Smithbucklin, a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the association market, with primary offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., is looking for a Content Coordinator to join our Marketing & Communications Services team in our Chicago office. The MCS unit provides a variety of services to our client organizations, including branding, creative services, public relations, membership publications, and convention and event marketing that goes beyond the successful execution of program and campaign deliverables. Our team partners with association leaders and other volunteers to develop marketing and communication strategies that are based on solid research and analysis that support the overall objectives of the organization.
At Smithbucklin, we embody a culture driven by optimism, ambition, expertise, and thoughtfulness, where every team member is empowered to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Join us in shaping the future of association management, where our values serve as the cornerstone of our success.
What You Will Do:
• Employ content marketing strategies to support projects that span multiple platforms – to include print and digital publications, e-newsletters, blogs, websites, podcasts and social media outlets.
• Serve as editor for select client association publications, including content strategy, editing, proofing, writing, production oversight, ad sales support, and budget and schedule management.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with account team members, contributing writers/editors, graphic designers, advertisers/sponsors, and client volunteer board members and volunteer editors.
This Role Might Be for You If You…
• You are a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of how content can be used as an effective marketing tool across various mediums.
• You possess a great mix of creative and technical writing skills and are a strong copy editor.
• You are highly collaborative and thrive in a fast-paced, multi-client environment.
• You demonstrate a strong proficiency in time management and organization, with a high level of detail orientation.
• You have the ability to juggle multiple competing priorities.
• You have the ability to travel 5% to client conferences as needed.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution with a concentration in journalism, communications, English or related field (with a strong emphasis on editing and/or writing)
• 3+ years of relevant content/editorial experience
Preferred Qualifications:
• Related experience within a content marketing agency and/or nonprofit organization is a plus
• Solid experience with AP Style and other practices/styles related to magazine and newsletter publishing
• Experience with HTML coding to create electronic publications and email distribution systems is a plus
• Proficiency with basic computer programming, including the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Where Do You Fit?
Whether you are just beginning your career or are a mid- or senior-level professional, working at Smithbucklin will offer you countless opportunities to develop transferable skills, acquire meaningful knowledge and gain rich experiences at an accelerated pace. By working collaboratively with smart, ambitious, multi-talented, genuine and hardworking colleagues, you will build meaningful, deep and enduring relationships that will serve you well throughout your career, regardless of your chosen path. In addition, as a 100 percent employee-owned company, Smithbucklin offers all of our people - regardless of position or compensation - an equal chance to experience the fulfillment and reap the benefits of ownership. As owners, our employees control the destiny of Smithbucklin and are unified in the goal of building a great, enduring company.
Smithbucklin is a hybrid work environment with in-office days established as Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Employees will work a standard 40-hour week, with the possibility of additional hours based on project deadlines.
Smithbucklin considers several factors when determining compensation, including a candidate's recent coursework, training, experience, and certifications, among other considerations. The expected pay for this role is $61,000 - $65,000
Equal Employment Opportunity
At Smithbucklin, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference and background investigation based on position.
Smithbucklin will not sponsor applicants for work visas and as a precondition of employment. You must be authorized to work in the United States permanently.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, or related field
- 3+ years of relevant content/editorial experience
- Strong copy editing and creative/technical writing skills
- High proficiency in time management, organization, and attention to detail
- Ability to juggle multiple competing priorities and work in a fast-paced, multi-client environment
- Ability to travel approximately 5% for client conferences as needed
- Authorized to work in the United States permanently (no visa sponsorship)
- Ability to work hybrid in Chicago office with in-office days (Mon, Tue, Thu)
- Related experience within a content marketing agency and/or nonprofit organization
- Solid experience with AP Style and magazine/newsletter publishing practices
- Experience with HTML coding for electronic publications and email distribution systems
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

