collections, present innovative and interesting exhibitions across our spaces, continue our support for artists through residencies and fellowships, demonstrate the artistic and creative origins and futures of our work, and prepare to launch the St. Laurence Arts Incubator in late 2024. Programming in the 40,000 square foot building will support a residency program for local, national and internal artists of color, economic development, and archival research, significantly expanding Rebuild’s existing programs. This pivotal moment marks a significant shift in the Foundation's structure and activities and we are looking for a dynamic, creative, and visionary communications professional to support our marketing and public relations goals through this period.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications Strategy: Collaborate closely with Rebuild’s leadership to develop and execute social media, public relations and communications campaign strategies that align with Rebuild Foundation's mission, values, and strategic goals, and key initiatives with developments in Theaster Gates’ studio practice.

Media Relations: Develop and maintain relationships with local, national, and international media outlets to secure positive press coverage for the organization, its projects, and its initiatives. The ideal candidate will help to craft original pitches to communicate updates across Rebuild Foundation’s and Theaster Gates’s ecosystem of programs, sites and exhibitions to garner press coverage across a variety of publications and topics including arts, culture, business, economics, architecture, urban planning, design, philanthropy, education and academia, lifestyle, and others. The ideal candidate will also support the building and maintenance of an internal database of media professionals while working closely with external communications partners (where applicable).

Content Creation: Create compelling and impactful written and visual content, including press releases, articles, blog posts, and social media posts, that effectively communicates our mission and activities in a saturated media environment. Promote Rebuild Foundation events and programs to reach diverse audiences and stakeholders, ensuring that events are well attended for local audiences and well documented and represented for audiences outside of Chicago.

Social Media Management: Plan and execute Rebuild Foundation's social media presence, ensuring consistent and engaging content that reflects our creative and dynamic atmosphere. This role includes both creating content, actively managing social media consultants/support and posting to Rebuild’s channels upon advanced approval of content.

Brand Management: Uphold and enhance the Rebuild Foundation brand by ensuring that all communications materials are consistent in style and messaging, and consistent with the Foundation’s forthcoming new visual identity.

Public Relations: Serve as the spokesperson for Rebuild Foundation when needed, and coordinate media interviews and public appearances for Theaster Gates and other key figures within the organization.

Event Promotion and Production: Promote and attend Rebuild Foundation events and programs to reach diverse audiences and stakeholders, ensuring that events are well attended for local audiences and well documented and represented for audiences outside of Chicago.

Manage Departmental Budget: Develop and oversee the departmental budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources, and monitor expenditures to stay within budgetary limits.

Analytics and Reporting: Monitor, analyze, and report on the performance of communications efforts, using data to refine and improve strategies.

Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align communications efforts with other organizational activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

7-10+ years of professional experience in the arts, creative programming, communications, public relations, or a related field.
Exceptional writing ability with a creative and engaging style.
Experience in arts and culture communications is highly desirable.
Proficiency in social media platforms and content management systems.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic and creative environment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio of relevant work to apply@rebuild-foundation.org with “COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR” in the subject line.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The role of Communications Director requires the ability to operate effectively within an office environment and involves prolonged periods of sitting, as well as daily use of a computer and other office equipment. Effective verbal and written communication skills are essential, including the capability to participate actively in team meetings and presentations. During media days and high-visibility events, the director will need to be on their feet for extended periods of time, moving swiftly across different sites to facilitate tours, manage interviews, and handle heavier gear, up to a maximum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Rebuild Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Rebuild Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

POSITION SUMMARY

Rebuild Foundation is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Development Manager to lead the implementation of our development initiatives. In collaboration with the Executive Director and Director of Programs and Operations, the Development Manger will play a pivotal role in strategizing, planning, and executing fundraising efforts, donor engagement, partnership development, and grant writing. This role is integral to our mission of securing funding to support our artistic and community-driven projects and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Fundraising Strategy & Execution:

Cultivate relationships with prospective individual donors, foundations, and corporations.
Nurture existing donor relationships to enhance engagement and retention.
Develop personalized donor recognition and stewardship campaigns.
Coordinate and participate in donor meetings, events, and networking activities.
Collaborate with other Rebuild Foundation departments to identify and establish strategic partnerships.

Campaign Management:

Lead fundraising campaigns, including online, offline, and event-based initiatives.
Develop campaign goals, messaging, and marketing materials.
Monitor campaign performance and adjust strategies as needed.
Complete tasks and assignments as assigned by the Programs and Operations Director.
Manage and track budgets, revenue, expenses, and provide reports and updates to leadership.

Events & Networking:

Plan, organize, and execute fundraising events, experiences, and donor cultivation activities.
Represent Rebuild Foundation at networking events, conferences, and community-facing events.

Grant Writing:

Research and identify potential grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and other funding sources.
Evaluate alignment between grant requirements and Rebuild Foundation’s mission and program priorities.
Develop persuasive and compelling grant proposals that effectively communicate Rebuild Foundation’s goals, programming, and impact to the artistic community.
Collaborate with other departments to gather necessary information and data for proposals.
Develop grant proposal outlines, timelines, and milestones in collaboration with the Program and Operations Director.
Create comprehensive project budgets and narratives that align with grant guidelines.
Ensure timely submission of all grant applications and project deadlines.

Collaboration & Communication:

Collaborate with the Finance department to gather and align financial data and project information.
Establish and maintain relationships with current and prospective funders.
Assist in the preparation of progress reports and documentation as required.

Skills and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or certification in grant writing is a plus.
At least 3-5 years of experience working in fund development or grant writing (non-profit arts environment preferred but not required).
Experience implementing development strategies and plans.
Attention to detail and ability to adhere to strict grant deadlines and submission deadlines.
Able to work collaboratively, creatively, and independently with colleagues, partners, artists, and external stakeholders.
Passion for Rebuild Foundation’s mission and the ability to convey its impact through writing.
Ability to write and synthesize materials and communicate information effectively to different audiences.
Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple proposal deadlines.
Familiarity with grant databases, online submission platforms, and grant/donor management software.

Characteristics:

You are kind, culturally aware, curious, and honest
You are committed to racial equity and justice, understanding how creative empowerment and cultural preservation inform Rebuild Foundation’s work
You demonstrate excellent judgment and understanding of the current landscape for content creation and maximizing engagement
You are a storyteller with experience helping organizations tell their stories through grant applications
You have a proven track record of being awarded grants

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter, and a portfolio of relevant work to apply@rebuild-foundation.org with “Development Manager” in the subject line.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The role of Development Manager requires the ability to operate effectively within an office environment and involves prolonged periods of sitting, as well as daily use of a computer and other office equipment. Effective verbal and written communication skills are essential, including the capability to participate actively in team meetings and presentations. During media days and high-visibility events, the manager will need to be on their feet for extended periods of time, moving swiftly across different sites to facilitate tours, manage interviews, and may be asked to lift items, up to a maximum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER